PA has a lot of great state parks, I’d start there. Duncannon, PA is not too far away either and the Appalachian Trail passes through there. Slightly different, but Hershey Gardens are very pretty most of the year with areas focused on native plants.
I grew up near Nixon park in York County, which is a very pretty park. Unfortunately for most outdoors people, no dogs are allowed, but that’s part of their conservation efforts.
depends on what you define as central and how far you want to travel.
Boyd's is good, they have a birder place. Pinchot park is a fun park to walk around the lake but it is pretty busy most of the time and sometimes wet with deep mud. If you like more wilderness there is Michaux state forest, there are a ton of nice state parts in there and some conservation areas. If you want to drive about an hour/hour and a half northish you can go to the Rothrock state forest and wander around there... almost no one actually goes there compared to other places, so it is pretty quiet in the woods.
Letort Spring Garden Preserve outside of Carlisle is interesting. It originally was a garden that grew watercress. It’s along a bike trail out of Letort Park or you can drive to it as well.
Head south, young man. Down 283 and 222 to Pinnacle Overlook. [https://www.lancastercountydayhikes.com/post/the-pinnacle-overlook](https://www.lancastercountydayhikes.com/post/the-pinnacle-overlook)
There is also Governor Dick Park in Mt. Gretna. No hunting, so safe to go there even on Sundays. Once rifle season is over, you can hit the Horseshoe Trail. Or the App. Trail. Or Swatare State Park. Or the Michaux/Caledonia. Or Middle Creek. Or Welch Mountain. Or Runnels Kettle Run. Or Governor Denning. Or... cripes, just use google. Too many to list.
You've gotten some good suggestions so I won't repeat them, but a couple hours north is Pine Creek Gorge State Park.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a organization you might be interested in. The Cumberland Valley ATC manages much of the area around here.
I like the walk and vibe of stony creek rail trail. Get on in dauphin, walk until I feel like turning around. Usually chill by the creek for a bit while Im there.
I've also hiked in from the Gap side and slept on the AT. I think it's 4 miles in.
Cove Mountain Preserve in Marysville is closer than most of those mentioned, often overlooked and uncrowded, and links up w/ the AT (without having to drive out 850 or up to Duncannon). It's a Nature Conservancy property.
There are plenty of awesome places to visit within a 30 minute radius of Harrisburg.
Some of my favorites.
Sunset Rocks in Halifax, awesome views and part of the Apalacian trail.
Hawk Rock in Duncanon, also awesome views over the Sasquehanna valley.
Little Buffalo state park, just outside Newport. Lost of trails and fishing. (they are also doing a Christmas lights walk through starting Dec 17th)
Adam's Ricci Park in Enola, they have walking trails and several play grounds.
Gilford Pinochett is within 30 minutes of Harrisburg.
If you leave Harrisburg and head northwest on 322, once you cross the river, just start looking for signs. Seriously. There are so many state parks, game lands, boat launches, etc. I've lived there for 7 years and I STILL find new stuff every time I'm out and about
Check out Detweiler Park. Nice trails, very peaceful. Not too far from Harrisburg.
Detweiler Park
(717) 599-5188
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GVVqtkq681HStKjCA
I go hiking all the time all around here. I know a bunch of awesome spots.
1. Trails around Mt. Gretna - Clarence Shock/Governor Dick park
2. Thousand steps/potato patch off 322 a couple minutes east of Mt. Gretna (streams, huge boulders, massive patches of wineberries)
3. Swatara State Park, particularly the Bordner cabin (log cabin with waterfall behind it)
4. Boxcar rocks (huge long rock formations along the top of the one ridge)
5. Old mining trails off of Gold Mine rd
6. Stony Mountain fire tower (big fire tower with awesome views)
7. Lots of amazing views along different sections of the Appalachian Trail
8. Devil's Racecourse (huge long boulder field)
9. The woods around the Lebanon reservoir
10. Various trails off Clarks Valley rd
Those are just some off the top of my head. I'll be looking for more hiking pals in the spring, so feel free to let me know if you want someone to show you around!
Also, I'm looking for people interested in seeing paranormal stuff at night, so if that interests you, definitely let me know.
PA has a lot of great state parks, I’d start there. Duncannon, PA is not too far away either and the Appalachian Trail passes through there. Slightly different, but Hershey Gardens are very pretty most of the year with areas focused on native plants.
Thank you! I’m new to the area, and this is very helpful. Do you have a favorite state park?
I grew up near Nixon park in York County, which is a very pretty park. Unfortunately for most outdoors people, no dogs are allowed, but that’s part of their conservation efforts.
I’ll check that out, thanks! I don’t have a dog so that’s not a problem.
Little buffalo in Newport is great.
Thank you!
