Central Pennsylvania is full of surprises for anyone who loves the outdoors. Beyond the chocolate and coasters, the Hershey area offers access to some of the best hiking trails in PA, from lakeside walks to ridge climbs with sweeping river views.
Whether you want a quick morning walk before breakfast or an all-day adventure, there’s a trail for you within easy reach of our Hershey bed and breakfast.
Easy Walks and Trails
Not every outdoor adventure needs to be strenuous. These trails are flat, well-maintained, and perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon in nature.
Wildwood Park
Harrisburg | 3.1 miles total
Wildwood Park is a favorite for good reason. Just minutes from downtown Harrisburg, this 229-acre nature preserve feels like a world away from the city. Eight interconnected trails loop around a scenic lake, passing through wetlands, meadows, and mature woodlands. The paths are a mix of paved, stone, and boardwalk surfaces, making them accessible for almost everyone.
It’s also an excellent spot for birdwatching. Over 250 species have been recorded here, including great blue herons, wood ducks, and a variety of songbirds. Throughout the year, the park hosts guided walks, birdwatching programs, and other nature-focused events. Check our events page to see what’s happening during your stay.
Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail
Hershey & Hummelstown | 13.5 miles total
This paved trail network is the main greenway through Hershey and connects many of the area’s parks and neighborhoods. Named for a local resident who died in a tragic bicycling accident, the trail offers a safe, scenic route through Derry Township and surrounding communities.
The trail links Bullfrog Valley Park and Shank Park (two of our favorite local picnic spots), passes by the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, skirts the Milton Hershey School campus, and connects the towns of Palmyra and Hummelstown. Along the way, you’ll also find benches, gazebos, small gardens, and interpretive signs. One section follows an old railroad grade through wooded areas with rock cuts visible from the trail’s railroad days.
Memorial Lake State Park
Grantville | 2.2-mile loop
Memorial Lake State Park offers a peaceful 2.2-mile loop around an 85-acre lake. The trail is wide and flat with gravel and paved surfaces, perfect for a casual walk.
The lake is surrounded by Fort Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, and the park was stablished in 1945 as a living memorial to service members who fought in World War II. Bring binoculars for birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migration. Cocoa Kayak Rentals offers hourly kayak and paddleboat rentals if you want to get out on the water.
Conewago Recreation Trail
Elizabethtown | 5 miles one way
This rail trail follows the path of an old railroad bed through Lancaster County farmland. The crushed limestone surface is level and well-maintained, making it ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling. The trail runs alongside Conewago Creek for much of its length, passing farms, wooded areas, and small streams.
At the Lebanon County line, the trail connects to the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, which continues for another 15 miles. You can walk as much or as little as you like and turn around whenever you’re ready. Several access points make it easy to choose your own distance, whether you’re looking for a short walk or a longer out-and-back route through the countryside.
Moderate Hikes and Walks with More to Explore
Ready for something with a bit more variety? These trails offer longer distances, more interesting terrain, and a chance to really immerse yourself in nature.
Hershey Medical Center Trail System
Hershey | 10 miles of interconnected trails
Just behind the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, this volunteer-built trail system winds through mature woods with rocky terrain, creek crossings, and rolling hills. Originally designed for mountain biking, the trails are also open to hikers and runners. If you’re hoping to stay close to the Inn but still feel immersed in the forest, this is one of the best hidden gems in Hershey.
Swatara State Park
Pine Grove | 34 miles of trails
The 3,520-acre Swatara State Park sits in a valley between Blue Mountain and Second Mountain, with 34 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. A 2-mile section of the Appalachian Trail passes through the park’s western edge.
The most popular destination is Bordner’s Cabin, a hand-built rustic cabin from 1939 that sits at the base of Aycrigg’s Falls. The 3.1-mile Bordner’s Cabin Trail follows a wide gravel path with minimal elevation change, passing through forests and along Swatara Creek. For a longer adventure, combine the Bear Hole Trail and Swatara Rail Trail for a 10-mile loop.
While you’re there, look for the remnants of the Union Canal, which once transported coal through the region. The historic Waterville Bridge, a unique lenticular truss structure originally built in 1890 and relocated here in the 1980s, now carries the Appalachian Trail across Swatara Creek.
Detweiler Park
Harrisburg | 7 miles of trails
Detweiler Park covers 400 acres of meadows, streams, and mature deciduous forests. Five interconnected trails range from easy loops to more challenging treks. You’ll find a variety of ecosystems to explore, from open fields to shaded woodland paths along small creeks.
The park is less crowded than some of the more well-known trails in the area, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for solitude. Spring wildflowers and fall foliage make seasonal visits especially rewarding.
