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Northwest River Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 157 Google reviews · Running trail in Marietta, Pennsylvania · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Northwest River Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Paved trail by the river for hiking and biking.
What runners say about Northwest River Trail
“Northwest lancaster county river trail is a great biking/walking trail with lots of great views of the susquehanna and nature all around.”
“You'll find a mix of shaded and sunny areas, and plenty of spots to stop and soak in the scenery.”
The trail itself is great. Very well paced with black top, nice and even. Great sights of rock cliffs. Nicely shaded it was hot so that was wonderful! I went with my elderly neighbor to get her some fresh air. She had a great time but was overly exhausted due to parking.
Fantastic trail and best in central PA. The trail is paved and has great variety with straight sections, hilly sections, featuring river, farm and forest views. Parking is sooo easy at multiple parking lots and there are tons of spaces even numerous handicap spaces with parking in: - Falmouth - Bainbridge - Marietta -…
Nicely paved and taken care of trail that's always enjoyable to ride on! So much to see and it's never boring with its occasional wooden bridges, open areas, and easy inclines scattered throughout
This trail was very beautiful great starter trail. This is a rail trail so this is flat and great views along the way.
Trail conditions & character
“Northwest lancaster county river trail is a great biking/walking trail with lots of great views of the susquehanna and nature all around.”
“* Ideal for Walking and Biking: The trail is primarily paved and generally flat, making it accessible for walkers, runners, bikers, and even rollerbladers.”
“Parking at river trail pavilion gives you direct access to a boat ramp and the river, plus a children's playground, porta potties, pavillion, grills, and a large grassy play area.”
“* Ideal for Walking and Biking: The trail is primarily paved and generally flat, making it accessible for walkers, runners, bikers, and even rollerbladers.”
“You'll find a mix of shaded and sunny areas, and plenty of spots to stop and soak in the scenery.”
“25 miles (marked) from the entrance to paved trail, it's very loose gravel with many pits and puddles, it was a hassle for her since she must use a cane.”
“Parking at river trail pavilion gives you direct access to a boat ramp and the river, plus a children's playground, porta potties, pavillion, grills, and a large grassy play area.”
“* Ideal for Walking and Biking: The trail is primarily paved and generally flat, making it accessible for walkers, runners, bikers, and even rollerbladers.”
Plan your run at Northwest River Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenwrt.info
- Phone(717) 252-0229
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Marietta
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Chickies Rock County Park
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Green space with creeks, views from Chickies Rock & remnants of old industrial structures.
NW Lancaster County River Traillhead
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Columbia River Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 825 reviews
Riverside park offering fishing and picnics, plus a boat launch and river views.
Northwest River Trail Marietta
4.7 ★★★★★ 183 reviews
Paved trails for biking, walking and rollerblading, plus river views.