Great spot to picnic in the mountains. There a round green tin carousel pavilion that protects the…read moretables. Small play area and a stream nearby are nice to play in with the kids. While not much to look at, this is the oldest state park in Pennsylvania, having neen under the Commonwealths ownership for 113 years. Originally a furnace, then a picnicing spot and now a state park. Small parking lot sits just across route 233. Restrooms are available.

I've spent a lot of time at Norlo Park over the years, especially playing softball there, and…read moreoverall it's a really nice park. The softball fields are usually in good condition and well maintained, which makes a big difference when you're playing regularly. One thing everyone notices right away is how windy it can get--it's probably one of the windiest places around--but you kind of get used to it. Besides sports, it's a great place for families. There are playgrounds for kids, plenty of open space, and lots of spots that are perfect for picnics or just hanging out. I've also walked my dogs there many times, and one thing I really like is that the park is big enough to keep distance if your dogs aren't super friendly with others. They also have a large dog park with separate areas for small and big dogs, which is really nice. There's water available for the dogs, and I've seen a lot of people bring their pets there to play. The park also has fountains for both people and dogs, as well as porta potties, which makes it convenient if you're staying for a while. Overall, Norlo Park is a great local spot whether you're there for sports, walking your dog, or just spending time outside with family.

This is a surprisingly large park, almost 150 acres. I'm not sure why it's called a dog park, it's…read moremuch more than that. There are three separate playgrounds, one of which is built for toddlers and younger kids. Another playground is conveniently located between two pavilions. Both pavilions have grills available to cookout. The third playground is closer to the cloverleaf area (see paragraph below). There are over two miles of paved walking/running trails throughout the park. Most of which is fairly level, for Pennsylvania anyways. There are a several brand spanking new softball fields, four of which are grouped in one area. To me they resemble a four leaf clover. I didn't use the dog area, but from what I could tell, there were two fenced areas. You must keep your dog on a leash outside of these areas for sure. During summer Saturday afternoons there are train rides for kids (and adults). The impressive train goes in a loop on site. The current hours are from one to four, so you have three hour window to work with there. I think I saw soccer field, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts as well. A large barn and community building rental can be utilized for weddings, parties, and such. With so much to do nearby it is work looking into.

This is a unique 609-acre nature preserve, donated to the Mt. Hope community by a private owner in…read more1994. The preserve aims to protect the wetlands in the Swamp Creek watershed. The park offers 10 miles of hiking trails. I walked the Nature Trail and the adjoining Quarry Trail, and found them very peaceful. The trails were shady, with burbling creeks and lush ferns aplenty. I saw several turtles in the pond. I also saw a plant that I believe was ginseng (see photos). I encountered only one other person on my walk. According to the Strawberry Hill Web site, all of the main trails were once used for logging a tree farm that occupied part of the property. In the 1850s, the pond on the property provided water for a saw mill located on the Swamp Creek/Middle Creek juncture. Strawberry Hill offers many public programs, including summer camps, naturalist classes, nature walks, and geocaching events. In February and March, you can learn how to make maple syrup in the maple sugaring classes. They also host events such as the Twisted Turkey Trail Tussle race (10 K, 10 mile, and 1 mile).

Excellent place to walk. Take your dog for the dog park, just remember to keep it on a leash. I…read moreloved the length of the walking paths and my great Dane was right at home. Since it was such a lovely and open space I didn't worry too much over Dorsey's calls to nature. The edges of the paths were a bit muddy, anyway. I was having problems from dining out the previous night and ended up having to use the one port-o-john. I was in there a while and was pretty parched by the time I got out. There's a couple drink machines near the duck pond. Watch out for all the duck shit though, it's everywhere, and for whatever reason park management thinks it's ok.

Great place to walk the dog. Had my daughters first birthday party in the one pavilion and it…read moreworked out great. Kids lived the ducks and playground.

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.

This trail, depending where you begin, either starts or ends on the campus of Shippensburg…read moreUniversity. That's where I started. There is a parking lot attached to the bottom of an elevated building. This is where I parked. The building offers bathrooms and a rotating information screen that provides information about local places of interest as well as ads. The trail is located just past that. A train car from the old railroad that the trail follows sits right near the beginning. This car was restored and now features a museum with old railroad memorabilia, timelines and videos inside. It is free to the public and is open from dawn until dusk. Considering it is unattended and maintained by the University, I was surprised with how great the shape of it is. It seemed like a legit, albeit small, museum. The first mile of the trail is paved. It runs through wooded areas that are just outside Shippensburg University buildings on one side and town spots on the other. The trail crosses over a pretty cool bridge and goes under a small underpass. At the one mile mark there is a park with pavilions, a play area, restrooms and wide open fields. I'd love to return sometime when it is a bit warmer to explore more sections of the 12ish mile long trail.

Park was nice. Nice pavilion to have lunch. Bathrooms were clean. Really good softball fields.read more

Really wanted to give a zero. Sept 2022 a blonde female (White Chevy Traverse PA ZFX-2595) arrived…read moreand went after my 5 yr old Autistic son as he was playing with an unsecured garden hose, she then proceeded to tell me about him not playing in the water. The water wasn't on. My son cannot turn on an outside spigot. I never taught him that. She then went inside the concession stand, my son apparently had followed as she left the door open. She then was in my face saying that he couldn't be inside...no shit..she was combative until I told her that he was Autistic, non-verbal and that he doesn't understand. I was notified again about the garden hose on 10 October by a male (Red Chevy truck PA ZCJ-2967) with blonde in the passenger seat. These persons are connected to The Athlete's Edge in Greencastle, PA. I've suggested a locking hose reel and a water key. If you have children this isn't the place for them. I've never gone after other people's children the way these persons do. Unsafe and aggressive

Hard to find. Water provide. Needed a good cleaning and landscaping. My babies had fun and that is…read morethe most important. Park was two one for dogs over 35lbs and one for under 35lbs.

My dog has many friends there. I tell him he is going to the doggy park. He cries happy tears! He…read morehas many friends!