Take a Ride with American Rail Bike Adventures

Rail biking has been popping up all over the country lately, and once you try it, the appeal is obvious. It’s a pedal-powered ride on specially designed rail bikes that glide along unused or historic railroad tracks, giving you a front-row seat to stunning scenery in a way you just don’t get from a car or on foot along a trail.

Just a short 35–40 minute drive from B.F. Hiestand House in Marietta, you can hop on a rail bike in York County and experience it for yourself. It’s the kind of outing that feels like equal parts adventure and throwback, and it pairs perfectly with a relaxing stay at our historic Victorian bed and breakfast when your day on the rails winds down.

Pedal Your Way Through History

American Rail Bike Adventures offers a one-of-a-kind way to explore the countryside along the historic Northern Central Railway. (Don’t worry: trains and rail bikes do not operate on the same track at the same time.) Their Howard Tunnel Tour begins in Seven Valleys and takes riders on a 7-mile round-trip journey that travels through scenic farmland, over river bridges, and through charming rural villages that seem frozen in time.

Want a quick preview of what the experience is like? Check out this short video on the American Rail Bike Adventures YouTube channel before you go.

The experience is refreshingly simple. You’ll climb aboard a custom-built, four-wheeled rail bike (available in two- or four-seat options) and pedal along the tracks at a relaxed pace. The terrain is completely flat, so there’s no need to worry about steep climbs or intense effort. With a top speed of around 10 mph, the ride stays easygoing, giving you plenty of time to soak in the sights.

The Highlight: Howard Tunnel

Midway through the ride, you’ll reach the moment everyone looks forward to: the historic Howard Tunnel. Built in 1838, it’s the second-oldest railroad tunnel in the United States, and rolling through it on a rail bike feels like stepping straight into the past.

There’s a deeper layer of history here, too. The 275-foot-long tunnel once carried the funeral train of Abraham Lincoln in 1865. As you pedal through the cool, dim passage, it’s hard not to think about the generations of travelers who passed through long before you.

Good to Know Before You Go

The ride itself lasts about 1.5 hours and moves through a landscape that feels distinctly Pennsylvania — rolling farmland, stone homes, quiet streams, and shaded stretches that keep things comfortable even on warmer days. Keep an eye out for deer, cows, and birds along the way.

Everything about the experience is designed to be approachable. The bikes are easy to operate, and each one includes a hydraulic brake system with a designated rider in charge of braking. Storage baskets make it easy to bring along water, snacks, and sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes are required for safety. Reservations are a must, and spots fill up quickly. Tours depart from the Heritage Rail Trail parking area in Seven Valleys.

A Perfect Day Trip from Marietta

Just a short drive from Marietta, a rail biking adventure fits seamlessly into a day trip during your next getaway with us. Spend an hour or two on the tracks, then return to your cozy accommodations at B.F. Hiestand House on the banks of the Susquehanna River to unwind and enjoy a slower pace for the rest of the evening — the perfect ending to a day that feels both refreshing and a little out of the ordinary.