The best walks and hikes in Cumberland County

Yes, the region offers several gentler options. A great choice is the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail — Shippensburg. It's a flat, wide path on a former railway line, making it perfect for a relaxed walk with the family.

Cumberland County is famous for its rewarding viewpoints. For a spectacular 180-degree view of the valley, the Flat Rock loop via Flat Rock Trail is a local favorite that involves a steady, rocky climb. Another excellent option is the hike to Sunset Rocks via the Appalachian Trail, which provides beautiful vistas, especially later in the day.

Generally, dogs are welcome on many trails in Cumberland County's state parks and forests, provided they are on a leash. However, policies can vary, especially in designated natural areas or on specific trails. It's always best to check the official park regulations for your chosen destination before you go.

The portion of the Appalachian Trail in this area is known for being relatively flat and less rocky compared to other sections in Pennsylvania, often described as a 'thru-hiker's dream.' You can experience a pleasant part of it on the walk to the charming trail town of Boiling Springs, which follows the trail with minimal elevation change.

For a more strenuous outing, consider the hike to Kings Gap Environmental Education Center via Buck Ridge Trail. At over 11 miles (18 km) with significant elevation gain, it's a demanding route that rewards you with access to the center's panoramic views from the historic mansion's patio.

The climb to Pole Steeple is short but very steep and rocky, requiring a bit of a scramble near the top. While challenging, it's a popular hike because the panoramic view of Laurel Lake and Pine Grove Furnace State Park is well worth the effort. You can tackle it as part of the Appalachian Trail Museum – Pole Steeple loop.

Yes, there are several excellent loop trails so you don't have to retrace your steps. A great example is the Kings Gap Environmental Education Center loop via Boundary Trail, which offers a varied, long-distance hike through the forest on the slopes of South Mountain.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful forested ridges, and the rewarding climbs to scenic rock outcroppings with expansive valley views.

Absolutely. For those wanting to spend more time on the trail, the hike to the shelter at Tom's Run is a great out-and-back option covering over 9 miles (15 km). Another long route is the Appalachian Trail to Cumberland Valley Overlook, which is over 10 miles (16 km) and offers great views as a reward.

Most trailheads, especially those within state parks and state forests like Pine Grove Furnace and Kings Gap, are in rural locations and are not serviced by public transportation. To access the majority of hiking trails in Cumberland County, traveling by car is necessary.

While the region's creeks and lakes are beautiful, Cumberland County is more known for its forested mountain ridges and rocky overlooks than for significant waterfalls. Hikes here typically focus on gaining elevation for panoramic views of the valley rather than leading to waterfalls.