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| Stony Valley Railroad Grade | |
|---|---|
| Location | Shippensburg, PA to Newville, PA |
| Length | 21.5 miles |
| Trailheads | Shippensburg Oakville Newville |
| Use | Hiking, Biking, Equestrian, Hunting, Cross Country Skiing, Snowmobiling, Fishing |
| 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 rail trail that stretches along 21.5 miles through Dauphin, Lebanon, and Schuylkill County for 21.5 miles, from the Lebanon Reservoir to Ellendale, 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 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 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 1850's. 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 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. 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
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 areas. Trail markings let travelers know they are still on the trail, however, no mile markers or point-of-interest markers are visible.
Trail Amenities
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
Trail supporters
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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:
• Shippensburg Area United Way and Unitarian Universalists of Cumberland Valley (funding)
• Boy Scouts of America (construction, maintenance, and several special Eagle Scout projects)
• Newville Borough; North Newton and Shippensburg Townships (construction and maintenance)
• Cumberland County (equipment)
• West Pennsboro Township (construction)
• Carlisle Area Health & Wellness Foundation (funding)
• PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (funding)
• Shippensburg Borough (trail support)
• Southampton Township (trail maintenance)
Special events
Each spring the CVRT stages its annual “Race, Run, Ride & Ramble” from the Shippensburg Township Park 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:
• Carlisle Parks & Recreation Department and the Carlisle Area Health & Wellness Foundation (walks)
• Big Spring School District students (annual dog walk to benefit the Humane Society)
• The Kings Gap Environmental Education Center (bike rides)
References
- "2010 National Recreation Trails". The National Recreation Trails Program. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
