Appalachian Trail: Swatara Gap to 501 Shelter

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...

From parking at the fairly new lot on Furnace Road, head down river on the walking trail about a half mile to an obvious large face next to the train tracks. From here you choose from a variety of routes including some two pitch routes like Witches’ Brew 5.4 to Main Street 5.5 over to some of the overhanging routes to the right. The right side is better protected for leaders, but all routes can...

The 4.5 mile loop Hawk Mountain Lookout Trail takes you up to great views of the skyline of Pennsylvania. Surrounded by the rolling forested landscape and open sky, this trail is scenic through and through. Hike in the Spring to catch the flourishing wildflowers, and keep your eyes peeled for eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey. Trail is accessible April-October.

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...