Facility Overview
The Conewago Recreational Trail Old Hershey Rd Parking Lot is a dedicated outdoor trailhead parking area situated at 988 Old Hershey Road in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Serving as a primary southwestern access point for the scenic Conewago Recreation Trail, this open-air gravel surface lot offers direct, step-free access to miles of crushed stone paths winding through Lancaster County farmland and woodlands. Because it is a level, open-sky lot without parking decks or low overhead structures, there are no vertical clearance restrictions. The layout accommodates standard passenger vehicles, SUVs, full-size pickup trucks, and vehicles carrying rooftop bicycle racks or towing small horse trailers and utility equipment.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Located along the corridor connecting Elizabethtown and Hershey, this parking area is ideally positioned for outdoor enthusiasts, trail users, and day trippers exploring Central Pennsylvania. Key destinations and recreational landmarks in the vicinity include:
- Conewago Recreation Trail: Direct access on-site to the 5-mile rail trail following the historic Cornwall-Lebanon Railroad line, which connects seamlessly to the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail at the county line for over 20 continuous trail miles.
- Conewago Creek: Winding parallel to portions of the trail, offering peaceful waterside views, birdwatching, and seasonal fly fishing spots.
- Downtown Elizabethtown & Elizabethtown College: Located approximately 4 miles south, featuring historic architecture, local cafes, craft breweries, and cultural events.
- Hersheypark & Hershey\'s Chocolate World: Approximately 8 to 9 miles north via PA-743, making this lot a serene nature stopover en route to or from major resort attractions.
- Masonic Village: Situated roughly 5 miles to the southwest, renowned for its expansive arboretum, farm market, and walking grounds.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Ingress and egress are straightforward via Old Hershey Road, situated immediately off PA-743 (Hershey Road). Motorists traveling from Lancaster or Harrisburg can easily connect via PA-283, exiting at the Elizabethtown/Hershey exit and traveling north toward Old Hershey Road. The driveway apron provides ample sightlines when turning onto the two-lane rural road. While this is a countryside recreational trailhead without direct metropolitan bus or light rail service, regional transit connections are available nearby at the Elizabethtown Amtrak Station (less than 10 minutes away by car), providing Keystone Service and Pennsylvanian rail links between Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Philadelphia.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-Air Surface Parking: Level gravel surface lot with unobstructed sky clearance, ideal for vehicles with rooftop cargo and bike racks.
- Complimentary Public Access: Free parking provided for trail users, hikers, joggers, and cyclists without ticketing or meter fees.
- Trailhead Kiosk: Informational board with trail maps, usage guidelines, and local environmental information.
- Equestrian-Friendly Space: Room for maneuvering horse trailers during off-peak times.
- Direct Trail Transition: Direct barrier-free access straight onto the crushed limestone recreational trail surface.
Ideal For
- Cyclists & Mountain Bikers: Seamless launching point for touring both the Conewago Recreation Trail and connected regional rail trails.
- Hikers, Walkers & Runners: Safe, level parking for fitness sessions, family strolls, and dog walking on leash.
- Equestrian Riders: Ample open space suitable for unloading horses for designated bridle path excursions.
- Birdwatchers & Nature Photographers: Convenient staging area to explore riparian woodlands, wetlands, and wildflower fields along the Conewago corridor.
Visitor & Driver Tips
The parking lot operates during daylight hours, typically from dawn to dusk; overnight parking and camping are strictly prohibited by county park regulations. Peak visitor periods occur on sunny weekend mornings and mild autumn afternoons, so arriving before 9:00 AM or in the mid-afternoon ensures finding a prime spot. Because the lot has an unpaved gravel base, drive slowly to minimize dust and watch for pedestrians, pets, and cyclists entering and exiting the trail. There are no permanent restroom or water hookup facilities on-site, so visitors should plan accordingly by packing sufficient hydration and practicing \'Leave No Trace\' principles by carrying out all trash.
