I learned about the Vincent DiFilippo Nature Preserve through social media and was genuinely…read moresurprised to discover it's less than 20 minutes from my house--yet I had never heard of it. This has been happening more and more lately, and I've been having a lot of fun discovering these close-to-home, beautiful outdoor spaces. Thankfully, this preserve did not disappoint. According to the preserve's website, this 54-acre nature preserve sits along the Conodoguinet Creek and serves as an important natural habitat featuring meadows, wetlands, and ponds. It offers creek access for kayaking and fishing, and the ponds are also open for fishing. Visitors can choose between an almost 2-mile outer loop trail or a shorter 1-mile inner loop trail, both clearly marked and suitable for walking, hiking, and biking. One section of the outer loop provides views of a bald eagle nesting area. The website notes that dogs are not permitted. I visited on a beautiful, though chilly, first Sunday in January. When I arrived around 9am, I found a large gravel parking lot with just a handful of cars. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of clearly marked handicap parking--always nice to see thoughtful accessibility. While the website states that dogs are not allowed, I encountered multiple leashed dogs during my walk (some even sporting sweaters), and several posted signs reminded owners to keep dogs leashed and clean up after them. It's possible the website is outdated, but based on what I observed, dogs definitely seem to be a common sight here. The crushed stone paths combined with the very flat terrain made this an incredibly relaxed and easy walk--perfect for a laid-back Sunday morning. After reviewing the trail map, I chose the Black Trail, which follows the Conodoguinet Creek and passes the designated eagle nesting area before looping back to the parking lot. I took my time, as usual, and the entire walk lasted about 45 minutes. The creek was especially beautiful that morning, with a thin layer of ice glistening in the sunlight. Homes perched high above the creek added to the scenery, and there was plenty of wildlife activity--birds flitting about and squirrels clearly enjoying the crisp morning air. While I didn't spot any eagles on this visit, the signage notes that they frequent the area between January and June, so I'm hopeful I'll catch a glimpse on a future visit. One thing to note: while the preserve is lovely, it does come with a fair amount of residential and roadway noise due to nearby homes and streets. This isn't a secluded, deep-woods experience. Expect to see other visitors, hear phones ringing, and encounter everyday neighborhood sounds. That said, the Vincent DiFilippo Nature Preserve is a solid community space for getting outside and stretching your legs. While I personally prefer quieter, more remote nature experiences, this is a safe, well-maintained, and accessible option for locals looking for a quick and easy nature walk close to home.

This trail is so well maintained with benches placed periodically throughout. It's mostly flat and…read morean easy, relaxing walk.

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.

After my Yelp friend David H. posted about this small gem last month, I had to take a look myself…read moreas I have been in the area numerous times but had honestly never heard about this place. Just to keep the history lesson short, it was built by York County in 2007 and it is one of a series of ten overlooks that are at different points in the county all of which give views of the Susquehanna River. susquehannariverlands.com/the-great-outdoors/scenic-overlooks/highpoint-scenic-vista-rec-area/ The set up is fairly simple. There is a small parking lot at the base of the overlook on Hilt Road. At the base there is a picnic bench and a port-a-blaster along with some literature about York County parks/area trails. From there it's up and around the trail which is a 1/2 mile loop with five way point stops that I guess are made to have you appreciate the view from different angles? At the top the view is very nice. It's literally the same as if you were over at Samuel S. Lewis State Park except that now you're two-ish miles closer to the river. The overlook from Samuel S. Lewis is higher and is visible from here and the top of the vista here is very visible from Sam Lewis. We were here around 35 minutes and the parking lot was packed but people were at different point of the incline and on other trails nearby so things never felt cramped or rushed. While I'm not necessarily sure that this place needs a return visit, I'm glad we came and I appreciate David putting this one on my/everyone's Yelp radar as it is a unique spot worth a brief stop.

An absolute and positive must! It's an inclined walk but beautifully and impeccably paved -…read morecouldn't be easier. And it literally feels like you're in the clouds. Truth be told we went on a cloudy day, but if it's sunny I would avoid since there is absolutely no shade. There are rocks positioned to take a break during the five points.

Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center -- A Quiet Gateway to the Mountains…read more Tucked into the scenic hills of Frederick County near Thurmont, the Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center is a great starting point for exploring one of Maryland's more serene outdoor escapes. It's part of Catoctin Mountain Park, a federally managed park offering about 25 miles of hiking trails, plus camping and trout fishing. Worth noting: it's separate from nearby Cunningham Falls State Park, so plan accordingly if you're trying to hit both. We stopped by on a brisk, sunny weekday and were rewarded with light crowds and a peaceful atmosphere. There was some noticeable truck traffic passing through the area--turns out much needed road improvements are underway--but it didn't take away from the overall experience. The visitor center itself is on the smaller side but well maintained and thoughtfully curated. Informational displays, posters, and plaques highlight the region's history--from its Native inhabitants to the communities that later shaped life in these mountains. It's a nice touch that adds depth before you hit the trails. Inside, you can find maps, books, and a modest gift shop selection. The park rangers were approachable and knowledgeable, offering helpful updates on trail conditions and access points. Bonus points for clean restrooms and a convenient place to refill your water bottle before heading out. For the youngsters in your group. Don't forget to join the Junior Ranger program and get your booklet stamped! Fun way to get kids excited to visit and appreciate the many beautiful National Parks in our country throughout their lifetime! Whether you're gearing up for a hike or just passing through, this is a solid place to get oriented, learn a bit of history, and soak in the surrounding natural beauty.

