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.
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
Home | About SATC | Nearby Trails: Map/Guide Sources | PA Camping & Fire Rules | Trail Alerts | PA Hunting Seasons
SATC Archives and History | Landscape Preservation and Conservation Issues | Links to Other Web Sites | CVATC | Join SATC | Contact SATC
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 7th 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, with a very limited exception no pets are allowed on SATC hikes..
- 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?
Click here for the hike codes.
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.
PA Capital
Region Hiking and Activity Schedule | Scheduled
Trail Maintenance
Events
Home | About
SATC | Nearby Trails: Map/Guide
Sources | PA Camping & Fire Rules | Trail
Alerts | PA
Hunting Seasons
SATC Archives and History | Landscape
Preservation and Conservation Issues | Links
to Other Web Sites | CVATC | Join
SATC | Contact
SATC
2009
June 24-28 KTA Trail Crew, Mid State Trail Everett Region
June 27,
Saturday,
8:00 AM
Hike Across PA on the AT: Rt. 94 to Rt. 174 Boiling Springs
P: Mod
T: Rug
L: 8.8, 60 hwy miles (Cumberland County)
This
hike starts with seven miles in the woods with a series of climbs and descents.
It has several vistas. You will hike through farm land which will eventually
bring you into Boiling Springs. Bring lunch.
MEET at the Camp Hill Shopping
Mall near the Sovereign Bank.
Leaders: Pete and Jan Smith, 334-6857, gettyjan78@yahoo.com
June 27,
Saturday
Super Senses Hike
P: Leis
T: Easy
L: 1.2
Please call hike leader for time and meeting place.
For families to learn
the secrets of developing “ super
senses” and awaking hyper-awareness to natural surroundings. Taken from
the teachings handed down from an old Apache Scout named, Stalking Wolf.
Leader:
Rob Garman, rob@natureconnections.net
June 30,
Tuesday,
6:00 PM
Army Heritage Trail
P: Leis
T: Stone flour
L: 2.5, 0 hwy miles (Cumberland County)
Join the kids exploring the life of a
soldier from colonial times to today. New exhibits have recently opened.
The main trail
is stroller friendly but some exhibits offer clambering around. Bring a headlamp
to explore the pillbox. Eat before you come, bring motivational snacks and
water.
MEET ONLY at AHEC on Army Heritage Dr. in Middlesex Twp. near Carlisle. Click here for directions and
information.
Leaders: Kelly and Hannah Barker, 249-6727, Laurel Fleszar,
583-2093, hike-hbg@satc-hike.org
July 1,
Wednesday,
9:00 AM
Hosack Run Loop
P: Mod
T: Rug
L: 6.2, 60 hwy miles (Franklin/Adams Counties)
The hike is pleasant, distance is manageable,
scenery excellent and hopefully the rhododendrons will be in bloom. Open
woodlands with some short steep climbs into the rhododendron filled ravines.
Bring a
lunch.
MEET at Camp Hill Shopping Mall near the Sovereign Bank.
Leader: Jennifer Hollinger, 279-6444, jjhol57@aol.com
July 3,
Friday
8:00 AM
AT-White Rocks Loop
P: Mod
T: Rug
L: 10, 10 hwy miles (Cumberland County)
The hike will start on the AT in Boiling
Springs, going south up the mountain to Center Point Knob. Taking the White
Rocks Trail, across South Mountain with a short rock scramble, coming down
along a creek and into farmlands to rejoin with the present AT.
MEET at Sovereign
Bank at the Camp Hill Mall. Alternate meeting place 8:30 AM, Fisherman's
Parking Lot, Bucher Hill Rd. Boiling Springs.
Leader: Jim Foster 649-5505, jimfoster@yahoo.com
July 7,
Tuesday,
6:30 PM
SATC Summer Board of Directors Meeting
Members are welcome. Location: Giant
Community Center, 3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, 2nd floor.
Contact: Karen
Balaban, 232-3708 (week days only) KMBalaban@BalabanLLC.com
July 11,
Saturday,
9:00 AM
SATC Trail Work Trip
Work location to be determined by work trip leader.
