Buffalo Valley Rail Trail Boosts Health, Transport and Local Tourism

The Buffalo Valley Rail Trail stretches more than nine miles between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg, following a former railroad corridor that now serves as a regional recreational spine for Union County. Managed by the Union County Trail Authority, the corridor includes trailheads in Lewisburg, Vicksburg and Mifflinburg, each with parking and restroom facilities that make the trail accessible for families, commuters and visitors.

Surfaces vary across the trail, with asphalt near the Lewisburg and Mifflinburg ends and compacted gravel through the middle segments. That mix supports a broad range of activities including bicycling, walking, inline skating, cross-country skiing and other accessible uses. The trail passes through farm fields and features interpretive signs that connect users with local history and landscape, reinforcing the trail's role in both recreation and cultural tourism.

Trail rules prioritize safety and shared use. Hours run from dawn to dusk, dogs must be leashed, and motorized vehicles are prohibited. Those ground rules help protect trail users and adjacent farmland, but they also shape who can use the resource and when. The dawn-to-dusk schedule supports daytime recreation and commuting, yet it can limit access for people who work nontraditional hours or for those seeking evening exercise.

Public health implications are significant. The trail offers low-cost, accessible space for physical activity, which can reduce chronic disease risk and support mental health. For residents without a car, the trail provides an active transportation corridor between towns, potentially lowering transportation costs and improving access to jobs, schools and services. From a community perspective, the corridor draws visitors to downtown businesses in Lewisburg and Mifflinburg and contributes to the local tourism economy by linking scenic farmland and historic interpretation.

At the same time, the trail highlights broader policy and equity questions. Continued maintenance of mixed surfaces, accessible facilities at trailheads, and safety measures are essential to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can benefit. Planning that centers equitable access for lower income residents, older adults and people with disabilities will determine whether the trail functions primarily as an amenity for some or as a shared public health resource for all.

As a local asset, the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail exemplifies how recreational infrastructure intersects with transportation, economic development and community wellbeing. Its stewardship by the Union County Trail Authority positions the trail for ongoing use and improvement, but the long-term value will depend on policies and investments that keep the corridor safe, accessible and welcoming to the county’s diverse residents.