The PA Capital Region

Schedule of Hikes and

Activities - Open to All!

The most frequent, and one of the most enjoyable, activities of Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club and Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club are group hikes.
We also have other group activities periodically, especially trail work outings serving the primary purpose of each organization.
Between our two groups, we normally offer around 100 hikes each year!
(Not all are listed on this web site.)
A volunteer hike leader has come forward for each one of these events,
offering to share one of the Harrisburg area's footpaths with you.
Scroll down this page
to see the current calendar
of hikes and other CVATC and SATC events.

You do not need to be a member of SATC, nor CVATC, nor any other organization, to come walk with us.
Both CVATC and SATC welcome your membership, however.

See you on the trail!

PA Capital Region Hiking and Activity Schedule | Scheduled Trail Maintenance Events
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Capital Region Group Hike Guidelines

In order to provide a safe, enjoyable, experience for all, over more than 70 years of combined existence our Clubs have evolved a few simple guidelines for participants in its group hikes. These are:

Meeting: Unless otherwise noted in the hike schedule, all hikes on weekends and holidays leave from entrance to the State Library, beside Fisher Plaza, behind the State Capitol Building, in center city Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Click for a PDF (350K) or JPEG (600K) version of a map showing where Capital Region hikes meet.
Should the street in front of the entrance to the State Library be closed, the alternate meeting site is the parking island in front of the East Gate Office Center on 7^th Street, opposite the Herr Street underpass. Five additional minutes will be allowed at the alternate site.
Greeting: At the beginning of each group hike, each participant is invited to join in a circle and say your name. You can use your first name, or not "circle," if you prefer.
Registration: All hikers are asked to register with the hike leader at the hike meeting point or at the trailhead before starting any scheduled hike. You can preview the registration form and its disclaimer here.
Pre-registration: For safety reasons with all D and E terrain rated hikes, and all hikes over 10 miles, please register with the hike leader before arriving at the meeting location unless the leader has hiked with you previously and knows your abilities. (Accordingly, the times and/or meeting points for these hikes might not be posted on this web site.)
Transportation: If you ride with someone, you should give the driver 10 cents times the highway mileage shown in the hike schedule to help defray the costs of transportation.
Pets: Although many people find that hiking with their own dog is pleasurable and satisfying, we have found for the mutual enjoyment of all no pets are allowed on Capital Region group hikes, EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY NOTED WHERE PETS ARE ALLOWED.
Leave No Trace: If you carry it in on an Capital Region group hike, please carry it out.
Smoking: CVATC and SATC prefer that hikers refrain from the use of tobacco products during Club activities. Smokers are individually responsible for damage to the forests.
On the trail: We request that hikers stay between the leader and the "sweep." If you suddenly leave the hiking group without telling either the leader or the sweep, we will try to find you, possibly including calling authorities for search-and-rescue operations. If the volunteer hike leader is going too fast or otherwise not meeting your expectations, don't suffer in silence, but tell the leader in private.

We want the hike experience to be fun for you, and everyone else!

What are these letters and numbers in the hike listing?

Hike Code System identifies: PACE -TERRAIN - MILEAGE

Pace Codes:

1 - Leisurely (nature or historical walk; frequent stops for observation)
2 - Moderate (steady, 1 to 2 miles per hour (mph))
3 - Brisk (steady, 2 to 3 mph)
4 - Fast (3 to 4 mph; very short breaks; a workout)

Terrain Codes:

A - Solid pavement/sidewalk
B - Soft ground/sand/carriage trails; nearly level; few rocks or obstructions (roots)
C - Some rocks/roots/obstructions; climbs and descents totaling up to 1000 feet possible
D - Steep hills, rocks/roots/obstructions likely; frequent climbs and descents with a total of more than 1000 feet
E - Extremely difficult; some or all of these features possible or likely:

rough footing (rocks, roots);
unbridged stream crossings;
non technical rock climbing/scrambling;
boulder fields;
bushwhacking (off trail walking);
individual climbs and descents over 1,000 vertical feet

Mileage

Estimate by leader

Example:

2-C-10.3 (Moderate pace, 1 to 2 mph; some rocks/roots or obstructions, up to 1000 feet elevation change, 10.3 miles)

Where are these hikes?

