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{{Infobox trail
{| class="infobox" style="width: 20em;"
! style="background-color: #78c7c7" colspan="2" | <div style="text-align: center;"> Stony Valley Railroad Grade </div> |name=Stony Valley Railroad Grade
|location=
|-
|length_mi=21.5
| '''Location''' ||
|trailheads={{plainlist|1=
|-
*
| '''Length''' || 21.5 miles
* }}
|-
|use=Hiking, Biking, Equestrian, Hunting, Cross Country Skiing, Snowmobiling, Fishing
| '''Trailheads''' || <br /><br />
|difficulty=Moderate, level, Not handicap accessible
|-
|surface=dirt, gravel
| '''Use''' || Hiking, Biking, Equestrian, Hunting, Cross Country Skiing, Snowmobiling, Fishing
|season=Year-round
|-
}}
| '''Difficulty''' || Moderate, level, Not handicap accessible
|-
| '''Surface ''' || Dirt, Gravel
|-
| '''Hours''' || Dawn to dusk, year-around
|-
|-
| '''Amenities''' || None
|-
| '''Bathrooms''' || None
|}


'''The Stony Valley Railroad Grade''' ('''SVRG''') is a ] that stretches along 21.5 miles through ], ], and ] counties for 21.5 miles, from Ellendale to the Lebanon Reservoir, traveling through 44,342 acres of state game land. The ] crosses through the SVRG at ], which is located near what used to be the town of ].


Trail visitors can expect to see a plethora of wildlife as they travel through nearly 22 miles of land. Horseback riding, fishing, biking, hunting and hiking are all available to visitors. Also, cross country skiing and snowmobiling is possible during the winter months. Unique to trails in ], the SVRG is available for use by motor vehicles one day out of the year. Minimal traffic can be expected on the trail as travelers make their way through a densely wooded path. The trail is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk, however, the trail is closed to horseback and bicycle riding during hunting season.
'''The Stony Valley Railroad Grade''' ('''SVRG''') is a <ref>{{cite web|title=2010 National Recreation Trails|url=http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/10NRTapps.html|publisher=The National Recreation Trails Program|accessdate=3 October 2011}}</ref> ] that stretches along 21.5 miles through Dauphin, Lebanon, and Schuylkill County for 21.5 miles, from Ellendale to Pine Grove Township, traveling through 44,342 acres of state game land. <br />
Trail visitors can expect to see a plethora of wildlife as they travel through nearly 22 miles of land. Horseback riding, fishing, biking, hunting and hiking are all available to visitors. Also, cross country skiing and snowmobiling is possible during the winter months. Unique to trails in Pennsylvania, the Stony Valley Railroad Grade is available for use by motor vehicles one day out of the year. Minimal traffic can be expected on the trail as travelers make their way through a densely wooded path. The trail is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk, however, the trail is closed to horseback and bicycle riding during hunting season.


== Historical development == == Historical development ==
] ]
<big>'''Historical significance'''</big>


=== Historical significance ===
The Stony Creek Valley was originally settled in 1824 due to the discovery of coal and the availability of fresh waters from Cold Springs.
The Stony Creek Valley was originally settled in 1824 after the discovery of coal and due to the availability of fresh waters from Cold Springs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stony Valley Railroad Grade|url=http://www.traillink.com/trail/stony-valley-railroad-grade.aspx|accessdate=25 July 2013}}</ref> The abundance of coal in the valley led to the creation of the Schuylkill & Susquehanna Railroad during the 1850s. The railroad was also used to bring tourists to the valley in search of fresh mineral waters. A 200 room resort was built at this time which later burnt down as the regions resources depleted. The towns that once rested along this stretch such as Rausch Gap, now considered a ghost town, have long been gone.


<big>'''Trail’s history and evolution'''</big> === Trail’s history and evolution ===
The land on which the SVRG rests was purchased by the ] in 1945. The Game Commission converted the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Railroad corridor into one of the nation's first rail trails. Since that time, the trail has yet to evolve. The occasional upkeep of washouts and clearing of blockages provides the only attention to the trail.

