Mason Dixon Trail

The Mason Dixon Trail is a long distance trail that runs for a total of 199 miles between Chadds Ford along the Brandywine Creek in southeastern Pennsylvania and the Appalachian Trail. In between, the trail passes through portions of Delaware and Maryland.

Highlands Trail Route

In Pennsylvania, the Highlands Trail co-aligns with the Mason Dixon Trail for a distance of 54.2 miles between the Borough of Wrightsville on the western shore of the Susquehanna River, and the Appalachian Trail near Whiskey Springs in Franklin County. Heading northwest, the Highlands Trail route follows the Mason Dixon Trail along the west bank of the Susquehanna River. North of the Borough of Mount Wolf, the trail turns west and heads into Conewago Township. The trail heads west through Conewago Township, crosses the Conewago Creek and travels into Gifford Pinchot State Park. The trail follows along the south side of the park, and heads into Warrington Township, east of Dillsburg. Moving west, the Highlands Trail route continues following the Mason Dixon Trail west into Franklin Township. The trail crosses Route 15 and continues west, turning north along Whiskey Springs Road, where it ends, and connects to the Appalachian Trail.

Facts

The Mason Dixon Trail is a natural surface hiking trail. Some sections are on-road, so take extra care when traveling on these sections.

Average Slope: 2.9%; Maximum Slope: 16.9%

The Mason Dixon Trail is managed by the Mason Dixon Trail System and its website provides information about obtaining maps and sections of the trail that are on-road.

Access Points

Riverfront Park, Wrightsville (head north toward the trail)

Gifford Pinchot State Park (2200 Rosstown Rd, Lewisberry)

Whiskey Springs Road (south of Dillsburg, at Appalachian Trail connection)

Nearby Destinations