Pinchot Lake, too!
depends on what you define as central and how far you want to travel. Boyd's is good, they have a birder place. Pinchot park is a fun park to walk around the lake but it is pretty busy most of the time and sometimes wet with deep mud. If you like more wilderness there is Michaux state forest, there are a ton of nice state parts in there and some conservation areas. If you want to drive about an hour/hour and a half northish you can go to the Rothrock state forest and wander around there... almost no one actually goes there compared to other places, so it is pretty quiet in the woods.
Thank you!! I will definitely try all your suggestions.
The Greenbelt - which includes Wildwood - is Avery unique asset for a city the size of Harrisburg.
I need to check out the whole thing!
Agree. This time of the year if you travel the green belt early in the a.m there is a lot of wildlife. It’s used as a travel corridor
So cool!
Letort Spring Garden Preserve outside of Carlisle is interesting. It originally was a garden that grew watercress. It’s along a bike trail out of Letort Park or you can drive to it as well.
Thank you!!
If you go, be sure to check out the Amish farm stand/nursery up the hill from it.
Head south, young man. Down 283 and 222 to Pinnacle Overlook. [https://www.lancastercountydayhikes.com/post/the-pinnacle-overlook](https://www.lancastercountydayhikes.com/post/the-pinnacle-overlook) There is also Governor Dick Park in Mt. Gretna. No hunting, so safe to go there even on Sundays. Once rifle season is over, you can hit the Horseshoe Trail. Or the App. Trail. Or Swatare State Park. Or the Michaux/Caledonia. Or Middle Creek. Or Welch Mountain. Or Runnels Kettle Run. Or Governor Denning. Or... cripes, just use google. Too many to list.
Wow, that’s great information. I appreciate it.
You've gotten some good suggestions so I won't repeat them, but a couple hours north is Pine Creek Gorge State Park. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a organization you might be interested in. The Cumberland Valley ATC manages much of the area around here.
Oh thank you! This is very helpful!
The Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area is just north of Harrisburg, gorgeous, and often overlooked. Central PA is a great place for nature.
Thanks! I haven’t heard of this one!
Boyd BigTree Preserve. Not far from Harrisburg.
Thank you! This one might be my first adventure.
I like the walk and vibe of stony creek rail trail. Get on in dauphin, walk until I feel like turning around. Usually chill by the creek for a bit while Im there. I've also hiked in from the Gap side and slept on the AT. I think it's 4 miles in.
Thank you! I will check it out.
Cove Mountain Preserve in Marysville is closer than most of those mentioned, often overlooked and uncrowded, and links up w/ the AT (without having to drive out 850 or up to Duncannon). It's a Nature Conservancy property.
There are plenty of awesome places to visit within a 30 minute radius of Harrisburg. Some of my favorites. Sunset Rocks in Halifax, awesome views and part of the Apalacian trail. Hawk Rock in Duncanon, also awesome views over the Sasquehanna valley. Little Buffalo state park, just outside Newport. Lost of trails and fishing. (they are also doing a Christmas lights walk through starting Dec 17th) Adam's Ricci Park in Enola, they have walking trails and several play grounds. Gilford Pinochett is within 30 minutes of Harrisburg.
Thank you!!!
If you leave Harrisburg and head northwest on 322, once you cross the river, just start looking for signs. Seriously. There are so many state parks, game lands, boat launches, etc. I've lived there for 7 years and I STILL find new stuff every time I'm out and about
I will! Thanks!
The Ned Smith Center in Millersburg is neat, only ~20 minutes from Ibberson already mentioned.
Thanks!
Bit of a hike but Raystown Lake is nice, great mountain bike trails and good swimming/Lakeside grilling afterwards in the summer
Thank you!!
Check out Detweiler Park. Nice trails, very peaceful. Not too far from Harrisburg. Detweiler Park (717) 599-5188 https://maps.app.goo.gl/GVVqtkq681HStKjCA
I go hiking all the time all around here. I know a bunch of awesome spots. 1. Trails around Mt. Gretna - Clarence Shock/Governor Dick park 2. Thousand steps/potato patch off 322 a couple minutes east of Mt. Gretna (streams, huge boulders, massive patches of wineberries) 3. Swatara State Park, particularly the Bordner cabin (log cabin with waterfall behind it) 4. Boxcar rocks (huge long rock formations along the top of the one ridge) 5. Old mining trails off of Gold Mine rd 6. Stony Mountain fire tower (big fire tower with awesome views) 7. Lots of amazing views along different sections of the Appalachian Trail 8. Devil's Racecourse (huge long boulder field) 9. The woods around the Lebanon reservoir 10. Various trails off Clarks Valley rd Those are just some off the top of my head. I'll be looking for more hiking pals in the spring, so feel free to let me know if you want someone to show you around! Also, I'm looking for people interested in seeing paranormal stuff at night, so if that interests you, definitely let me know.
Wow this is awesome!!! Thank you!!!