Harrisburg PA Has Lots Of Outside Activities
Harrisburg PA has lots of outside activities. Now that the weather has finally turned warm; lets talk about things to do around the beautiful city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania! Like most people living in south central Pennsylvania, I too, spent many days inside this past cold winter. With the springtime flowers and sun shining most days, I am looking to share some of my favorite outdoor adventure spots right here in my hometown.
Capital Area Greenbelt
One of my most favorite locations in town is the Capital Area Greenbelt! This beautiful “trail” offers the community an opportunity to explore the most cherished views of the city. I happen to ride my bicycle here, however, one could walk, jog or even roller-skate.
“The trail is a 20 mile loop through and around Harrisburg. It passes along the Susquehanna River through Riverfront Park, through wooded areas, urban offices, residential areas, and scenic parks, including Reservoir Park and Wildwood Park. Parts of the trail share the road, but most of the loop is on dedicated paths. Most of the trail is paved but portions are gravel or crushed stone.”
Part of the Capital Area Green Belt goes right along the Susquehanna River. There are some mighty fine sunsets to be seen here. In large part to these trails, it makes for the City of Harrisburg PA has lots of outside activities.
Wildwood Park
Wildwood Park and Olewine Nature Center are conveniently located on the outskirts of Harrisburg and offer a place to relax, explore and learn. Owned and managed by Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department, the 229-acre park is known for its 90-acre shallow lake, six miles of trails, 1 mile of boardwalks and is a convenient stop for exercise enthusiasts and nature buffs.
Today this amazing jewel of preserved public land is, surprisingly, surrounded by highways. Forested buffers around the Park help shield it from the busy roadways. The 90 acre wetland benefits the community by reducing flooding, improving water quality and supporting biodiversity. It also functions as an ingenious flood mitigator for the City of Harrisburg.
Fort Hunter Park
Built on a bluff overlooking the Susquehanna River, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park has served as a war fort, a hub for frontier commerce, and an exclusive private estate. Now preserved and open to the public, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park invites you to explore Pennsylvania’s rich history.
A cycling group photo at Fort Hunter. We had such a big group; you can’t see the gorgeous view!
Memorial Lake
Memorial Lake State Park’s 230 acres are near the base of Blue Mountain in East Hanover Township, Lebanon County. The park is surrounded by Fort Indiantown Gap, the headquarters for the Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard. Here, one can enjoy boating, hiking, biking and walking trails.
A lovely afternoon Kayak on Memorial Lake is a great way to exercise.
Detweiler Park
Detweiler park is one of the newest additions to the Dauphin County park system, these 400 acres have been enjoyed by four generations of the Detweiler/Stackpole family. Detweiler Park is the largest of eight parks of public land owned and managed by the Dauphin County Parks & Recreation Department. Visitors are encouraged to explore more than 7 miles of trails winding through varied habitats. Gardens, fields, meadows, evergreen plantations, and mature deciduous forests are some of the ecosystems in this biologically diverse park. Deer are seen frequently as well as a wide variety of birds including turkey, hawks, woodpeckers, and bluebirds. Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.
