Best attractions and places to see around Paxtang include a blend of historical landmarks and natural recreation. This historic borough, a suburb of Harrisburg in Dauphin County, features a rich past and access to outdoor activities. The area is characterized by its connection to the Susquehanna River and the Capital Area Greenbelt, providing diverse landscapes for exploration. Visitors can find a mix of cultural sites and green spaces within and near the borough.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Bomb down this run but take a gamble on hitting the redlight timing at 83, Evergreen, and Normandy. Hitting all greens can be an amazing descent. Hitting any of the reds completely ruins the experience.
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Curvy descent with varying grades. Careful around some of the sharp turns, potential for debris from trees on the road
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Wildwood Park is a great place for a bike ride through beautiful scenery. The park has a paved trail that bikes are allowed on. Cycling is not allowed on unpaved trails in the park. There are also picnic areas if you want to stop for a break and restrooms.
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The Capital Area Greenbelt is a 20-mile trail that loops around and through Harrisburg. At points, it runs alongside the Susquehanna River and through wooded and urban areas. A majority of the trail is on dedicated paths with parts on local roads. The trail is a mixture of paved, gravel, and crushed stone.
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City Island is great fun for the whole family. Located in the Susquehanna River, the island is home to the FNB Field of the Harrisburg Senators and has miniature golf, beaches, batting cages, arcade games and volleyball courts.
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Paxtang offers several natural attractions and outdoor spaces. The Capital Area Greenbelt is a 20-mile trail looping around Harrisburg, featuring wooded and urban areas, and running alongside the Susquehanna River. Wildwood Park Meadow is a 229-acre park with about six miles of trails, a nature center, a 90-acre lake, and wetlands. Additionally, Paxtang Park, once a trolley park, has reopened as a hiking and mountain biking park, and Paxtang Cemetery provides green space for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation, including "The Wood's Edge" green burial ground.
Yes, Paxtang has a rich history. The Old Paxton Church, also known as Paxton Presbyterian Church, built in 1740, is a significant historical landmark. It stands as the oldest Presbyterian Church building in continuous use in Pennsylvania and the second oldest in the United States. The Paxtang Historical Society is also dedicated to preserving the borough's history.
The area around Paxtang is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the Capital Area Greenbelt Loop or the Susquehanna River loop. For hiking, there are easy trails such as the Italian Lake Park Loop or the City Island Loop. Many of these activities are accessible via the cycling routes around Paxtang and easy hikes around Paxtang guides.
Absolutely. City Island is a great family destination, offering miniature golf, beaches, batting cages, arcade games, and volleyball courts, in addition to being home to the FNB Field. Wildwood Park Meadow, with its nature center and trails, is also suitable for families. Saussaman Park in Paxtang Borough has a pavilion used for community gatherings and is a pleasant spot for relaxation.
For easy walks and hikes, consider the trails within Wildwood Park Meadow, which offers about six miles of trails. The Capital Area Greenbelt also has sections that are paved or crushed stone, making for accessible walks. Paxtang Cemetery provides a unique green space with trails for walking. You can find more options in the easy hikes around Paxtang guide.
Yes, Paxtang Park has reopened as a hiking and mountain biking park, and it is part of the Capital Area Greenbelt, which features ten miles of trails maintained by the Susquehanna Area Mountain Bike Association (SAMBA). You can also find trails like Lewis's Gambit and Granite Quarry Descent for more adventurous rides.
The Capital Area Greenbelt is a 20-mile trail that loops around and through Harrisburg. It offers a diverse experience, running alongside the Susquehanna River and through wooded and urban areas. The trail surface is a mixture of paved, gravel, and crushed stone, making it suitable for walking, running, and cycling. It also connects to other parks like Wildwood Park Meadow.
City Island, located in the Susquehanna River, is a hub of activity. It is home to the FNB Field, where the Harrisburg Senators play. Visitors can enjoy miniature golf, relax on the beaches, use batting cages, play arcade games, and participate in volleyball. It's a great spot for entertainment and recreation.
Saussaman Park in Paxtang Borough is a notable community park. It has undergone improvement projects and features a pavilion often used for community gatherings. Paxtang Park, now a hiking and mountain biking park, also offers green space for outdoor enjoyment.
The spring and fall seasons are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Paxtang. The weather is pleasant for hiking, cycling, and exploring the trails of the Capital Area Greenbelt and Wildwood Park Meadow. Summer also offers opportunities, especially for water-related activities around City Island, though it can be warmer.
Many of the outdoor spaces around Paxtang are dog-friendly, provided pets are kept on a leash. The trails within Wildwood Park Meadow and sections of the Capital Area Greenbelt are popular choices for walks with canine companions. Paxtang Cemetery also offers trails suitable for dog walking.
While specific wheelchair-accessible trails are not explicitly detailed, the Capital Area Greenbelt features paved and crushed stone sections that may be suitable for wheelchairs. It's advisable to check specific trail conditions for accessibility before visiting, especially for natural areas.


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