Adventure Collective
Bike Aboard Adventure from New Freedom to Hanover Junction - Baltimore

Bike Aboard Adventure from New Freedom to Hanover Junction

New Freedomeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for individuals with a basic level of fitness; mostly flat terrain with gentle inclines.

Overview

Combine cycling and vintage train travel on the Bike Aboard tour from New Freedom to Hanover Junction. Enjoy scenic trails, historic views, and easy riding perfect for all skill levels.

New Freedom, Pennsylvania

Bike Aboard - New Freedom to Hanover Junction

Ages 2+ • 1 to 1.5 Hours

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About This Adventure

One-Way Tickets to Hanover Junction (10 Miles)

Duration

  • New Freedom to Hanover Junction (10 Miles) - 1 Hour

About

Our newly restored gondola car is ready for all you cyclists on the Heritage Rail Trail! Purchase a one-way ticket that allows you to split your journey between the train and your bike.

Depart from New Freedom for a northbound train ride to Hanover Junction, then ride your bike back, southbound on the trail.

  • ** One-way ticket from New Freedom to Hanover Junction (10 miles):** Approximately 1 Hour

Please note: Biking northbound is downhill and southbound is uphill"

Please Note

  • The coaches are pushed and pulled by our steam locomotive.
  • Please arrive 30 minutes prior to boarding.

Coach Accommodation Options

D. Reed Anderson Car

!Anderson 2

With a seating area for passengers as well as a storage area for baggage, the aptly-named combine car was important to railroads in the late nineteenth century. Our combine car, the D. Reed Anderson coach, holds special meaning as it is named for one of Northern Central Railway of York’s co-founders. Patterned after an 1880s-era combine car, this coach can seat up to 32 passengers, and is available for public seating as well as small group private seating. When constructing this coach, special attention was paid to restoring 1920s-vintage Hale and Kilburn cushioned walkover seats, which can be reversed to face the direction of travel. The D. Reed Anderson houses two restrooms and is handicapped accessible. Like our other passenger cars, this coach features coal stoves and operable windows for all-season use.

Abraham Lincoln Car

!Lincoln2

The Northern Central Railway will forever be connected with President Abraham Lincoln, who rode these rails to and from delivering the Gettysburg Address in 1863. Sadly, less than two years later, on April 21, 1865, the nine-car Lincoln Funeral Train would use these tracks when traveling from Baltimore to Harrisburg and beyond. Our Abraham Lincoln car incorporates the look and feel of an 1870s passenger coach. The vibrant car embraces Victorian motifs and features plush green seats that can be reversed to face the direction of travel. Like our other passenger cars, the Abraham Lincoln coach incorporates authentic nineteenth century heating via coal stoves as well as operable windows to bring the outside in and provide fresh, cool air.

New Freedom Car

!New Freedom 1

Named for the home base for the Northern Central Railway of York, the New Freedom replicates the appearance of a standard passenger coach from the 1860s. In true Victoria Era fashion, the lavish car features a colorful interior, with plush red seats that can be reversed to face the direction of travel. With seating for up to 56 passengers, the New Freedom coach incorporates authentic 19th century heating and cooling – coal stoves to heat the car during the cold months and open windows to cool the car during the warm season. As for the car’s namesake, New Freedom was incorporated in 1873 and named for the Free family. The borough houses both our engine house as well as our passenger station – the historic New Freedom Railroad Station, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

South Branch Car

!South Branch

The tracks of the Northern Central Railway wind through the rolling hills and peaceful valleys of southern York County, paralleling and occasionally crossing the South Branch of the Codorus Creek. South Branch also happens to be the name of our 1860s-era open-air coach, which offers a unique riding experience. With seating for up to 36 passengers, the layout of the coach features cushioned seats in the center of the car, facing outward on each side to provide spectacular views of quaint towns and picturesque countryside. During the warmer months, the large windows are open to allow refreshing airflow, while in the colder months the windows are closed to retain the warmth courtesy of an era-appropriate coal stove. Wicker chairs provide additional seating options for passengers.

Adventure Tips

Reserve Your Spot Early

This popular private tour fills up quickly, so booking in advance ensures you get your preferred date and time.

Bring a Helmet

Safety first: helmets are required while cycling along the trails for protection and comfort.

Pack Water and Snacks

Although the train offers basic amenities, having your own hydration and snacks keeps you energized during the bike ride.

Check Weather Before Departure

Weather can change quickly; dress appropriately and bring layers to stay comfortable throughout the trip.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer
  • Eastern bluebirds

History

The route follows a key Civil War-era rail corridor crucial for troop movements and communications during the 1860s.

Conservation

The area benefits from efforts to maintain the historical railway and preserve natural habitats along the trail corridors.

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Adventure Hotspots in Baltimore

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Helmet

Essential

Protects your head and is required for cycling safety on the trails.

Windbreaker Jacket

Lightweight jacket useful for unpredictable spring weather and wind protection.

spring specific

Bug Spray

Helps keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay during warmer months.

summer specific

Insulated Gloves

Keeps your hands warm during chilly fall rides and early mornings.

fall specific