I've now hiked Pine Grove Furnace twice -- once on a warm February Saturday morning just to get out…read moreand move, and once specifically to check out the Appalachian Trail Midway Point marker. Both visits delivered exactly what I was looking for: quiet, well-maintained woods and a chance to disappear for a bit. Parking was easy both times. I found spots right near the trailheads without circling or waiting, which immediately set the tone for a low-stress hike. Even better? Across both visits, I saw a grand total of three other people. Three. If you're looking for seclusion and space to think, this is a solid choice. The trails themselves are clearly cared for. They were well-maintained, free of trash and debris, and the recent tree work was evident in the best way -- cleaned up, safe, and thoughtfully handled. Blazes were easy to follow and intersections were clearly marked, so navigation on the ground wasn't an issue at all. One important heads-up: I had zero cell service with Verizon either time I was there. None. Plan ahead. Download your maps, save your trail info offline, and don't rely on pulling anything up once you're in the woods. It's peaceful... but it's disconnected. Beyond the trails themselves, there's a lot to appreciate in the area -- from Appalachian Trail landmarks like the Midway Point marker to the surrounding natural beauty that makes this part of Pennsylvania so special. It's one of those places that feels quietly significant without being overrun. If you're looking for a quiet hike, a reset, or just some time in well-kept woods without crowds, Pine Grove Furnace is an excellent option. Peaceful, scenic, and exactly what it should be.

Charged us $34 for Pine Grove group camping even though I said twice we didn't stay in the group…read morecamping area and that it was a Michaux site, the worker didn't believe me I guess. The physical sign next to my site said $10 per night for PA residents, $15 out of state, the employee told me "No none of our sites would be that cheap". No intentions on returning which is unfortunate because the site was very nice and spacious and had a small fire pit. Don't charge us for Pine Grove Furnace State Park Organized Group Camping when we stayed in the Michaux State Forest campground just a tad further down the exact same camping road.

Ned to go somewhere serene?! If so this is your place!! There was dogs and people enjoying the…read morewaterfall. Amazing location for a picnic as well. There are several large rocks that you can sit down and enjoy the views. A great spot to get photos as well. Make sure you bring proper shoes as you will be in the element and it will get slippery and wet out there. I will definitely be back when it's warmer to enjoy the warm water!

Great hike for all ages and most abilities. I went hiking with my brother and his family and they…read morehave 4 kids ages 3-9. There is a Porta Potty at the beginning of the trail in the parking lot. The trail is well maintained. The are parts where the elevation is a little steep and long. If you have lunch issues then the elevated parts may be an issue. There is one part where you have to cross the river that requires some balance and walking across stones or through the water, whichever you prefer. The trail has tree roots on it in several parts, so watch your ankles so you don't roll them. There are benches along the way to sit rest on and there are benches at the end of the trail overlooking the falls. The falls has a little pool below it that is fun for the kids who like to wade in it. There are large flat stone spaces where you can sit and observe the falls.

Easily marked hiking trails, clean restrooms. Nice mix of easy and difficult trails. Plenty of…read morepicnic tables and grills.

It's a lovely State Park with pavilions,pools,boating(for fishing) & lake! Nice hiking area & a…read moreMill to explore! Friendly staff & beautiful surroundings!

Today I attended Plants in the Park, a free event hosted by Penn State Extension…read more It was a wonderful experience learning about the trees, shrubs, and vegetation in the park, which felt more like a forest. Our guide knew the area well and welcomed questions about what we saw. We walked the easy White Oaks Loop path, with lots to see and learn about. We learned how to identify a tree by its leaves or bark and whether it is shade-tolerant or intolerant. We observed Eastern Hemlocks, White Oak, Tulip Poplar, Pitch Pine, Black Gum, mushrooms, and even sassafras.

It's no wonder Kings Gap was named PA's Park of the Year! It's so peaceful, beautiful, and less…read morethan 30 minutes from Carlisle. There are walking and hiking trails everywhere and the crown jewel of course is the mansion, the view, and the gardens. There are activities year round including music festivals, tours of the mansion, and you can even rent out the mansion or just rooms. There's truly something for everyone. I wish there was a small store in the education center that offered drinks, coffee, and snacks, but there is the general store at the bottom of the hill that offers sandwiches, take-out meals, and beverages so hit up Kings Gap General Store before heading up to the mansion. We're so fortunate to have this park so close to us and if it's not my favorite state park, it's in the top five at least.