The land on which the Stony Valley Railroad Grade rests upon was purchased by the Pennsylvania Game Commission in 1945. The Game Commission converted the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Railroad corridor into one of the nation's first rail-trails. The corridor for the CVRT was donated to Cumberland Valley Rails-to-Trails Council (CVRTC) by Conrail in 1995. The CVRTC spent the next 11 years developing the
corridor into a multi-use trail to serve all ages and abilities. The first 4.5 miles of trail were completed in the fall of 2004 and the next five miles were finished in the fall of 2006. Near-term plans include extending the usable trail corridor from 9.5 to 11 miles by improving the first mile of the trail in
Shippensburg and the last half-mile of trail at Newville. The longer-term vision includes an 11-mile extension of the trail east along the old CVRR corridor from Newville to Carlisle. When that work is complete, the CVRT will run 22 continuous miles from Shippensburg to Carlisle.


== Trail development == == Trail development ==
]


<big>'''Design and Construction'''</big> === Design and construction ===
The SVRG is roughly eight feet wide and its surface consists of dirt and gravel. The trail, although rough, is mostly level throughout its entirety. Due to the roughness of the trail it is not wheel-chair accessible. Wooded area surrounds the trail, which is not well marked at any point.


=== Trail amenities ===
The majority of the trail’s ten-foot-wide walking-biking path consists of well-packed, crushed limestone. The trail becomes macadam at the eight secondary road crossings which are all level, at-grade, and well marked with safe (perpendicular) crossing angles. The trail is wheel-chair accessible and all road crossings have been designed to meet ADA specifications. A grassy bridal path parallels the pedestrian path the entire route of the trail.
The SVRG lacks many of the amenities that other trails in the state offer. Parking is available at the trailheads, however, the area does not provide room for more than a few vehicles. The 21.5 mile trail does not offer bathrooms or any benches or picnic areas to provide rest for trail goers. This underdeveloped trail, mostly untouched by man, offers a nature walk for visitors.


<big>'''Trail Amenities'''</big>

Ample parking, restroom facilities, and picnic areas are located in Shippensburg Township Park trailhead at the CVRT’s western terminus and at the Newville trailhead at the CVRT’s eastern terminus. Access to the trail near its midpoint, with a parking lot and shaded picnic area, is provided at the Oakville trailhead. There are also several park benches located strategically along the route where trail users can rest.


== Community == == Community ==
<big>'''Trail supporters'''</big><br />
]
The CVRT is managed and maintained by the Cumberland Valley Rails-to-
Trail Council (CVRTC). The CVRTC is an all-volunteer, non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable corporation
dedicated to conservation, historic preservation, recreation, and alternative transportation through the
development of multi-use trails along former railroad corridors and other areas. In addition to state and
federal funding and dues collected from local members of the CVRTC, the following local and community
organizations have provided funding and in-kind support for the CVRT:


=== Trail supporters ===
• and (funding)
]
The SVRG is overseen by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The SVRG is not supported by the local community, and does not show signs of advancement opportunities. Possibly, the only opportunity comes at the hand of the rails-to-trails conservancy, which has an ultimate goal of connecting trails from former rail lines nationwide.


=== Special events ===
• (construction, maintenance, and several special Eagle Scout projects)
The SVRG does not support any organized special events. Despite this, the trail does offer cross country skiing and snowmobiling, which is not often available in trails throughout Pennsylvania. Also, each fall, motor vehicles are permitted on the trail one day a year, which is unique amongst trails in Pennsylvania.