Good question!

If you're not from the area, or not familiar with the trails, click here for a comprehensive introduction to hiking near Harrisburg.

To get you started on finding the trail we're going to, the county the hike is located in is noted in these hike listings.

Pennsylvania Hunting Seasons

Pennsylvania sells about a million hunting licenses each year. Hikers NEED to know when their armed companions take to the woods. Click here for PA Hunting Seasons

We recommend wearing a blaze orange cap or vest each year from the last weekend of April through the week before Memorial Day, and from Columbus Day weekend through the end of January.

Strongly consider avoiding woods hiking altogether, from the Monday before Thanksgiving through the first two weeks of December.

It is THE LAW to wear blaze orange on State Game Lands (the Darlington, Appalachian, and many other trails pass through State Game Lands) from November 15 through December 15.

2008

May 10, Saturday, 8:00 AM
Horse Shoe Trail-Penn Laurel Girl Scout Camp to Lancaster County YMCA.
3-C-13, 25 hwy miles

Moderate hike with several ascents and descents. Some areas rocky. The trail goes through Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area to Rt. 322 where remnants of an old pumping station existed and the Hammer Creek flows (there’s a good swimming hole there). We will then have a good climb up the mountain onto the fire tower road. We will pass the tower and finally make our way down the mountain on a rocky descent to the YMCA.
MEET ONLY at parking area off the turnpike for the Lancaster/Lebanon exit.
Leader: Jennifer Hollinger, 279-6444, jjhol57@aol.com

May 10, Saturday, 9:00 AM
Highlights of the Gettysburg Battle
2-C-8, 90 hwy miles (Adams County)

Historical commentary. Leaders in period clothing.
Meet at Soldiers and Sailors Grove at entrance to the State Library in downtown Harrisburg.
Alternate meeting place: Eisenhower Ranger Tower at 10:00 am in Gettysburg.
Leaders: Rick and Louise Sis, 774-0196

May 10, Saturday, 9:30 AM
Kids Rock! At the Ned Smith Center
1-A-2-4, 40 hwy miles (Dauphin County)

Explore 500 acres of creek and mountain that inspired PA’s best known wildlife artist, Ned Smith. With hardwood forest, stream, more than 12 miles of trails and stunning views of the Susquehanna River from the mountaintop, the land provides habitat for the wildlife Ned Smith immortalized—deer, bear, wild turkey, grouse, fox and other animals. See his famous art and other exhibits inside. http://www.nedsmithcenter.org
MEET ONLY at the Dauphin park-and-ride lot, Dauphin Boro/Water Gap ramp from PA 225/Halifax exit from US 22/322.
Leader: Laurel Fleszar, 583-2093, hike-hbg@satc-hike.org

May 11, Sunday, 9:00 AM
Mt. Gretna Governor Dick Loop
2-C-10, 65 hwy miles (Lebanon County)

Start at Spring Hill Acres, take trail west and follow Horseshoe Trail and other trails toward Colebrook. A variety of terrain with one major climb at onset. Optional climb on Governor Dick Tower on the return trip.
MEET ONLY at Sunoco station at intersection of Routes 72 and 419 in Quentin, PA.
Leaders: Joyce Kunkle, 866-6856, kunklejd@cybergap.net, Tom Weaber, 274-3922

May 13, Tuesday, 5:45 PM
After-Work Hike: Victoria-Whitetail Loop
3-D-5 (Dauphin County)

Hike up over ridge to Ibberson Conservation Area and back. May finish around dusk.
MEET ONLY at parking area at intersection of Rts. 225 and 325 East, north of Dauphin.
Leader: Karen Balaban, 232-3708 (week days only), kmbalaban@balabanllc.com