I've been here twice and have hiked the same loop, but both times it has been enjoyable!…read more On this occasion I brought a friend. We parked at the visitors center and went inside to use the facilities prior to our hike. It's a cute visitors center with historical information about the area, the wildlife, and trees. They also sell trinkets, magnets, bug spray, etc. The rangers are always cordial and will answer any questions you may have. They have a charging station!!!! This was clutch as I drove my EV this time. It's free and had me charged and ready to go by the end of my hike. We hiked up to Wolf Rock, Chimney Rock, and back. The trails are rated (if you have the All Trails app and/or based on the map). I'd say this hike was moderate. It's mostly shaded which is nice. There weren't too many insects, but you should apply insect repellent nontheless. They have several other trails. This one was a bit over 3 miles, but the full loop connects all the trails. I would like to make it to Cunningham Falls. This is a great option for me as I live in Maryland. The trails are clean, litter free so take your trash with you. Come check it out!

If you're looking for an easy but super cool hike with big payoff, Hammonds Rocks in Michaux State…read moreForest is a must. I stopped by on a warm, sunny October Sunday morning while in the area for the National Apple Harvest Festival (about 30 minutes away), and somehow had the whole place to myself. It was so peaceful--just the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze and the occasional thud of acorns falling from the trees. The walk in is short and easy--basically a flat stroll past a couple of informational signs to reach the boulder outcropping. From there, the fun begins! Hammonds Rocks is about 400 feet long, with massive stone formations to climb, wander, and explore. I spent about 45 minutes hopping from stone to stone, taking photos, and checking out different angles of the formations. Even without climbing, there are plenty of spots to enjoy the view, though the tall trees do block some of it. Still, with the leaves just starting to turn to their fall colors, it was absolutely beautiful. The info signs are worth a pause, too--they really put things into perspective. One noted that when the sediments making up these rocks were deposited, the spot where I was standing was on the shore of a great ocean...530-600 MILLION years ago. Wild. Absolutely mind blowing! As for access: don't panic when Google Maps tells you the next few miles are unpaved. The gravel road is manageable if you take it slow and keep an eye out for some monster ruts. (Speaking from experience: this 40-something woman in her beloved Alfa Romeo made it just fine.) Just don't attempt in winter without knowing what you're getting into--the roads aren't maintained in snow or ice. Overall, Hammonds Rocks is an easy, low-effort, high-reward stop. Whether you're climbing, photographing, or just taking in the history and scenery, it's a great way to spend part of your day in Michaux.

This is the worst camp site ever in the ground. Are the rocks very hard to get a good steak in the…read moreground. The campers that come there are disgusting. There was this fat white woman with her kid kid is noisy and very rude. Very intrusive in my area and she never scolded him once.The rangers are nasty liars they judge you the accuse of things fine for some thing that wasn't posted so they fined us and we didn't know that we couldn't do So we got fine for it

This is one of my new favorite hiking spots. Private parking spot (small) but your car is safe away…read morefrom the road. They have four trails, blue, yellow, white and orange (which is the Conestoga Trail). We hiked the yellow and blue. Each is on either side of the creek. The trails follow the creek out to the Susquehanna. When you are nonspot hiking takes between 1-2 hours to finish the whole thing. It is so beautiful here. The path directly follows the river and it varies in difficulty from flat ground to stepping over rocks to boulder climbing. It is fantastic! You can cross various fallen trees to get to the other side of the creek (it is safe the trees are stable and huge). So peaceful and quiet, until you hear the many waterfalls and rapids! Definitely going back to cheek out more trails. Only downside is limited parking. Went on a cloudy day.

This is an amazing place! So very peaceful the trail is challenging enough not like you are…read moreshuffling down a mountain. Beautiful birds and the sound of rushing water early in the morning was awesome! I cant say enough about this place only downside is lack of parking but it's worth getting up bright and early to catch a spot I will definitely be back

Went to Swatara State Park today for the first time and was really impressed!…read more We went looking for the Aygriggs waterfall but went in with no planning so initially had a hard time finding where to park. (I wonder if the other reviewers with lower ratings for the park also struggled to find where exactly to go, because once you actually find it, it's actually so gorgeous). The place Apple Maps led us to had no parking and was just the park entrance with a bunch of roadway (there is no visitor center). We then incorrectly turned into the parking lot for the Trout Run trail at one point-- which has the rugged trout run path and Appalachian path (hard hikes, no waterfall) but did have two outhouse style bathrooms. On our third or fourth try (we tried mapping it to the cabin unsuccessfully) we finally found the scenic trail. If you're like us, and want to see a scenic hike, I would highly recommend the Bordner's Cabin Trail -- it's about 3.1 miles (1.5h walk) roundtrip-- it has an easy gravel path to the gorgeous and elusive Aygriggs waterfall! To get there, I would recommend getting the AllTrails app which is helpful to tell you where to park exactly. If you want to get to Bordner's cabin parking lot you need to route your Apple or Google Maps to coordinates: 40.50403° N, 76.51133° W. From there you can find the trail head and walk to the waterfall. It took us about 30-45 min to walk there, and another 30-45 min to walk back to our car. The waterfall is gorgeous and the way there you cross over a bridge over Swatara creek. Right next to the waterfall there is Bordner's cabin (hence the trail name) which overlooks the waterfall. It has tables and benches inside so you could even bring a picnic and sit under the cabin roof if you wanted to stay for a bit. We came across many bikers on the path (there even were signs for horses to walk on the left side of the trail) so the terrain wasn't too rugged.

Fantastic trail for families. Nice smooth paved pathway for strollers. So bring the kids, dogs and…read moreanybody else that wants a nice 3 mile walking trail to go on. There is a more strenuous hiking trail for those looking to burn some calories. Lots of wildlife and a great opportunity to find some very rare American chestnut trees!! Both chestnut trees I found have been reported to PA/NJ Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation. Picnic tables located at Bordner Cabin if you wanna bring lunch and hang out. Highly recommend this trail for the entire family.