Sure, Harrisburg is an urban hub, but the region brims with outdoorsy surprises and delights. Even the well-known spots harbor their own secret hideaways, just ready for exploring.
1. Mind-body Bliss:
Reset your karma with a yoga session, followed by sunset kayaking on Harrisburg’s placid Susquehanna River.
Susquehanna Outfitters / City Island, Harrisburg / www.susquehannaoutfitters.com / 717-503-0066
2. Happy Trail:
The Appalachian Trail—it’s not just for thru-hikers. Hop on the Cumberland Valley stretch at Trindle Road for a soul-renewing, flat, after-work jaunt. Or start at Boiling Springs’s Leidigh Drive access point and introduce kids to the joys of hiking and the rewards of a spectacular view atop South Mountain.
Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club / www.cvatclub.org
3. Urban Escape:
Immerse yourself in Harrisburg’s hidden oasis where the Capital Area Greenbelt winds through the former State Hospital grounds. Towering trees and historic buildings transport joggers, walkers, and bicyclists to another time.
Capital Area Greenbelt / Cameron Street, Harrisburg / www.caga.org
4. Forest Primeval:
The seclusion of Fowlers Hollow State Park, on the edge of Tuscarora State Forest, adds an extra chill to your spookiest campfire stories.
Fowler's Hollow State Park / Perry County / dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark
5. Idyllic Creekside:
Launch your tranquil Swatara Creek fishing or boating excursion from Derry Township’s Boathouse Park, or just pack a picnic and take a respite from the cares and concrete of daily life.
Boathouse Park / Boathouse Road, Derry Township / www.derrytownship.org
6. Disc Throwing:
Enjoy a leisurely game of disc golf with family on Pinchot State Park’s mostly level Boulder Woods course, or test your Scooby shot at the challenging, hilly Quaker Race course.
Gifford Pinchot State Park / Lewisberry / dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/giffordpinchot
7. Heritage Hike:
Jog, bicycle, or walk your dog through history, from a French and Indian War way station to a Vietnam War UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter. The vivid exhibits of the one-mile Army Heritage Trail tell the story of soldiers ever on duty.
U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center / 950 Soldiers Dr., Carlisle / 717-245-3972
8. Learn the Land:
Is that a maidenhair fern or a foamflower? Delve into the wonders of flora, fauna, and forest through interpretive signage along some of the Kings Gap Environmental Education Center’s trails, such as the Woodland Ecology Trail or the paved, accessible White Oaks Trail. No interpretation needed to appreciate the spectacular view from the veranda of the mountaintop Cameron-Masland mansion.
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center / Carlisle / dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparksfindapark/kingsgap
9. Up a Lazy River:
Drop your inner tube into the Yellow Breeches Creek at Messiah College and float your cares away.
Yellow Breeches Creek / Messiah College Mechanicsburg
10. Walk on Water:
Get a close-up look at a marshy ecosystem, without getting wet, by crossing the wheelchair-accessible boardwalks of Dauphin County’s Wildwood Park. Stir some culture into your nature walks with Art in the Wild, Wildwood’s annual summertime exhibit of artworks fashioned from natural materials.
Wildwood Park / 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg / wildwoodlake.org / 717-221-0292
