Lancaster’s Back Roads Are Calling All Bicyclists
Biking in Lancaster County, PA means quiet back roads through farmland, mostly flat with hillier terrain south of Strasburg and Route 741, plus a growing network of rail trails and park paths. You’ll pass covered bridges, one-room schoolhouses, and Amish farms. Share the road carefully with horse-drawn buggies, pass them slowly, and ask before photographing anyone.
Although Lancaster County back roads may not be ideal for large vehicles, such as tractor trailers, throughout the year these winding, little-traveled Lancaster roads can be a bicyclist’s dream.
Here you can hit the open road and get away from congested traffic and businesses. Most of the back country roads in Lancaster County are open fields and farmlands. Ride at your own pace and listen to the quiet as you ride past Amish farmlands and open fields.
Along the way you’re likely to discover many scenic sights and encounter rural Lancaster life first hand. Be on the lookout for one-room schoolhouses, covered bridges, Amish farmers in their fields, and Amish in-home businesses selling anything from quilts and craft items to baked goods and home-made root beer. Bicycling allows you to set your own pace and stop at road-side stands, talk to the animals, and take lots of photographs (please respect the privacy of our Amish neighbors who don’t appreciate having their pictures taken).
Sharing the road with buggies:
- Pass buggies slowly and leave room for the horse.
- Expect sudden turns without signals and rolling stops.
- Watch for horse droppings on the road.
- Covered bridges are single-lane, so watch for oncoming traffic.
- Respect Amish privacy and don’t take photographs of people.
Also, be aware that along the way you may encounter road apples (horse droppings) that may have been deposited on the road in front of you.
When approaching a covered bridge keep in mind that these are one-lane bridges. Watch for approaching traffic from the other direction.
The Lancaster County terrain is generally flat. The more challenging hilly areas lie south of Strasburg and Route 741. Stay off the numbered highways and you may have many of these scenic roadways almost all to yourself.
Looking for a group ride? The Lancaster Bike Club posts directions for more than 20 routes and runs weekly group rides. For gear, repairs, and e-bikes, see our list of bike shops in Lancaster County, and for more outdoor ideas, browse hiking trails and covered bridges.