Boyd Big Tree Preserve
Just North of Harrisburg | 12 miles of trails
This 1,025-acre conservation area offers one of the most extensive trail systems in the region. Eight trails range from easy walks like the Pond Loop Trail (1.2 miles along a spring-fed pond) to more challenging routes like the East Loop Trail (1.9 miles with steeper terrain).
The preserve was established in 1999 to protect this natural landscape, and it feels wonderfully undeveloped. Each trail connects to at least one other, so you can customize your route based on how much time and energy you have. The Creek Trail leads to an American beech grove, while the Coach Trail follows the base of the ridge through mature forest.
Little Buffalo State Park
Newport (Perry County) | 8 miles of trails
About 40 minutes northwest of Harrisburg, Little Buffalo State Park offers a lovely mix of nature and history across 923 acres. The trails loop around Holman Lake and through woodlands, passing three 19th-century structures: Shoaff’s Mill (a working gristmill), Clay’s Covered Bridge, and the Blue Ball Tavern.
The 2.5-mile Little Buffalo State Park Trail circles the lake and is popular with families and casual hikers. For something longer, the Fisherman’s Trail and Mid State Trail offer more varied terrain. Kayak and rowboat rentals are available in summer, and the park has excellent picnic areas if you want to make a day of it.
Round Top Trail
Middletown (State Game Lands) | 4.1-mile loop | 590 ft elevation gain
For hikers who want to get off the beaten path, Round Top Trail offers a quieter alternative in the State Game Lands near Middletown. The 4-mile loop climbs through mixed forest to a ridge with views of the Susquehanna River and surrounding countryside.
This is excellent birding territory. Pileated woodpeckers, warblers, and other woodland species are common. The trail is less maintained than the state parks, so expect some overgrown sections and bring a downloaded map. Long pants are recommended.
Challenging Hikes with Stunning Views
If you’re looking for a workout and a reward, these trails deliver. Expect steep climbs, rocky terrain, and views that make every step worth it.
Hawk Rock via Appalachian Trail
Hawk Rock via Appalachian TrailDuncannon | 1.7 miles out and back | 692 ft elevation gain
Hawk Rock is one of the most rewarding hikes in Central Pennsylvania. This short but steep section of the Appalachian Trail climbs nearly 700 feet to a rocky outcropping with panoramic views of the Susquehanna River, the borough of Duncannon, and the confluence of the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers. It’s especially beautiful in late October when the surrounding hillsides are covered in fall color.
For an extended adventure, continue past Hawk Rock to Eagle’s Edge Vista for a second overlook. The trail between the two viewpoints is steep and unmarked, so this option is best for experienced hikers. After your hike, stop in Duncannon for a bite at The Doyle Hotel, an iconic Appalachian Trail institution that has been serving thru-hikers for over a century.
Peter’s Mountain Ridge
North of Harrisburg | 4.2-mile loop | 1,200 ft elevation gain
Peter’s Mountain Ridge follows a scenic stretch of the Appalachian Trail along a ridgetop just north of Harrisburg, offering a rewarding hike with steady elevation and expansive views of the Susquehanna River Valley.
The trail begins with a gradual but consistent climb before leveling out along the ridge, where stretches of quiet forest open up to wide overlooks. On clear days, you’ll get long views across rolling hills and river bends, especially striking during late spring and peak fall foliage.
Tips for Hiking Near Hershey
A few things to keep in mind as you plan your outdoor adventures:
- Start early. Morning light is beautiful, trails are less crowded, and you’ll be back in time for a leisurely afternoon. Plus, our chef-prepared breakfast will fuel you for whatever trail you choose.
- Check conditions. Some trails can be muddy after rain or icy in winter.
- Pack a picnic. Many of these parks have beautiful picnic areas where you can relax after your hike. If you’re heading toward Harrisburg, stop by Broad Street Market first and build your own picnic basket with fresh local ingredients using our Broad Street Market picnic guide.
- Dress for changing conditions. Even on warm days, shaded trails and higher elevations can feel noticeably cooler, so it’s a good idea to bring an extra layer.
- Don’t forget bug spray. Ticks are common in Pennsylvania, especially from spring through fall, so wear insect repellent and do a quick tick check after your hike.
Come Back to Comfort
There’s something deeply satisfying about spending a morning on the trail and then returning to a place designed for rest. After your hike, return to the Inn on Church Road for a long soak in a clawfoot tub, a glass of wine on the porch, or a quiet evening in your room. It’s the best of both worlds: adventure during the day and comfort when you’re ready to unwind.
Ready to explore the best hiking trails in PA? Book your stay and make Hershey your home base for outdoor adventure.
