Ever since we found out my trunk bike carrier works on our SUV late this summer, we've fervently…read moreexplored biking trails around the Harrisburg area before the season's over.  One of the first things that came to mind would of course be the Capital Area Greenbelt.  It's a 23 mile route interconnecting paved paths, crushed-stone trails, and public roads.  We've only explored 3 different segments of the Greenbelt.   The first is City Island and Riverfront Park. Start by looping around the small island which is less than a mile but think of it as a warm up. You also get to see some touristy highlights such as the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat, Water Golf, and City Island Railroad.  Then cross the picturesque Walnut Street Bridge, turn left on to my favorite segment so far, the Riverfront Park. This paved segment runs for 3 miles alongside the Susquehanna River all the way to Vaughn St. You also have an option to take the path directly along the river or the path along the green/street.  Along the way you get to see many sculptures and historic landmarks. Some highlights include State Street, Governor's Mansion, Peace Garden, and Sunken Garden. And if you're open to excursions, take detours and check out the Capitol Complex and Italian Lake. The second segment we've been frequenting without realizing it's part of the Greenbelt - Wildwood Park. I've had a 5-star review on it. It's one of  my favorite parks in the Harrisburg area.  I've read that there's a new 1.5 mile segment connecting from Wildwood Park to Fort Hunter.  I can't wait to check that out! The third segment we just tried today, the Andrea Ave Spur.  It's not part of the main loop but still part of the Greenbelt. I guess you can think of it as an extension, much like the Fort Hunter segment.  This one starts out on a crushed-stone path but soon turns into a fully paved trail. It's only 2.3 miles to the main loop near the Farm Show complex, but it's hilly and punishing at times. This is a different experience than, say, a rail trail which is more secluded and allows you to be soaked with nature.  Here you do not completely leave civilization. Another negative aspect is that many sections insolve public roads.  I'm not sure I should venture the southeast portion of the Greenbelt, based on the map...

1. Route / Trail closed at the Riverfront Office Center (ROC) May 2024 for extended future…read more 2. Area from 581 bridge to ROC is lined with a huge homeless encampment. 3. Paved portion in Susquehanna Township along River has numerous potholes and speed bumps from tree roots. Pavement in terrible condition 4. Path along River is too narrow for walkers and bikers to safely share. 5. Not a continuous trail. There are gaps near the Civil War museum the trail uses city streets.

Nice little trail connecting to Big Boyd Tree Preserve. Some picnic tables and a trail that's…read morepartially paved to get you started. Easy parking right off the road, near the top of the mountain. Since it connects to a much larger park, it gives a nice head start to the top. Didn't see many stopping spots along the trail. Dogs allowed, preferably on leashes. Not sure what the situation is during hunting season.

We love this park! Has things to do for all ages! Playground, tennis court, volleyball, baseball…read moreand soccer! Also great hiking/biking trail and picnic areas! Only downside is their restrooms which are closed almost all the time.

Gelder Park is a 194 acre open space in western Derry Township. It has multiple playgrounds,…read morepavillions. Sporting facilities: baseball, basketball. Volleyball. A wall for lacrosse. There is a nice paved walking / exercise path. As well as a nature trail through some of the property. Its not uncommon to see deer along the creek. Our children love the playgrounds: swings, benches, shade, picnic tables, tire swing, zip line. Balance bar and jungle gum type equipment. Worth a visit if yoire in the area.

Beautiful little park! Lots of trees and vegetation and little paths all around. Some benches to…read moresit on. Two main places where you can get in the creek and it is shallow. A little difficult when crowded because the creek entry points are narrow (single file). There is vegetation blocking access to the rest of the creek. There is a parking lot across Harrisburg Street, a 2 minute walk. There is a well marked crosswalk with a blinking yellow light to alert traffic to stop.

Nice little park along the Greenbelt in Harrisburg. A garden for each of the five senses, plenty of…read morebenches and a nice stream as well.

Large park by the Harrisburg Friendship YMCA (not too far from Costco). It can be tricky to find…read morewhere exactly to enter on Apple Maps (it'll keep routing you to the YMCA building up front). Nice free pickleball courts, large open areas and a little outdoor amphitheater.

Brightbill Park is an amazing park to spend an afternoon at. It's very lively, with baseball,…read morebasketball, tennis, and pickleball all happening at the same time. I grew up at the summer camp that was hosted here about 20 ish years ago. I love this park! The new playground area looks a bit bland, and the pickleball courts are almost always full, but I love it! They should strongly consider expanding the tennis/pickleball courts to increase the amount of play that can happen at Brightbill. My only real concern is the high schoolers being dangerous in the parking lots. I've experienced multiple incidents where there was reckless driving involved at Brightbill for the new "secret assassin" trend going around.

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.

Awesome park!!! The new pedestrian bridge is perfect, myself and my pup get a 3 mile walk using…read moreboth sides of E Penn and don't have to worry about getting run over, nice job to all the were involved with the contruction

A nice, clean park with walking trails, shades, seating arrangements, picnic areas, options to…read moregrill. There are many areas for children to play. Tennis courts. I always find sports, events going on here at all time. Parking convenient and available at diff places throughout the park. Good place to walk pets too. Love this park.

Actually incredible playground! Lots of slides and swings kids will love. Soft floors too with…read morebenches for families to sit. Love the pirate ship and the castle-y theme!! There's a little free library at the front entrance. Also plenty of parking on both sides. There is a spot with covered picnic tables and restrooms nearby

Totally agree with Liz & leigh here about possibility place. Possibility Place is a very unique…read moreplayground that opened in 2006 in Lower paxton Twp, right behind Paxtonia Elemantary School, just off Nye's Road. It has an area for smaller children, with a choo-choo train, slides, activities, kids swings, letter hunt game, garden, etc. In addition is has a tire-swing, big-kid swings, a small misting shower (for hot days), chime-bell area, monkey bars, a sliding pole, as well as stroller parking, and benches for adults to sit on. Lots of local businesses and individuals (like ANG's 193rd Special Operations Wing) sponsored & helped with its construction. As mentioned it has a covered pavillion with picnic tables, restrooms, water fountains, as well as a rollerskating rink, soccer & baseball fields nearby. There also is a wetlands nature trail that you can walk or push a stroller along that has info about the flora & fauna of the area. Ample parking nearby.