May 17, Saturday
AT Hike Across NJ—Deckertown Turnpike. to County Rd. 565 Glenwood
2-C-15.1

A long, strenuous day of ridge top hiking; rocky, with a few short steep descents and ascents, and gradual overall descent the second half of the hike. Consider staying overnight Friday. Stay overnight to hike Sunday.
Contact hike leaders by May 12 to participate.
Leaders: Bob and Lorrie Preston, 732-5615, mitandpak@aol.com

May 18, Sunday
AT Hike Across NJ—County Rd. 565 Glenwood to NJ 284 (N to S)
2-C-7

A short distance, but a tough hike. Ascents, a couple of steep descents. We’ll have great views of the Wallkill Wildlife Sanctuary and can visit the sanctuary at the end of the hike, as desired. May want to allow extra time at the end.
Contact hike leaders by May 12 to participate.
Leaders: Bob and Lorrie Preston, 732-5615, mitandpak@aol.com

May 18, Sunday, 9:00 AM
Goldmine Loop Hike
2-C-7, 45 hwy miles

Hike to enjoy this beautiful and historic area.
Meet at Soldiers and Sailors Grove at entrance to the State Library in downtown Harrisburg.
Leader: Susanne Donmoyer, 545-5308

May 22, Thursday, 6:30 PM
New Cumberland Ice Cream Hike
2-A-3, 0 hwy miles (Cumberland/York Cos.)

All are welcome on this walk through the borough on sidewalks. Sneakers and strollers okay.
MEET ONLY at 1481 Simpson Ferry Road, New Cumberland.
Leaders: Rick and Louise Sis, 774-0196

May 24 to June 1
Pennsylvania Hiking Week

Hike every day during Hiking Week with SATC!

May 24, Saturday, 8:45 AM
White Rocks Trail
1-C-3, 6 hwy miles (Cumberland County)

In and out hike with moderate climb up to the ridge and some rock scrambling on the ridge. White Rocks Trail is a beautiful and unique ridge of rocks on South Mountain near Boiling Springs, a side trail of the Appalachian Trail. Join us on a hike to the top of the ridge and hear about some of the precious resources of this area.
MEET at south end of the Boiling Springs Lake on Bucher Hill Road in the Township Park by the old furnace.
Alternate meeting place: Trail head on Kuhn Road at 9:00 AM.
Leader: Melanie Wertz, 567-9642, melhike@yahoo.com

May 25, Sunday, 9:00 AM
Rocky Knob Mountain Laurel Hike
2-C-9, 60 hwy miles

MEET ONLY at Route 114 parking lot off I-81 (Mechanicsburg exit). Contact leaders for specific directions.
Leaders: Sam and Barb Harvey, 766-7868

May 26, Monday, 10:00 AM
Gunter Valley Reservoir—Tuscarora Forest
3-C-5 (Franklin County)

This 35-acre lake is located south of the PA Turnpike at 1,000 ft elevation. The trail is level except for the Turnpike Trail that leads to the top of the Blue Mountain Tunnel.
MEET ONLY at Sovereign Bank, Camp Hill Mall, Rt. 15.
Leader: Karen Balaban, 232-3708 (week days only), kmbalaban@balabanllc.com

May 27, Tuesday, 5:45 PM
Attorney Amble—Wildwood Lake
2-B-3, 0 hwy miles (Dauphin County)

Okay, all you busy attorneys, TAKE A HIKE! Join us during PA Hiking Week for a leisurely sneaker stroll with possible CLE component (T/B/D). Non-lawyers are also welcome. http://www.wildwoodlake.org.
MEET ONLY at Olewine Center parking area.
Leader: Karen Balaban, 232-3708 (week days only), kmbalaban@balabanllc.com

