Buffalo Valley Rail Trail
BUFFALO VALLEY RAIL TRAIL FACTS
Restrooms: Restroom accommodations at the Lewisburg, Vicksburg, and Mifflinburg trailheads
Trail activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
Agricultural Awareness
The Buffalo Valley Rail Trail neighbors multiple farms throughout the length of the trail. There are 7 crossings (shown on the map below) where trail users should be cautious of farm machinery potentially crossing the trail. Be aware that farm machinery does not always have the best visibility, so confirm they see you before crossing.
Trail users, remember to stay on the trail. If you see any livestock along the trail, do not feed or harass the animals.
HISTORY
The Buffalo Valley Rail Trail follows the route of a railroad that once ran from Montandon, Northumberland County to Bellefonte in Centre County, crossing through Union County on an east-west alignment. The Lewisburg Centre & Spruce Creek Railroad was incorporated in 1853, and immediately faced the difficulties of the Civil War and the St. Patrick’s day flood of 1865.
In 1879, the branch was renamed the Lewisburg & Tyrone Railroad Co., and for another hundred years it was a key part of the valley’s transportation network. The rise of interstate highway system led to a reduction in rail traffic. In 1982, the line ceased operations.
In 2009, after several years of planning and feasibility studies, the West Shore Railroad right-of-way was acquired stretching from the Susquehanna River in Lewisburg to Mifflinburg.
Phase I, including nine miles of finished trail, trailheads, facilities, and parking areas, was completed in the fall of 2011. Since then, thousands of residents and visitors have walked, run, or biked the 9.5 miles of scenic trail. In October of 2015, work was completed on Phase II, building the trail into the heart of historic Lewisburg.
The Buffalo Valley Rail Trail is the result of years of investment by Buffalo Valley Recreation Authority, Union County, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Trail Rules
- Trail open from dawn to dusk
- No motorized vehicles or horses permitted
- Only Class 1 electric bikes are allowed on the trail
- Obey traffic signs at all crossings
- Keep to the right—call out when passing
- Keep dogs on a short leash and clean up after them
- Do not litter—carry in, carry out
- Do not disturb, call or feed animals and livestock
- Do not cut or remove vegetation or crops
- Park only in designated areas
- Respect our rail trail neighbors: stay on trail; keep quiet
- No alcoholic beverages, camping or fires
- No hunting on or from the trail
- Be Alert—Be Courteous
- No Graffiti or Any Vandalism
