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Mechanicsburg Area School District Trails and Trees Environmental Center

1731 S. York Street,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 691-4572
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Trails & Trees Environmental Center sits on 26 acres of land owned by the Mechanicsburg Area School District. It is a unique park to explore the beauty of Pennsylvania's forests and escape into nature.

Nestled on a hilltop, guests can enjoy scenic views including four counties and five of Pennsylvania physiographic provinces: the Appalachian Mountains, South Mountain, the Great Valley, the Piedmont, and the Gettysburg Lowlands.

Five trails, all of which lead to the stream at the bottom of the ravine, offer several miles of hiking. Visitors can also see Native Gardens, a Butterfly Garden, and birds such as Downy Woodpeckers, American Pine Siskins, and Dark Eyed Juncos feeding from the bird feeders.

In fall 2022, the Susquehanna Area Mountain Bike Association completed a mountain biking trail at center.

There is also a modern pavilion and a Pre-Civil War Farm house. About 50 feet behind the pavilion is bird blind.

Unique to Trails & Trees is the Heritage Tree Project, a scale model of the United States over a large meadow where historical trees represent major cities across the nation. Scan the QR code near the farmhouse to find more information, and watch for numbered signs near trees.

amenities
Overview
Things to Do
Information
  • Directions: From US 15, take the PA 114 exit towards Mechanicsburg/Bowmansdale, turn left onto PA 114 West, turn left onto Gettysburg Pike, turn right onto South York Street. Approximately 1.1 miles from the highway.
  • Hours: Dawn to dusk
  • Months Open: Open year-round
  • Notes: Download Mechanicsburg Area Parks and Recreation's app (available on Google Play and the App Store) and look under "Environmental Center" for activities and information about the campus. Pets allowed but must be secured at all times.
  • Parking: Free
Quick Check
  • Handicapped Accessible:
  • Pets Allowed:
Amenities
  • Restrooms:
Family Fun
  • All Ages:
  • Under 4:
Guided Adventures
  • Biking:
Land Recreation
  • Any Length Trail:
  • Biking Trails:
  • Bird Watching:
  • Environmental Education:
  • Hiking Trails:
  • Interpretative Signage:
  • Miles of Trails: 3
  • Number of Trails: 11
  • Picnic Area/Pavilions:
  • Scenic Overlook:
  • Trail Length < 5 Miles:
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