As summer wanes and fall is within view, now is the very best time to lace up your sneakers and get active. After months of oppressive humidity, the region is ushering in cooler temps and crisp mountain air – one of the best balms for whatever ails you! 
The Buffalo Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) is an undisputed gem in the Susquehanna River Valley, because it’s an accessible trail for all ages and stages of physical activity. There are three convenient trailheads complete with ample parking and safe, well-marked access, plus restrooms!
Directions to the Lewisburg Trailhead: From the Rt 15 and Rt 45 intersection, head west on Route 45, away from downtown Lewisburg. Go to 15th Street and turn right/north. Look for parking lot entrance just before the rail trail crosswalk.
Directions to the Mifflinburg Trailhead: Traveling on Rt 45, look for the intersection with 5th Street, toward the western end of town. Turn north, right if coming from the east and left if coming from the west. Go two blocks and look for the turn into the trailhead parking lot on the left just past the trail crosswalk.
An additional trailhead is located in Vicksburg at Beaver Run Road.
Getting Started with a Fitness Routine
Walking is a wonderful way to get back into a routine and requires zero equipment to get started. The trail is also dog-friendly so consider bringing your pooch along on your walking adventure, too.
Maybe you’re already in shape and looking to advance into another outdoor activity? The trail is ideal for bikers of all ages and stages, because it’s well-maintained and offers an easy, flat elevation from Lewisburg to Mifflinburg. The surface is paved asphalt and gravel and the pathway is wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and multiple bikes in a group.
As I mentioned in a previous blog, the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail is a 9.3 mile stretch between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg, but it’s easy to do small portions of the trail, like a mile or two at a time.
Trail Etiquette
Before we venture too far into the details of the BVRT, let’s review some trail etiquette.
- Generally, you can follow the principle of “right for travel, left for passing.” Bikers should stay to the right side of the path and pass on the left, giving audible warnings (like a verbal warning “on your left”) before passing.
- It’s also crucial to yield to pedestrians and other slower users, especially when passing, and to be aware of your surroundings.
- Bikers should always yield to pedestrians, walkers, runners, and other slower users.
- Ride straight ahead, indicating turns, and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.
- Look ahead and behind before passing or changing direction.
- Reduce speed when passing or stopping, especially when there are others around. Use lights and reflective gear when riding in low light conditions.
- Don't litter and keep pets on leashes to avoid hazards.
- Treat other path users with courtesy and respect, regardless of their mode of travel.
Things to do in Lewisburg and Mifflinburg
If you’re looking for a few places to stop along the trail, we have some suggestions:
Rusty Rail Brewing Company, Mifflinburg 
A one-of-a-kind destination offering a craft brewery, brewpub and a unique dining experience that specializes in an eclectic mix of scratch-made, American bistro pub fare and chef-inspired specials. “Come as you are” to this casual eatery that offers an expansive menu and dozens of seasonal and rotating brews to choose from, plus indoor and outdoor seating options.
Make sure to check out their Instagram channel for new beer releases. Speaking of beer cans, Rusty Rail is known for their distinctive beer can artwork, created by artist Jef McGreevy (yes, one f in Jef). Initially hired to paint massive, history-inspired murals inside the restaurant, the brewery brought him on full-time as Creative Director to shape their brand identity and product packaging. His illustration style on the cans often features lively, expressive caricatures and “hops characters” that tell a visual story unique to the specific brew or regional culture.
Lewisburg Farmer’s Market, Lewisburg 
A bustling market featuring 100+ local vendors, the market is open every Wednesday from 8 am-3 pm, year-round, with indoor and outdoor vendors. Read about the history of this local treasure, which has been a staple for locals for decades.
Today, the market features fresh fruits and veggies, meats, cheeses, baked goods, seafood, flowers, soap, syrup, coffee, prepared foods and so much more. Expect great customer service and easy conversations with hospitable farmers and local business owners alike.
Jackass Brewing Company, Lewisburg 
Brewery featuring craft beer and an American fusion menu (the quirky menu names are worth the trip!), with patio seating and a friendly staff. Their website describes their vibe accurately, “Our corn hole boards, live music and dog friendly patio borders Lewisburg’s rail to trail, so if your 30-minute dog walk starts to take 3 hours because you joined a few friends around the fire pit, we won’t tell. Come for a beer and stay for the friends you’ll run into. You’re going to wonder how you ever had fun without us.”
Regarding the name – relax, it’s just a donkey!
“A lot of people ask why we named it Jackass Brewing Company. Sure, we love the light-heartedness it lends to our brand – come on, you know you’re dying to open a can of Whoop Ass – but mostly it’s a celebration of everything a donkey represents. Once someone has earned the trust of a jackass, they’ll forever have a steadfast, determined, and loyal companion. They’re also intelligent, friendly, playful, and eager to learn, just like our founders.”
unPAved Gravel Cycling Event in October
Every October, our region hosts the nationally-acclaimed unPAved, a premier gravel ride covering 125 miles of raw forest, mountain, valley and farm roads during peak fall foliage season. This event draws an estimated 1,000 cyclists to our region.
The mostly off-pavement courses are 125-miles, 90-miles, or 50-miles, and they are all set against the backdrop of flaming fall foliage. 
Did you know that the SRVVB offers a Gravel Adventure Field Guide? This new Guide is a curated collection of routes that showcase the best of our backroads.
The Guide offers five distinct options, powered by Ride with GPS:
- Northern River Valley: Quiet ridge roads and riverside views.
- Heart of the River: Historic canal towns and rolling farmland.
- Coal Heritage: Rugged climbs through reclaimed mining country.
- Western Forest Lands: Remote, tree-lined gravel perfect for solitude seekers.
- Southern Fields: Gentle grades and pastoral scenery.
Each route is GPS-ready and designed for riders of all levels, whether you’re a casual explorer or chasing your next endurance goal.
Bike Shops
If you’re in the market for a new or gently used bike, or simply need some new accessories – or advice – the region has three terrific bike shops:
CycleUp Cafe & Bike Shop in downtown Lewisburg is the hub of the bicycling scene in Union County with coffee, hot food, gear and community. Stop in for information on area trails and to swap stories and tips with other cycling enthusiasts. Custom bike building services are also available.
Brookside Bikes is family-owned and -operated and located adjacent to the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail in Mifflinburg. It's the perfect place to start a scenic bike tour of the beautiful Susquehanna River Valley. Since 2009, Brookside Bikes has offered a wide selection of new and used bikes, parts and accessories and prompt, high-quality service for the local area.
Link Cyclery LLC, on Fairground Road in Lewisburg is a family-friendly bike shop that focuses on quality and integrity. They offer a wide range of bikes in Road, Mountain, Gravel, Hybrid, Children's and E-Bikes. They also provide bike repairs from flat tires to overhauls – all within 2-3 business days. They also have bike rentals suited for Buffalo Valley Rail Trail and do bike trade-ins.