Love this State Park it has lots to do for a family to do for a day trip or even for a weekend or…read moreweek.

We rented a cottage for like $150 a night and got a huge place for ourselves. It was 3 bedroom…read morewith bunk beds in two of the rooms. Large sun room, living room and a big kitchen. We went hiking during the day time and covered a couple of trails, played board games in the evening and campfire at night. The trails were well marked. Appalachian Trail(AT marked in white) goes right through the park. There was a shelter. It was the cleanest and best shelter I have seen in a state park. Well maintained. The side trails are marked in blue. You can book the cottages for daily or weekly rental on the website of The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ( or search for pennsylvaniastateparks) General information: 717-787-2869 We stayed at Caledonia House #2 Located along US 30, Caledonia Lodge is a two-story frame house available for rent year round. The lodge has: Modern kitchen Closed-in porch One and one half baths Dining room Living room Central heat Three bedrooms that sleep ten people

This is one of those places that makes you want to stay a little longer than you planned. The views…read moreare beautiful, the area feels peaceful, and there's plenty of space to just walk around and enjoy being outside. The overlook was definitely my favorite part. The colorful rocks give the place a unique character, and once you get up there, the view is absolutely worth it. Great spot to clear your head, take some photos, and spend some time in nature. I'll definitely be back.

One of the most beautiful state parks in Maryland. Amazing views of the valley and is only a 2 mile…read moredrive away from iconic High Rock. It is situated right on the Appalachian Trail and is a perfect place to enjoy a peaceful picnic. A great play area makes this an ideal location for get togethers for families.

The best playground we've ever taken our children too! He didn't want to leave! The soft ground…read morecoverings were peace of mind while he ran about with all the other children.

Lots of space to play and clean bathrooms. What more could you want?…read more I can't think of anything negative to say about this park. There is plenty of parking, is wheelchair- friendly, and is spread out, but small enough to let your little ones roam without worry. There is also a nice walking path that goes around the perimeter of the property that is good to get the wiggles out if the playground is not enough.

Our recent visit to the Camp Hill area of PA was made so much nicer having this park close to our…read morehotel. It certainly left me wishing I had a park with these amenities close to my own home! We were really just looking for a clean playground for my daughter to get some energy out, but I was so impressed that Siebert Park also had a large swimming pool (Olympic size I want to say), walking trails, tennis courts and a full football/soccer field. It was really a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon. The county is clearly committed to making this a clean, safe environment for residents. There was no noticeable litter, there were receptacles available for recycles and I especially appreciate the No Smoking signs near the play equipment. We enjoyed our time here and I would highly recommend it for locals and visitors!

Sieber Park is among my favorite parks in the area for many reasons. First there is a nice, shady…read moretrail along side the brook. The trail is not paved but provides a good variations of terrains, keeping the short hike interesting. We usually start the hike from the trailhead near the pool parking lot by N 25th St. When you cross the bridge, you have the option to turn left to continue north toward the Conodoguinet Creek, or head straight into the wood for a fun hilly hike which I usually do. By the way, if you do continue north toward the creek, you'd reach the water access point on Creek Rd where you can deploy kayaks or tubes for the 3 miles of downstream to the Susquehana River. Then there are the plentiful amenities that makes this park stand out: swimming pool, beach volleyball court, football/athletic field, cabin, and even a gaga ball pit in addition to the usual tennis courts, basketball courts, and children's playground. You will also find track and field grounds scattered around, albeit none of us will make use of them: discus, shot put, javelin, hammer throw, etc. Now, I must mention even as the park got notably improved over the years, the value it provides to me actually diminishes. For example, the football/athletic field is now a full-blown Camp Hill Stadium but open during actual events only, and the tennis courts are for paid member badge access only. Both of them used to be open to public. So Sieber Park's rank on my list has gone down, but we still frequent it for the fun hikes.

