Cumberland: Discover Nature, Trails, and History

Cumberland County combines extensive trails, distinctive landscapes, and a diverse history. Nearly 200 miles of trails run through the county. The Appalachian Trail leads from the ridgeline of Blue Mountain through the valley to South Mountain and onward until it exits into Franklin County. Three major waterways also offer opportunities for boating and fishing. For your trip planning, this means a wide range of options, from active days in nature to cultural discoveries and events.

Nature Experiences Among Forests, Wetlands, and Lakes

The Mount Holly Marsh Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset. Along approximately 7 miles of trails, you can hike and observe birds, plants, and other wildlife. The preserve covers 900 acres: 700 acres consist of upland forest, and 200 acres are wetlands. Those who want to combine wildlife observation with walks will find a clear focus for planning their day here.

In the northern center of Cumberland County lies Colonel Denning State Park, with 273 acres of forest and a 3.5-acre lake. Flat Rock is a natural rock outcrop there, offering views over the Cumberland Valley. The 2.5-mile Flat Rock Trail leads from the park to the summit of Blue Mountain in Tuscarora State Forest. A different landscape defines the 696-acre Pine Grove Furnace State Park at the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the area known as South Mountain. Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake are located there.

Kings Gap Environmental Education Center also combines scenic views and activity: From there, panoramic views extend across the Cumberland Valley, and 16 miles of hiking trails are open year-round. Kings Gap provides habitat for white-tailed deer, turkeys, fox squirrels, various reptiles, and black and turkey vultures. For a tour that is less focused on forests, the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is an option. It runs from downtown Shippensburg toward Newville for just under 13 miles and is wheelchair accessible.

Museums and Historic Sites

Pine Grove Furnace State Park is home to the Appalachian Trail Museum, considered the first hiking and trekking museum in the United States. The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center provides the public with free access to exhibitions and research facilities. The Army Heritage Trail can be walked from sunrise to sunset; the buildings along the trail are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Museum of Cumberland County History is open to everyone and operates on a “Pay What You Can” admission model. Self-guided visits lead through permanent exhibitions and themed galleries, including those on the Carlisle Indian School and folk art. On the former grounds of the Carlisle Indian School, the gymnasium, bandstand, superintendent’s house, and cemetery have been preserved. The grounds can be explored as part of self-guided tours. Visitors must use the Army War College’s Visitor’s Center and obtain a visitor pass there through the required identity and background check process unless they have approved identification.

The historic Camp Michaux site is located in Cooke Township on the slopes of South Mountain along Michaux Road in Michaux State Forest. Official trails run through the site and can be followed with the book “Self-Guided Camp Michaux Walking Tour.” In Mechanicsburg, the Mechanicsburg Museum preserves four 19th-century Cumberland Valley Railroad buildings as well as an older log cabin. In Shippensburg, the Fashion Archives and Museum displays clothing and accessories from the 18th century to the present; the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center has 1,500 seats and a year-round program of events.

Events and Regional Orientation

The 82-acre Carlisle Fairgrounds features four exhibition halls, a stage, and a grandstand. Events held there include concerts, fireworks, RV shows, and automotive events. The annual Carlisle Summerfair program includes free, family-friendly activities such as concerts, an arts and crafts show, a fishing competition, and sporting events. The Cumberland Valley Beer Trail offers tasting and tour opportunities at more than 25 locations.

You can choose a vacation rental or holiday home based on the type of trip you want: For active days, the hiking trails, Rail Trail, and state parks take center stage, while museums, historic sites, and events offer different focal points. Plan your daily destinations separately and choose your accommodation based on the experiences that interest you most. For your further regional search, you can also consider Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Enola, New Cumberland, Shippensburg, Camp Hill, Wormleysburg, and Boiling Springs.

For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.