Duncannon AT Festival. Photo courtesy of The Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community
From downtown Harrisburg you can get to the Appalachian Trail within 20 minutes, maybe less. The 2,190-mile trail is the longest hiking-only path in the world.
You may not regard Harrisburg as overwhelmingly unique in the world, but our proximity to the AT plus the Rockville Bridge, which is the longest stone masonry arch railroad viaduct ever built, positions Harrisburg as an important place to be. As icing on the cake, these two one-of-a-kind assets are also great places to entertain the family. The Appalachian Trail is perfect for exercise and exploration, and the Rockville Bridge is next to the gorgeous riverside Fort Hunter Park and Playground. Every now and then, there’s a chance to reflect on how lucky we are to live and raise our families here.
Across the river in Duncannon, a designated Appalachian Trail Community, they’re throwing a party. On Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the 2025 Duncannon Appalachian Trail Festival will feature live entertainment, food trucks, educational wildlife presentations, crafts for kids, hiking and volunteer clubs and arts vendors. The festival will take place on High Street between Cumberland and Ann streets. Festivities will cater to the interests of both adults and children and admission is my favorite price: $0.
Peak Fun
Hawk Rock, a popular hiking spur off the AT, offers a spectacular view at its peak in Duncannon. To reach the trailhead, park at the Duncannon Borough Watershed. If your family is up for a longer hike, try the Eagles Edge Vista loop, which also culminates in a breathtaking, though slightly less popular, overlook of the Susquehanna. The combined loop is about two miles long with over 700 feet in elevation gain, so it can be challenging. As self-aware nerds, my family likes to pretend that we are hiking to the top of Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring, which makes the task infinitely more exciting. With your family, maybe imagine that you’re climbing the tallest tower to destroy the dragon and rescue a prince or princess, training to ascend Mount Everest, or that you’re a bunch of ants trying to make it over a pebble. Whatever use of imagination gets you up the mountain, be sure to pack plenty of snacks and water. AllTrails estimates this hike takes just over an hour but expect that to double with little legs trailing along.
Duncannon is home to some cute eateries and breweries to refuel at after excursions. The Doyle Hotel has operated since 1905 and still makes a mean cheeseburger after 120 years. Parents, check out their bar top, a gorgeous carved wooden map of the Appalachian Trail. Lindgren Brewery is also fun, as it’s housed in what was once a bank. My kid had a blast in the vault room, complete with old security boxes, where he and some other kids made up games and played while I could keep an eye on, but didn’t have to entertain, him. Any brewery that has space for both kids and parents to find their niche is a 10/10, in my opinion.
Trail TLC
With the Appalachian Trail and its surrounding communities on the tip of our tongues, let’s talk about ways that you and I can get involved. The Keystone Trail Association is dedicated to protecting hiking trail lands through support, advocacy and public education for the responsible use of trails and our natural environment. From June 12 to 15, KTA is hosting a Trail Care event in, what I mentioned in a previous column as my favorite region in PA, the Everett region. Volunteers may work in the Buchanan State Forest or Tenley Park in Everett. On June 18, KTA volunteers will work closer to home with volunteers in Greg’s Woods or Port Royal Wetlands in Juniata County. To learn more about events and volunteering, reach out to KTA through their website.
Trail Care consists of a variety of activities that range from painting blazes, clearing fallen limbs, removing trash and debris, or other upkeep and improvement for trails. Caring for trails helps more than the environment. It demonstrates the importance of stewardship of our wild lands, helps children learn responsibility, and offers immediate gratification while being outside, which can reduce stress and improve both physical and mental health.
As parents raising a new generation of people in Harrisburg, it is our responsibility to demonstrate the value that natural resources, like the Appalachian Trail, play in both our region and the world. Environmental stewardship can be as reciprocal as caring for our families, as we give and take, explore and learn together, and work to create something beautiful that lasts in the future.
For more information on the Duncannon Appalachian Trail Festival, visit https://duncannonatc.org/2023-duncannon-appalachian-trail-festival/.
To find out more about the Keystone Trail Association, visit www.kta-hike.org.
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