I recently discovered LeTort Spring Run and Nature Trail, and honestly, I'm still annoyed with…read moremyself for not knowing it existed sooner. I've lived in Central PA nearly my entire life--and even in Carlisle--and somehow this peaceful little gem flew completely under my radar until it popped up on social media a few weeks ago. Once I realized it was only about a 20-minute drive from my house, it immediately earned a spot on my must-visit list. Naturally, I wasted no time--early the very next Sunday morning, LeTort was my destination. According to LeTort's website (and because I love a little history with my walks): the trail is named after James LeTort, a French-Swiss trader who settled near the stream in the early 1700s. The area once hosted mills and tanneries and later became internationally known for cold-water fly fishing. Today, LeTort is famous for its limestone trout stream, bird watching, and a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail that's wide, flat, and easy to navigate. There are multiple access points, ADA-accessible fishing platforms, interpretive signage, and plenty of opportunities to feel outdoorsy without having to scale a boulder or question your life choices. I parked in the newly developed lot on South Spring Garden Street and was thrilled to find...absolutely no one else there! Sunday morning hikes are sacred to me--they're about quiet, reflection, and resetting my brain for the week ahead--so having the entire place to myself felt like winning the nature lottery. The sun was just coming up, casting that soft, golden morning light that makes everything feel calm and slightly magical. I specifically chose LeTort because it promised well-maintained, ADA-accessible paths, as opposed to my usual "billy-goating through the woods" adventures involving rocks, roots, and questionable footing. This particular Sunday, my brain was heavy and my soul needed something gentle. LeTort absolutely delivered. I didn't pass another human the entire time I was there (10/10 experience for me), but it's clear this trail would be perfect for folks with strollers, dogs, or mobility aids. The paths are wide, flat, and beautifully maintained, with lovely views along the stream. Wildlife was very much awake and active--squirrels were busy being chaotic, birds were everywhere, and a few mallard ducks were enjoying their best peaceful-morning lives. My two favorite moments from this visit really stood out. First was the view from a bridge near Bonny Brook Road, where I stopped to watch ducks gliding through the creek while squirrels chased each other across fallen trees spanning the water. It was serene, peaceful, and exactly the kind of quiet beauty I needed. The second moment surprised me: a Sharpie-marked message on a wooden signpost that read, "ALWAYS HAVE HOPE." I'm not usually a fan of graffiti, but that message hit me square in the feelings that morning and felt oddly meant just for me. Sometimes the universe shows up in weird ways--even via Sharpie. LeTort Spring Run is a solid choice for a low-impact, easy walk when you want fresh air without breaking a sweat or navigating rugged terrain. There's plenty of parking, plenty of space to move comfortably, and plenty of beauty if you're paying attention. It may not land on my frequent-visit list, but I'll absolutely keep it in mind as a future picnic spot once spring and summer roll around. Sometimes the best adventures are the quiet ones--and LeTort is a really lovely place to slow down, breathe, and just be.

This is a rather easy and underwhelming bike trail, but an OK one for walking/jogging. The reason…read moreis it's only 1.7 miles long. The trail is narrower than a typical rail trail and is paved with crushed stones. Best parking for the trailhead is at the Lamberton Middle School. In the visitor parking just head toward the building and veer to the left and you will see the trailhead. At the end of the trail at S Spring Garden St, there's a posted sign announcing the extension of the trail all the way to Heisters Lane and is expected to be completed in July of 2021. That would add at least .9 miles to the trail, making it more presentable and worth while to visit. Officially the trail starts from LeTort Park which adds .3 mile to the length, but that would include 3 blocks of street biking interconnecting the 2 segments. By the way, LeTort Park has a nice setting for duck and goose watching if you're into that sort of thing.

Absolutely love this park! There are baseball fields and several small playgrounds. Our kids like…read morethe "Fun Fort" that's in the back of the area. Ample parking, several port-a-John's, and benches and shade.

I'm from out of town and my dog had been couped up in my car for a couple days. She needed a run…read more So it was great that I could find this park with the help of Yelp She loved it. There is plenty of fenced area to run and play. The other dogs were friendly and the owners stayed close and watched for trouble.. I really appreciate that since my dog weighs only 9 lbs. there are water bowls and balls