Messiah College is a region in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, characterized by a diverse landscape that includes rolling hills, scenic waterways, and access to significant trail networks. The area's geography, featuring the picturesque Yellow Breeches Creek and proximity to the Appalachian Trail, provides varied terrain suitable for outdoor activities. This blend of natural features makes Messiah College a relevant destination for several sports like touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging.
The Messiah College area offers numerous…
19
Routes
3.6
(5)
Average rating
102
People visited

1
riders
36.9km
02:09
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
riders
47.3km
02:48
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.7
(3)
7
riders
49.7km
02:58
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
44.7km
02:40
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

14
runners
13.6km
01:39
310m
310m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
5.88km
00:36
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
6.55km
00:41
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
riders
57.6km
02:51
510m
510m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

14
riders
61.6km
03:15
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

6
riders
30.3km
01:28
140m
140m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3.0
(1)
5
riders
28.7km
01:24
200m
200m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
The Messiah College region offers a variety of outdoor activities, primarily focusing on touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging. The area features diverse landscapes including rolling hills, scenic waterways like the Yellow Breeches Creek, and access to significant trail networks. More than 200 visitors have shared experiences, with routes averaging 4.17 out of 5 stars.
The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is a prominent option for cycling, featuring a crushed limestone surface suitable for most bicycles. Other routes often follow the scenic Yellow Breeches Creek or explore the region's rolling hills. For more detailed information, refer to the komoot guides Cycling around Messiah College and Road Cycling Routes around Messiah College.
Yes, the Messiah Fitness Trail is a 1.2-mile gravel path available near the college for hiking and trail running. Joggers can also find paths along the Yellow Breeches Creek and within various state parks. The komoot guide Running Trails around Messiah College provides further details.
The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is suitable for beginners due to its crushed limestone surface and generally gentle grades. This trail travels through scenic farmland and wooded areas, offering a pleasant experience for less experienced cyclists. It is suitable for most types of bicycles.
The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is considered family-friendly, offering a safe and scenic environment for cycling and walking. Gifford Pinchot State Park features a large lake and a network of trails suitable for families. Children's Lake in Boiling Springs also provides a pleasant environment for a break during tours.
Notable natural features include the picturesque Yellow Breeches Creek, known for its clear limestone waters. The area also provides access to the Appalachian Trail, with points like White Rocks, Peter's Mountain, and Hawk Rock offering hiking opportunities and scenic views. Children's Lake is another pleasant spot.
Yes, several locations offer scenic viewpoints. Peter's Mountain and Hawk Rock, both accessible sections of the Appalachian Trail, provide magnificent views and scenic vistas. The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail also passes through scenic farmland and wooded areas.
The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is dog-friendly, allowing pets to accompany their owners. It is advisable to check specific regulations for other local parks and trails, as rules may vary.
Outdoor routes in the Messiah College region are popular on komoot, with more than 200 visitors having shared their experiences. The available routes have received an average rating of 4.17 out of 5 stars, indicating a positive user experience.
Komoot offers several guides for the Messiah College region, including Cycling around Messiah College, Road Cycling Routes around Messiah College, and Running Trails around Messiah College. These guides provide detailed information for planning outdoor adventures.
The official website for Messiah University is messiah.edu. For general inquiries, the university can be reached by phone at +1 717-766-2511.
The region's blend of rolling agricultural lands and wooded areas, combined with access to the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, supports longer touring cycling routes. These routes often incorporate scenic waterways and historical points of interest. The area's proximity to the Appalachian Trail also allows for integration into longer touring routes.

