Appalachian Trail: Clark Creek to Swatara Gap

The parking lot can be tricky to find your first time. From I-81 Take Tower City exit on Rt. 325 W. Before airport, take Gold Mine Rd south over first major ridge. After ridge look for a driveway/parking lot on the left, it is the one just downhill of the big wide open parking lot. The road has a gate across it, where hunters also park. Note: There a numerous gates along this road. The coords...

This is a steep and rocky hike, but is well worth the absolutely stunning view of Perry County - including Shermans Creek and the Susquehanna River.This particular trail is also part of the Appalachian Trail and the AT can be accessed part way up the trail if you wish to head north on the AT, otherwise the Appalachian Trail continues south after you reach Hawk Rock. Parking is in the gravel lot...

Hike along the creek for about a half mile, we stop where the trail meets the stream and let the kids play in the water for a bit and then head back. There are 2 large pull-off parking areas alongside of the road. The spot is exactly 3.7 miles from Adventure Park in Mechanicsburg. If you are unfamiliar with the area, you might want to scope out the parking situation on google maps ahead of time...

Once you reach the power lines, about a mile after cresting the top of the mountain you can look one way and you’ll see the Susquehanna River. Look the other way, and you’ll see beautiful woods and farm fields in Perry County. Return by the same route for a total of about 7 miles.Parking is at the Route 850 Appalachian Trail parking lot, just past Millers Gap Road, about 5 miles east of Sherman...

This hike is steep at points but the climb up the mountain has lots of switchbacks so it isn't just straight up. The hike is beautiful and during the summer there are lots of blackberry and raspberry bushes along the trail that we stopped to snack on. The Overlook is just before you crest the top of the mountain and has a stone bench to sit and enjoy the views.

This hike is marked as one of the most difficult at Little Buffalo, but we didn't find it to be overly exhausting. For someone that is used to hiking, this trail is a breeze. There are a few semi-steep inclines, but for the most part the trail is easy to navigate. There are picnic tables located near the parking area for those that would like to picnic before or after (just keep in mind the par...