May 28, Wednesday, 6:00 PM
After Work Cumberland Valley AT Hike
2-B-4.4, 0 hwy miles (Cumberland County)

Hike from Trindle Road to Boiling Springs on a mostly flat stretch of the AT through scenic woods and fields. This hike is suitable for beginning hikers.
MEET ONLY at Fish Commission parking lot at south end of Children’s Lake in Boiling Springs. Contact leader for specific directions.
Leader: Rob Shaw, 350-5120, jake17011@yahoo.com

May 29, Thursday, 5:30PM
Boyd Big Tree/Janie Trail
4.5 miles (Dauphin County)

This hike is a loop including the Janie Trail that follows the ridgeline down the mountain on a steep
slope.
Contact leader for directions to meeting place.
Leader: Lee, 652-3906

May 30, Friday, 5:30 PM
Harrisburg Riverfront – Italian Lake
2-A-6, 0 hwy miles (Dauphin County)

Enjoy Harrisburg’s beautiful cityscape and riverfront during this leisurely sneaker walk on part of the Capital Area Greenbelt. Possible stop at pizza or sub shop during or after hike.
Meet at Soldiers and Sailors Grove at entrance to the State Library in downtown Harrisburg.
Leaders: John & Pat Zinn, 697-0648, pzinn@comcast.net

May 31, Saturday, 8:30 AM
Pine Grove Furnace Loop to Pole Steeple
2-C-6, 60 hwy miles (Cumberland County)

Start on AT in Pine Grove Furnace SP, continue up gradual hill past AT halfway marker, turn off to Pole Steeple, a spectacular rock formation with great views, return to PGF via a side trail.
MEET at parking lot of Barnes & Noble in Camp Hill Shopping Center.
Alternate meeting place: AT bulletin board near Iron Furnace in parking lot of Pine Grove Furnace State Park at 9:00 AM.
Leader: Jim Foster, 649-5505, jimhfoster@yahoo.com

June 1, Sunday, 1:00 PM
Kids Rock! Trail Magic on Peters Mountain
2-B-4, 15 hwy miles (Dauphin County)

We’ll hike up the Victoria Trail on Peters Mountain to SATC’s shelter, have a light dinner then head down before it gets dark. This season will be prime viewing time for that mysterious odoriferous creature, the “Thru-Hiker,” so we’ll bring just a little extra to share with any of these ravenous folks we happen to encounter, and carry out any trash.
MEET ONLY at the Dauphin park-and-ride lot, Dauphin Boro/Water Gap ramp from PA 225/Halifax exit from US 22/322.
Leaders: Laurel Fleszar, 583-2093, hike-hbg@satc-hike.org; Kelly & Hannah Barker, 249-6727

Upcoming 2008 events
Save the dates
Many MORE activites and summer, fall trail work
to be scheduled in the coming weeks!

June 7
National Trails Day

June 14
Perry County Trails Day

July 1, 6:30 PM
SATC Board of Directors Meeting
Giant Community Center, Camp Hill

July 15, 4:00 PM
SATC Annual Picnic and Summer Membership Meeting
Fort Hunter Park (East Pavilion)
North Front Street north of PA 39, Harrisburg

September 20
SATC Hike for Habitat - 25 miles
Tuscarora State Forest, Perry County

October 7, 6:30 PM
SATC Board of Directors Meeting
Giant Community Center, Camp Hill

October 23, 6:30 PM
SATC Quarterly Membership Meeting
Giant Community Center, Camp Hill

December 6, 5:30 PM
SATC Holiday Party
West Shore Senior Citizens Center, 114 Geary Ave., New Cumberland

There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!!
(Click here for ideas on what to wear...)

Not all of our activities are listed on this web site.

Why not JOIN CVATC or SATC for pennies per day
to get the most complete hiking and trail work information in the Capital Region, in your own mailbox every quarter?

Both of our groups always welcome new volunteers to lead our activities.

Web page maintained by Peter Fleszar, last updated May 4, 2008