Five Amazing Hiking Trails in Cumberland County, PA
October 26, 2018
Be it springtime, summer, winter, or fall, Cumberland County offers some of the best picturesque views of Pennsylvania through its quality hiking trails. Whether you enjoy a simple stroll through the fairy tale-like woods or a blood-pumping, backpacking climb through the mountains, Cumberland County has it all! Here we will show you five of our favorite hiking spots close to our lovely Pheasant Field Bed and Breakfast in Carlisle, PA that will be sure to draw you closer to mother nature.
Appalachian Trail – The Appalachian Trail is one of the largest multi-state trails in the United States, spanning through 14 states over 2,000 miles! Cumberland County houses 46 miles of this trail and is easily accessible from Carlisle, PA (only 3 minutes away from our B&B!) The trail offers hikes from easy to strenuous difficulty, so take your pick! Click here for more information on picking the right trail for you in Cumberland County.
Mount Holly Marsh Preserve – This is a 913-acre nature preserve that lies along the slopes of South Mountain, preserving the beauty of the landscape and animals home to this habitat. It offers a variety of six different trails to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult, and also allows for restricted hunting and fishing!
This beautiful nature preserve contains a variety of wildlife to view for nature lovers, including animals such as spotted, painted, and snapping turtles, minks, muskrats, Canadian geese, ducks, Kingfishers, rare Golden Clubs, etc... You'll also have the pleasure of picking blueberries in season on your hike! Delicious!
Address: 1 Lakeside Dr., Mount Holly Springs, PA 17065 Months Open: All year Hours: Dawn to dusk Distance from us: 20 minutes
LeTort Spring Run and Nature Trail – This destination is right here in Carlisle, PA and is internationally known for its popular cold-water fly-fishing! In addition to the famous stream full of trout, there is great biking, bird-watching, and easy hiking destinations. The Trail is easily accessible and runs for about 2 miles through the woods (gorgeous scenery at this time of year!)
Address: 260 East Pomfret Street, Carlisle, PA 17013 Months Open: All year Hours: Dawn to dusk Distance from us: 10 minutes
Army Heritage Trail at USAHEC – The Army Heritage Trail is a mixture of both education and relaxed hiking recreation right here in Carlisle! The hike is an easy one-mile, self-guided, loop trail which showcases full-scale war exhibits along with a memorial garden. Inside the USAHEC visitors have the opportunity to visit the Book & Gift Shop and grab a bite to eat at the Cafe Cumberland! In addition, the trail is pet friendly and handicapped accessible, so all have the chance to learn and enjoy.
Address: 950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013 Months Open: All year Hours: Dawn to dusk (exhibits open Tues-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 11am-5pm) Distance from us: 8 minutes
Waggoner's Gap Hawk Watch – The Waggoner's Gap is one of the greatest places to view the annual migration season of Hawks along with Golden Eagles and other Raptors! It is situated upon Kittatinny Ridge (a.k.a. Blue Mountain) and is easily accessible from two different trails. Both the Hawk and Songbird Trails (distinguished between orange and yellow-painted birds on the trail heads) are simple to navigate and both can be completed in just one afternoon!
Address: Waggoner's Gap Road (rte 74), Carlisle, PA 17015 Months Open: August – December Hours: Dawn to dusk Distance from us: 25 minutes
As there is such a superabundance of wonderful trails to choose from here in Cumberland County, we hope these selections help to narrow down all your choices! And after you spend your day gazing at the resplendent nature around you, come back to your comfortable lodging here at Pheasant Field Bed and Breakfast right in Carlisle, PA. Book now and start packing up your hiking gear, because you're going to need it! Are there any other of your favorite trails we didn't cover in Cumberland County? Let us know as we'd love to hear from you!