Bring lunch and plenty of water. Wear old clothes and boots. Tools and Safety
gear
are provided. For more information contact leader.
MEET ONLY at
Rt. 225 and 325 east parking area, north of Dauphin.
Leader: Jeff Buehler, 657-8281, AThikerJB@aol.com
July 11,
Saturday,
5:30 PM
A.T. PA 174/Boiling Springs to Scott Farm
P: Mod
T: Easy
L: 11.0, 15 hwy miles (Cumberland County)
The trail across
the Cumberland Valley is a scenic mix of woods and fields but it can be sweltering
in the hot July sun. This hike will avoid the midday heat by starting in
the evening and finishing after dark. For those that have never hiked at night,
this is good opportunity. Bring a small flashlight.
MEET ONLY at the Historical
Iron Works parking lot on Bucher Hill Road in Boiling Springs.
Leader: Rob Shaw, 350-5120, jake17011@yahoo.com
July 12,
Sunday,
9:00 AM
The Pinnacle
P: Mod
T: Rug
L: 8.7, 90 hwy miles (Berks County)
The most famous view of
the A.T. in PA. It is also has it's fair share of rocks. It has one long
climb to the ridge
top and then
it is fairly easy hiking. Enjoy a lunch break while sitting and enjoying
the view the Pinnacle has to offer.
Meet at Rt. 22 off the exit for Rt.934
and
81(Indiantown Gap Exit) In parking area near the overpass.
Leader: Jennifer
Hollinger, 279-6444, jjhol57@aol.com
July 14,
Tuesday,
4:00 PM
SATC Summer Picnic and Members Meeting
Adams-Ricci Park (Keystone
Pavilion), 100 East Penn Drive, Enola
See Bushwack Bulletin for more details.
July 17-24 ATC Biennial Meeting
July 18,
Saturday,
9:30 AM
Wild Berry Hike
P: Leis
T: Easy
L: 5 (Cumberland County)
Explore the phenological
phenomena of the Morus rubra and members of the Rubus Genus as they
occur in Cumberland Valley. Bring
water and light snack. Allow time for possible ice cream stop afterwards.
MEET ONLY at Mid-Atlantic AT office across from the
Boiling
Springs Post Office on Rt.174.
Leaders: Bob Doren, 763-0667, cibob@aol.com and
Janeen Christ, 576-8100, janemjoto@comcast.net
July 25,
Saturday,
8:00 AM
Hike Across PA on the AT Scott Farm to Rt. 850
P: Mod
T: Rug
L: 6.3, 60 hwy miles (Cumberland/Perry Counties)
The trail
follows the Conodoguinet Creek. There is a excellent view of the Cumberland
Valley
from Blue Mountain. You will also pass the Darlington Shelter. Bring lunch.
MEET
at the Camp Hill Shopping Mall near the Sovereign Bank.
Leaders: Laura Rhoads, 566-4313 lrhoadszoom@ad.com and
Don Muth, 938-0578 donaldmuth@msn.com
August 1,
Saturday,
8:00 AM
Hertlein Campsite Hike and Swim
P: Mod
T: Rug
L : 8.5, 80 hwy miles (Berks County)
This hike will begin at
PA-501 and go to PA-183 on the A.T. It is a rather rugged trail with several
rocky
areas to cross but there are some rather awesome views to enjoy. Once at
the campsite we will enjoy a leisurely lunch and swim.
MEET at Rt. 22, off
the
exit for Rt. 934 and 81(Indiantown Gap Exit) In parking area near overpass.
Leader: Jennifer Hollinger, 279-6444, jjhol57@aol.com
August 2,
Sunday,
1:30 PM
Bullfrog Valley Loop
P: Mod
T: Easy
L: 4, 0 hwy miles (Dauphin County)
Bullfrog and Shank Park balloon hike.
Sneakers may be worn.
MEET ONLY at Bullfrog Valley Parking lot, off Rt. 322 behind the west entrance
to Hershey Medical Center.
