Cumberland Valley, located in the heart of south-central Pennsylvania, is blessed with serene and stunning landscapes that provide a relaxing respite from the daily hustle and bustle. You can even access the Appalachian Trail from Carlisle and other nearby locations. Whether you’re a local who just needs to get out of the house or a visitor planning a future trip, these great hiking trails promise natural beauty and calm. Or check out more hiking and biking opportunities.
Best For Beginners and Families
Cumberland County Biker-Hiker Trail
Enjoy a peaceful stroll on the Cumberland County Biker-Hiker Trail, which winds through scenic Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Entrances to the trail can be found at the beautiful Laurel and Fuller Lakes, and the 3-mile out-and-back trail is ideal for easy hiking and biking. The partially paved, partially gravel path overlaps the Appalachian Trail, is appropriate for all ages, and offers gorgeous lakeside views.
LeTort Spring Run and Nature Trail
Discover tranquility and a peaceful respite along the LeTort Spring Run and Nature Trail (shown above), just a short walk from historic downtown Carlisle. This handicapped-accessible, 2.5-mile out-and-back hike on an 8 to 10-foot-wide crushed stone path follows one of the finest limestone trout streams in the country, LeTort Spring Run. The variety of habitats along the trail makes it an ideal location for bird-watching. Read the signs along the path to learn more about the area’s history and industry. Extend your hike with an excursion into the LeTort Spring Garden Preserve, accessed from the LeTort Nature Trail about two miles from the trailhead. The preserve features short trails through various upland and wetland habitats as well as the historic Melester Barn and Spring House.
Best For Scenic Views
Sunset Rocks Trail
Sunset Rocks Trail (shown above) is a rewarding 8.3 miles and includes short climbs that lead to beautiful views and the ruins of a top-secret World War II POW camp. This makes it one of the most popular hikes in the area. The trail takes you through the Michaux State Forest for opportunities to see an assortment of plant, tree, and wildlife species. Download the Camp Michaux Self-Guided Walking Tour for more information. NOTE: This steep trail includes a short section of two-handed climbing over boulders. Click here to read more about Purple Lizard Maps and their journey to explore Camp Michaux and Sunset Rocks.
Pole Steeple Trail
The .75-mile short but steep hike up to Pole Steeple results in an excellent viewpoint of the central ridge of South Mountain. From the top, you can see the Sunset Rocks on Little Rocky Ridge and, nearly 500 feet below, Laurel Lake with its beaches and dams. The trail starts in Pine Grove Furnace State Park and ends in Michaux State Forest. If you’d like a longer hike after taking in the view, it’s easy to connect to the Appalachian Trail.
Best For History Buffs
Army Heritage Trail
Enjoy a leisurely hike along the Army Heritage Trail at the U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center. This flat, mile-long loop trail is the perfect warm-up or wind-down for a day outdoors. While on the trail, experience an interpretive timeline of U.S. Army history with 20 unique displays. Large military exhibits include a Huey helicopter, a tank, Civil War cabins, and World War II trenches.
Cumberland Valley Rail Trail
The 13-mile Cumberland Valley Rail Trail follows the abandoned railroad tracks from Shippensburg to Newville. Most of the trail is two-tread with grassy, hard-packed earth perfect for equestrians and packed stone dust for hikers and bikers. The trail features interpretive signage detailing the agricultural and historical significance of the trail and the surrounding lands. A one-mile section of the trail is also open in Carlisle at Allen Road. Take a break from your hike to check out the Cumberland Valley Railroad Museum (pictured above) and the Conrail Museum, both housed in renovated boxcars at the Shippensburg Station trailhead, where you can enjoy a paved section of the trail, ideal for biking and hiking.
Best For a Challenge
Flat Rock Trail
Despite its name, Flat Rock Trail, located in Colonel Denning State Park, is a challenging hike with a very worthwhile ending. This strenuous 5-mile round-trip hike up Blue Mountain ascends over 900 feet in elevation and ends with a half-mile of climbing over rocks to a stunning vista of Cumberland Valley. Make sure you wear good, sturdy shoes, and bring a trail snack and lots of water. This hike is not recommended during winter, as the trail may be icy.
