Fairfield Orchards and Beyond

April 2, 2016: Cold Spring Road, Fairfield

The Route

The twenty-three mile ride begins with a loop around Fairfield, featuring a number of farms with their attendant barns.  You subsequently head East for some two miles along well traveled Fairfield Road before turning Northward along Knoxlyn Road.  Rolling hills are the norm as you track up towards McKnightstown and the Lincoln Highway (old Route 30). While riding thru McKnightstown make notice of Flohrs Evangelical Lutheran Church which sits at the intersection of Lincoln Highway and Flohrs Church Road.  

You are now entering orchard territory, which continues after you cross Orrtanna Road.  Winding your way through the orchards you will pass by the Hickory Bridge B&B and restaurant which sits astride Little Marsh Creek. Returning to Orrtanna Road, it is a flat ride into Fairfield.  Traffic, while light, can be rather swift on this stretch of the road.  As you approach Fairfield, near mile twenty, you will pass the site of a fierce Civil War cavalry engagement: critically, the Southern victory enabled General Lee to maintain control over the town and its roadways, which were subsequently traveled by his retreating army. Markers along your route will pinpoint the location and provide details.

Getting there from D.C.

Take 270N and, subsequently 15N to Emmitsburg, taking a left on S. Seton Road and, subsequently a left at the light to follow MD140 West. After entering Pennsylvania, take a right onto PA116 to Fairfield.  The parking lot is next to the Fairfield EMS on Steelman Street.

While you are there..

Fairfield is a small village albeit with two popular  eateries: the Village Book and Table and Ventura's Restaurant and Pizzeria .  You will also pass by The Taverna as you head back towards Emmitsburg.

-Turn by Turn Directions-

Digital Download

The route has been posted to Ride with GPS.  To download turn-by-turn coordinates select "More Export Options" from the button options found to the right of Send to Phone

Cue Sheet

The cue sheet begins at the parking lot.