Leader:
Susanne Donmoyer, 545-5308
August 4,
Tuesday,
10:00 AM
Lebanon Reservoir
P: Mod
T: Rug
L: 6, 0 hwy miles (Lebanon/Schuylkill Counties)
Starting at Gold Mine/Rausch Gap area we
will hike east to the Lebanon Reservoir. There will be one long descent and
about 2 miles on the rail trail. We will have some excellent views on the reservoir.
MEET
ONLY at Goldmine Rd/ Rausch Gap parking lot on the east side of Goldmine Rd.
Leader: Jennifer Hollinger 279-6444, jjhol57@aol.com
August 8,
Saturday,
8:00 AM
Hike Across PA on the A.T.: Rt. 850 to Duncannon
P: Mod
T: Rug
L: 8.2, 50 hwy miles (Perry County)
One long climb
over Cove Mountain. Some areas very rocky. Great view from Hawk Rock. Bring
lunch.
MEET at the
entrance to the State Library in downtown Harrisburg's Capitol Complex.
Leader: Tara Shade, 319-6975 tjshade23@yahoo.com
August 15,
Saturday,
9:00 AM
SATC Trail Work Trip
Work location to be determined by work trip leader. Bring
lunch and plenty of water. Wear old clothes and boots. Tools and safety gear
are provided. For more information contact work trip leader.
MEET ONLY at Rt.
225 and 325 east parking area, north of Dauphin.
Leader: Jeff Buehler, 657-8281, AThikerJB@aol.com
August 19,
Wednesday,
6:00 PM
Rock'n Tots at Levitz Park
P: Easy
T: Easy
L: 2, 0 hwy miles (Lebanon County)
Follow toddlers around a nice patch
of woods in East Hanover Twp/Lebanon County. Please bring at least one responsible
adult per tot. Others willing to travel at a toddler's pace are welcome. Eat
before
you
come, bring motivational snack and water.
MEET ONLY at H.M. Levitz Memorial
Park 28 Park Dr, Grantville, PA. Off Rt 443 between I-81 exits 80 and 85.
Leaders: Laurel Fleszar, 583-2093, hike-hbg@satc-hike.org and
Hannah and Kelly Barker,
249-6727
August 22,
Saturday,
8:00 AM
Hike Across PA on the A.T.: Duncannon to Rt 225
P: Mod
T: Rug
L: 9.3, 60 hwy miles (Perry/Dauphin Counties)
Beginning in Duncannon
you will cross over the Susquehanna River and have a long hike up Peters
Mountain with several views of the river. There are several rock outcropping
to hike
across. The hike stays on the ridge top for the remainder of the hike. Bring
lunch.
MEET at the Camp Hill Shopping Mall near the Sovereign Bank.
Leaders: Craig
Barnhart, 761-6864 craigbarnhart@verizon.net and
Nancy Stawitz, 770-0569 nancy.stawitz@verizon.net
August 23,
Sunday,
1:00 PM
Sunset Rocks Loop Hike
P: Mod
T: Stren
L: 8, 40 hwy miles (Cumberland County)
AT from Pine Grove Furnace to the Sunset
Rocks Trail. Includes a steep climb and a stretch of boulders to climb. Sturdy
hiking shoes are essential. Copperhead habitat in some places. Bring snack
and water. Optional swim at Fuller Lake.
MEET at Carlisle Commons in Carlisle,
near Cinemas 8 movie theaters.
Leader: Frank Bohn 234-5169
August 30,
Sunday,
1:00 PM
The Greenbelt
P: Mod
T: Easy
L: 6, 4 hwy miles (Dauphin County)
On and off the Greenbelt. Walk mostly on hard
surfaces with two short climbs.
MEET
at the entrance to the State Library in downtown Harrisburg's
Capitol Complex.
Leader: Susanne Donmoyer, 545-5308
September 12 KTA Susquehanna Megahike 26 miles York / Lancaster Counties
September 18-20 KTA Trail Care, Mid State Trail State College Region
SATC Hike for Habitat, Perry County