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.

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.

Beautiful campsite in the mountains of Adams county. It was not busy the week we went. Lots to do…read morearound the area or just chill and grill at the site. We have been here many times.

Beautiful park, many flat trails and some pretty steep trails. They do have some loose gravel and…read moreit is indicated on signs sometimes hard to see trail markings but overall really great day.

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.

Located next to the actual furnace and a large parking lot that is the trailhead for some hikes in…read morethe Caledonia State Park (and the Appalachian Trail passes by near here), this marker recalls one of those times during the Civil War (or the War of Northern Aggression, depending on your point of view) that could have gone better. Despite orders not to, General Early burned the iron works to the ground, looted the company store, took provisions and appropriated all the corn and grain in the mills. The furnace was destroyed and never rebuilt. When asked in 1886 why he had burned the Caledonia works in spite of General Lee's orders to the contrary, Early stated that the destruction was in retaliation for similar depredations by Union soldiers in the South, and for Stevens' political speeches in Congress. "Mr. Stevens had exhibited a most vindictive spirit toward the people of the South, as he continued to do until the day of his death." The marker reads: Erected in 1837 by Thaddeus Stevensa nd James D. Paxton. Stevens antislavery stand led to its destruction by Gen. Jubal Early, June 26, 1863, on his way to York during the early Gettysburg campaign.