• ; and (construction and maintenance)

• (equipment)

• (construction)

• (funding)

• (funding)

• (trail support)

• (trail maintenance)

<big>'''Special events'''</big><br />
]
Each spring the CVRT stages its annual “Race, Run, Ride & Ramble” from the
trail head. This event includes a 15-k hike, a 30-k bike ride, and runs of 5-k
and 15-k. Each fall the CVRT stages its annual “Fall Down on the Trail” from the Newville trailhead.
This event includes a 5-k race and 4-mile hike. Other walks and rides on the trail have been organized by
the following organizations:

• and the (walks)

• students (annual dog walk to benefit the Humane Society)

• The (bike rides)


== References == == References ==
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{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}


== External links == ==External links==
*
*
*
*

*
*
<!--- Categories --->
{{PennsylvaniaRailtrails}} {{PennsylvaniaRailtrails}}


<!--- Categories --->
]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 09:00, 12 November 2023

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Stony Valley Railroad Grade
Length21.5 mi (34.6 km)
LocationEllendale to Lebanon Reservoir
Trailheads
UseHiking, Biking, Equestrian, Hunting, Cross Country Skiing, Snowmobiling, Fishing
DifficultyModerate, level, Not handicap accessible
SeasonYear-round
Surfacedirt, gravel

The Stony Valley Railroad Grade (SVRG) is a rail trail that stretches along 21.5 miles through Dauphin, Lebanon, and Schuylkill counties for 21.5 miles, from Ellendale to the Lebanon Reservoir, traveling through 44,342 acres of state game land. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the SVRG at Rausch Creek, which is located near what used to be the town of Rausch Gap.

Trail visitors can expect to see a plethora of wildlife as they travel through nearly 22 miles of land. Horseback riding, fishing, biking, hunting and hiking are all available to visitors. Also, cross country skiing and snowmobiling is possible during the winter months. Unique to trails in Pennsylvania, the SVRG is available for use by motor vehicles one day out of the year. Minimal traffic can be expected on the trail as travelers make their way through a densely wooded path. The trail is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk, however, the trail is closed to horseback and bicycle riding during hunting season.

Historical development

The Stony Valley Railroad Grade travels through the secluded woodland of Dauphin, Lebanon, and Schuylkill County.

Historical significance

The Stony Creek Valley was originally settled in 1824 after the discovery of coal and due to the availability of fresh waters from Cold Springs. The abundance of coal in the valley led to the creation of the Schuylkill & Susquehanna Railroad during the 1850s. The railroad was also used to bring tourists to the valley in search of fresh mineral waters. A 200 room resort was built at this time which later burnt down as the regions resources depleted. The towns that once rested along this stretch such as Rausch Gap, now considered a ghost town, have long been gone.

Trail’s history and evolution

The land on which the SVRG rests was purchased by the Pennsylvania Game Commission in 1945. The Game Commission converted the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Railroad corridor into one of the nation's first rail trails. Since that time, the trail has yet to evolve. The occasional upkeep of washouts and clearing of blockages provides the only attention to the trail.

Trail development

Trail markings are visible along the trail to assist travelers.

Design and construction

The SVRG is roughly eight feet wide and its surface consists of dirt and gravel. The trail, although rough, is mostly level throughout its entirety. Due to the roughness of the trail it is not wheel-chair accessible. Wooded area surrounds the trail, which is not well marked at any point.

Trail amenities

The SVRG lacks many of the amenities that other trails in the state offer. Parking is available at the trailheads, however, the area does not provide room for more than a few vehicles. The 21.5 mile trail does not offer bathrooms or any benches or picnic areas to provide rest for trail goers. This underdeveloped trail, mostly untouched by man, offers a nature walk for visitors.

Community

Trail supporters

The SVRG is run through state game land, which is overseen by the Pennsylvania Game Commission

The SVRG is overseen by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The SVRG is not supported by the local community, and does not show signs of advancement opportunities. Possibly, the only opportunity comes at the hand of the rails-to-trails conservancy, which has an ultimate goal of connecting trails from former rail lines nationwide.

Special events

The SVRG does not support any organized special events. Despite this, the trail does offer cross country skiing and snowmobiling, which is not often available in trails throughout Pennsylvania. Also, each fall, motor vehicles are permitted on the trail one day a year, which is unique amongst trails in Pennsylvania.

References

  1. "Stony Valley Railroad Grade". Retrieved 25 July 2013.

External links

Rail trails in Pennsylvania
Category: