Long ones, short ones. Open ones, wooded ones. Old ones, new ones. Public ones, private ones. Warwick Township is home to miles and miles of all kinds of them, but all local trails can lead to health and well-being.

Over the years, Warwick has directly and indirectly promoted physical activity and getting outdoors by fostering its ever-evolving trail system. Yet in another way, the township's emphasis on trails can be seen as merely a reflection of its 30,000 residents' interest in health.

"I'd say we have more trails than most communities," said Brian Harris, Warwick's township manager. "I think we value walkability and exercise. We want people to have recreational opportunities without having to drive, and the way you do that is by connecting some of these systems. There's plenty of opportunities for recreation that exist in Warwick Township."

The crown jewel of trails in Warwick Township is the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail (WERT). The Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail, which runs along a former railroad bed, originates in Lititz and ends in downtown Ephrata.

The western 4 miles of WERT is maintained by Warwick Township, and the 7.5-mile trail also connects the municipalities of Akron Borough and Ephrata Township. Winding its way through wooded areas and picturesque farmland, the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail is part asphalt and part crushed stone, and it features eight access points with parking lots and six restroom stops.

"People were talking about a rail trail for years," said Barb Kreider, assistant secretary for Warwick Township, "but it was a tough project to tackle. People didn't want to give up their land. Then it became a partnership."

"The concept was, 'If you build it, they will come.' And they did," continued Kreider. "Slowly but surely, people changed their minds. Then the municipalities became involved."

There are at least five other trail systems in Warwick Township, some of which exist on their own and some of which are associated with township parks. The township's trails are used for walking, running, biking, and even cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

Some of the trails, which are open year-round, dawn to dusk, weather permitting, allow pets.

"(Trail users are) people who want to recreate for fitness and health purposes," said Harris.

"It's a mental component as much as a physical component," said Kreider. "I think we all know the value of balancing work and play. It's a way to just clear your head and walk a mile."

Trails weren't always as prevalent in Warwick Township as they are now. In fact, all of the trails currently maintained by the township originated in the early 1990s. In the future, trails may become even more prevalent, as there are plans to increase their number and length.

"Our goal is to get as many communities linked as possible," said Harris. "We understand that recreation is important in most people's lives and that it contributes to a community in general."

For additional information on the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail and other trails in the township, go to http://www.warwickregionalrec.org/trails/wert/.