On July 1 - 4, I will be in to Harrisburg, PA coming all the way from Canada. Since this is my first and perhaps only exposure to the AT before my 2005 thruhike, what are the best areas of the trail around that city? I would only do a 2-3 day hike. Would I run into a lot of thruhikers at that time?
Thanks!
Jeff T
Caladonia state park is pretty neat. Boiling Springs to Duncannon is a lot of flat feilds and you would be hiking in rasberry season. North of Duncannon has a lot of history and the trail goes through old mining settlements that once housed 1000 people, but there isn’t much left except some railroad beds and a cementary. It gets very rocky after Rt. 501. I think for a three day trip I would start just north of Boiling Springs and stop at the Doyle in Duncannon if you want to see some thru-hikers. The shelters are pretty cool north of Duncannon and there are planty of campsites. 3 days would take you around Swatara Gap. You will be hitting the prime season for Thrus on the 4th. It is a shame I will be at the beach or I’d see you out there.
Peace Dutch
Dutch
I don’t know your transportation situation, but:
From Blue Ridge Summit, PA to Pine Grove Furnace State Park is ~54 mi. Road miles to BRS , 50+. You could swim at the pool at Caledonia, and practice for the challenge at PGFSP, as well as swim at the lake there (cold water).
Another trip might be ~40 mi. from Caledonia to Boiling Springs.
If you have the time you might enjoy a trip to Gettysburg. Get a root beer float at the Chuck Wagon near Devil’s Den. The scenic valley tour is worth taking, and if you do, take the side trip to the reconstructed Sachs covered bridge.
Groucho
This last weekend I hiked the Allegheny Front Trail, which circles black moshannon state forest. It is a nice 40+ mile hike that sends you up and down breathtaking vistas. It over plents of water and places to camp. This is a decent website with a map http://www.aft.altoona-pa.com It is easy to get to and better yet it is a loop if your planing on hiking alone or only have one car.
dan
Thanks guys! I’ll look into all these options. We’ll probally only have one car so it will mean finding a loop or walking back.
Jeff T
The ATC website has a list of shuttlers for S PA. I noticed that one was in Fayetteville, PA, which is only a few miles from Caledonia State Park. If you wish to hike on the AT this is probably a good option. Not going to find many thru-hikers on other trails. There should be a few going through the area then; they are still coming through S VA which is 500 miles or so from PA.
Groucho