Enola Low-Grade Trail (formerly Atglen-Susquehanna Trail, aka Solanco Trail)
Long stalled by turf wars and local opposition, plans to develop a rail trail along the abandoned Enola Low Grade Line through southern Lancaster County finally became a reality when Norfolk Southern handed ownership of the corridor to the townships that it passes through in 2008.
In the ensuing 2 years, these municipalities have opened most of the line to the public and have made improvements, such as installing trailheads (the one off Route 324 in Martic Township is by far the best), grading the line to improve drainage and clear washouts and laying sections of stone path.
Fortunately, Amtrak had agreed to construct a formal, crushed-stone trail along the sections in Conestoga, Providence, Eden, Bart and Sadsbury townships when it replaces the catenary lines while Manor plans to construct its portion and restore the Safe Harbor Trestle. Amtrak has also agreed to install kiosks interpreting historical sites along the line, and at least some of the townships have discussed plans to add other amenities, including restrooms, benches and picnic pavilions. Martic and Conestoga townships hope to restore the Martic Forge Trestle by next year.
The Enola Low-Grade "Trail" is currently under way to convert to a multi-use greenway where users are treated to magnificent views of the Susquehanna River, deep forests, rolling hills and Plain farms of southern Lancaster County in the near future. Once completed, the trail could easily connect on its west and east ends to the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and the Chester Valley Trail, respectively, making it an important link in a greenway system that will eventually connect Harrisburg and Philadelphia. The western portion, through Manor and Conestoga townships, will also become part of the ambitious Susquehanna Greenway system.
If you would like to help maintain this trail series, please bring extra film containers and extra logs with you. We would suggest 10. If you see that a container is damaged or missing, please replace it. This allows you to not only log the find but helps cachers that follow you. This trail is not just about the numbers it’s also about the exercise that one gets from walking or biking 23.5 miles.
Happy Caching and Be Safe!
Team L.O.S.T.