Lackawanna Rail Trail - Image 1
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Lackawanna Rail Trail Pennsylvania

3.9
Β·7 reviewsΒ·Elmira, United States

A scenic rail trail along the Chemung River, offering gentle grades for biking and walking, with mixed surfaces and varying maintenance.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Lackawanna Rail Trail - Image 1

Lackawanna Rail Trail Pennsylvania

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic rail trail along the Chemung River, offering gentle grades for biking and walking, with mixed surfaces and varying maintenance.

3.9
(7 reviews)

"Enjoy picturesque riverside scenery on this historic rail bed, perfect for a leisurely ride."

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸ₯Ύ Wear Appropriate Shoes

Surface varies from paved to gravel/dirt with root lifts. Good walking or biking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

πŸ—‘οΈ Pack a Trash Bag

Some sections can be littered. Help keep the trail clean by carrying out your trash. :wastebasket:

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Quick Facts

Rating

3.9 Β· 7 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

πŸ‘Ά Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chemung River Views

Chemung River Views

Enjoy picturesque riverside scenery along this historic rail bed. A peaceful escape with natural beauty.

Historic Rail Bed

Historic Rail Bed

Experience a journey along a former railway line, offering gentle grades perfect for a leisurely ride.

Elmira Connection

Elmira Connection

The trail links Lowman to Elmira, passing by Eldridge Park and a Wegmans, offering convenient access and amenities.

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Trail Conditions & Surface

The Lackawanna Rail Trail surface varies. Expect paved sections, gravel, and dirt, with some root lifts. It's great for walking and biking, but inline skating might be challenging due to uneven terrain. Maintenance can be inconsistent, so check recent conditions before you go.

Trash & River Views

While the trail offers scenic views of the Chemung River, some visitors note significant litter. Consider bringing a trash bag to help keep it clean. The proximity to the highway can also mean some noise pollution.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Less busy than weekends
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Anyone have encounters with the Black Eyed Kids?

Does anyone have encounters with the Black Eyed Kids? Share your story! I would love to include real stories of folks who have encountered them on my upcoming tales from the road episode!

πŸ₯Ύ Wear Appropriate Shoes

Surface varies from paved to gravel/dirt with root lifts. Good walking or biking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

πŸ—‘οΈ Pack a Trash Bag

Some sections can be littered. Help keep the trail clean by carrying out your trash. :wastebasket:

πŸš— Free Parking Available

Access points offer free parking, making it easy to start your journey. πŸš—

πŸš΄β€β™€οΈ Ideal for Biking

The gentle grades of the old rail bed are perfect for cycling. 🚲

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸ₯Ύ Wear Appropriate Shoes

Surface varies from paved to gravel/dirt with root lifts. Good walking or biking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

πŸ—‘οΈ Pack a Trash Bag

Some sections can be littered. Help keep the trail clean by carrying out your trash. :wastebasket:

πŸš— Free Parking Available

Access points offer free parking, making it easy to start your journey. πŸš—

πŸš΄β€β™€οΈ Ideal for Biking

The gentle grades of the old rail bed are perfect for cycling. 🚲

What Travellers Say

3.9
(7 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Lackawanna Rail Trail for its scenic Chemung River views and gentle, accessible grades ideal for biking and walking. However, the trail's maintenance is inconsistent, with varied surfaces including gravel and dirt, and some users note significant litter. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a valuable local resource for recreation.

"Nice ride along the Chemung river."

Danny

"Old trail with lots of root lifts. Construction randomly on the surface means some sections are gravel and dirt. Maintenance seems to be lacking. I was looking forward to this one for long uninterrupted mostly flat stretches. Walking or biking or probably fine. Inline skating not so much."

Tim Bergstrom

"As an old rail trail the grades are low. It's been paved and there is free parking at the access points. Some minimal signage is on trail to help navigate. The trail connects Lowman with Elmira and runs along the old rail bed into the city up to Wegmans where it continues to Eldridge Park. There are benches and points to secure your bicycle along the riverside portion east of Elmira. It's a bit noisy for the highway."

Malachi D

What People Like

Scenic river views
Gentle, low grades
Free parking access

What People Dislike

Inconsistent trail surface
Litter on trail
Highway noise

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

The trail has multiple access points with free parking, connecting Lowman to Elmira. Key access points are often found near the Chemung River and along the old rail bed. πŸš—

Information on public transportation directly to trailheads is limited. Driving and parking at designated access points is the most common method of access. 🚌

Free parking is available at various access points along the trail. Check local maps for specific parking lot locations near your desired starting point. πŸ…ΏοΈ

The trail surface is mixed. Some sections are paved, while others are gravel or dirt. Be prepared for varied terrain. :road:

Yes, the trail runs through Elmira, connecting to areas like Eldridge Park and a Wegmans. You can find access points within the city. :cityscape:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Lackawanna Rail Trail is a public access trail and does not require any tickets or admission fees. It's free to use. 🎟️

As an outdoor public trail, it is generally accessible from dawn to dusk. There are no official operating hours, but it's best to visit during daylight. πŸŒ…

There is no entrance fee. The trail is free for all visitors to enjoy. :moneywithwings:

No permits are required for general recreational use of the trail. πŸ“œ

While not officially closed, visiting at night is not recommended due to lack of lighting and potential safety concerns. Stick to daylight hours. πŸŒ™

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The terrain is varied, featuring paved sections, gravel, and dirt paths. There are also some root lifts, making it less ideal for smooth inline skating but good for walking and biking. :hiking_boot:

Restroom availability can be limited and may depend on the specific access points or nearby parks. It's advisable to use facilities before you start your journey. 🚽

Yes, it's suitable for families, especially for walking and biking. The gentle grades are good for children, but be mindful of the varied surface and potential litter. :family_mm:

You might spot various birds along the river, and other common local wildlife. Keep an eye out during your exploration. 🐦

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trail, but they must be kept on a leash. Please clean up after your pet. πŸ•

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

The sections along the Chemung River offer the most scenic photo opportunities. Look for bridges, river bends, and open vistas. :camerawithflash:

It can be challenging to take photos while actively biking due to the varied terrain. Consider stopping at scenic points or using a bike mount for your phone/camera. :iphone:

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the best light for photography, especially along the river. 🌻

The trail itself is a historical structure as an old rail bed. While specific markers might be few, the overall landscape evokes a sense of history. :historic_building:

Drone usage regulations can vary by location and park. It's best to check local ordinances before flying a drone for aerial photography. :drone:

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