Appalachian Trail Access Points
Cumberland Valley is the perfect destination to experience the famous Appalachian Trail. Of its 2,190 miles, 46 miles wind through our community. Our portion of the trail has been described as a “thru-hiker’s dream” due to easy, flat surfaces. Whether you’d prefer a day trip or an overnight adventure, we have several access points offering amenities to start your journey.
Boiling Springs
The official Appalachian Trail Community of Boiling Springs contains a parking lot and portable toilets for hikers along Bucher Hill Road. Follow the AT blazes across Bucher Hill Road, along the famous fly-fishing stream Yellow Breeches Creek and Children’s Lake. You can also head south on the Appalachian Trail, crossing a beautiful historic stone bridge, zigzagging through farm fields, and taking a steady climb up South Mountain to Center Point Knob, the original halfway point of the trail.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Abundant parking makes Pine Grove Furnace State Park an excellent place to begin your Appalachian Trail adventure. While there, visit the Appalachian Trail Museum, the only hiking-themed museum in the United States. After viewing the exhibits, visit the hikers’ lounge and storytelling center to learn about other hikers’ experiences and share your own. Then follow the white blazes south, past the General Store, where thru-hikers stop to celebrate reaching the trail's midway point by eating a half-gallon of ice cream.
Ironmaster’s Mansion
The historic Ironmaster’s Mansion in Pine Grove Furnace State Park serves as a hostel for Appalachian Trail hikers from April through October. It offers a comfortable overnight respite with bunkrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and hot meals. Continue south to see the prominent marker showing the trail's current midway point.
Scott Farm Appalachian Trail Work Center
Parking, a water spigot, and portable toilets are available at the Scott Farm Appalachian Trail Work Center. Then cross the bridge on the pedestrian walkway and head south on the Appalachian Trail. White blazes lead the way; double blazes indicate a turn or prominent landmark. Continue left into the woods along a wooden boardwalk. For an alternative hike, turn right and follow the trail along Conodoguinet Creek, which will eventually take you to LeTort Falls Park, home of Cumberland Valley’s only waterfall.
Tips For a Successful Hike
Plot Your Course
One of the best parts of hiking is getting out in nature and leaving everything behind–including your cell signal. Familiarize yourself with the trail and its markers before you begin, and download maps to your phone, or go old school with a printed map and compass.
Check the Weather
Be sure to check the forecast before you hit the trail. Safety is key. If severe weather is possible, it’s best to postpone. Extreme temperatures can also be dangerous. Consider starting early in the morning during the summer to beat the midday heat.
Pack a Bag
Start with sturdy, comfortable hiking boots and a backpack. Bring plenty of water, as you will need to hydrate frequently even in cooler temperatures. Pack protein-rich snacks, like energy bars, trail mix, jerky, cheese and crackers, and peanut butter. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and extra layers of clothing — wooded and elevated areas often get cool even in the summer. Don’t forget a flashlight, first aid kit, and trail map.
Dining & Lodging Suggestions
Cumberland Valley has plenty of delicious restaurants where you can refuel after your hike. While in Boiling Springs, grab a slice of pizza at Navarro’s Pizza or enjoy a hearty Mexican meal at Caffe 101. For a more luxurious experience, plan for dinner at The Barn at Allenberry Resort, followed by an overnight stay at the resort.
While visiting Pine Grove Furnace State Park, stop by Twirly Top Drive-In for a delicious cheeseburger or sundae. This retro drive-in has been serving up the classics to locals and hikers for years and boasts the best soft ice cream in the area.
Carlisle has a diverse selection of delicious eateries. Kick back with a brew at the Appalachian Brewing Company 1757 Grille or Back Porch Brewing. Or enjoy generous portions of homestyle cooking at Fay’s Country Kitchen.
To turn your day hike into a weekend getaway, Carlisle has plenty of unique places to stay, including Fallen Tree Farm, Carlisle House Bed & Breakfast, and The Smith Steiner. Or view all of our lodging options, which include cozy B&Bs, luxurious hotels, budget accommodations, and campgrounds.
