Explore the Outdoors in Cumberland Valley

Discover the serene and stunning landscape of Cumberland Valley, where outdoor enthusiasts can explore over 54,000 acres of natural beauty and 200 miles of trails. With three state parks, two state forests, and scenic waterways, Cumberland Valley is a haven for hikers, kayakers, fly fishers, bird watchers, and anyone looking to bask in the sunshine and fresh air.

Hiking

Reconnect with nature amidst Cumberland Valley’s wide-open spaces. Kings Gap State Park features more than 25 miles of hiking trails, while Flat Rock Trail in Colonel Denning State Park and Pole Steeple in Pine Grove Furnace State Park offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Valley.

Hike through forests, farmlands, and charming small towns on a 13-mile section of the iconic Appalachian Trail that winds through Cumberland Valley. For a more secluded and rugged hike, the Tuscarora Trail was designed as a bypass route of the A.T. and offers an adventurous alternative. The trail can be accessed at Waggoners Gap Hawk Watch and Colonel Denning State Park.

Fishing

Cumberland Valley is renowned as a premier destination for fly fishing. Home to three world-famous streams -- LeTort Spring Run, Yellow Breeches Creek, and Big Spring Creek – the area boasts consistent water temperatures that make for excellent fishing year-round. For all your fishing gear needs and advice, stop by TCO Outdoors in Boiling Springs.

Boating

Explore Cumberland Valley’s scenic waterways by canoe or kayak. Highlights include a leisurely float along the tranquil Conodoguinet Creek, a Class 1 stream meandering through picturesque agricultural land and charming villages. Susquehanna Outfitters provides rentals and guided float trips led by local experts along the Yellow Breeches, Conodoguinet, or the Susquehanna River.

Biking

Cumberland Valley offers diverse biking routes for both casual riders and experienced cyclists. From leisurely creekside paths to challenging forest trails, cyclists can embark on short rides or day-long excursions. Notable routes include the 13-mile Cumberland Valley Rail Trail from Newville to Shippensburg and the 2-mile Hiker-Biker Trail in Pine Grove Furnace State Park. For a thrilling experience, try the recently completed Carlisle Pumptrack at Valley Meadow Park, a self-contained bicycle circuit featuring banked turns and mounds of dirt suitable for riders of all skill levels.

Birding

Birdwatching enthusiasts will delight in the rich diversity of bird species populating the forests, mountains, and valleys of this region of south-central Pennsylvania. Premier bird-watching hotspots include Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch, where 15,000 to 20,000 raptors passing through annually; Opossum Lake, where more than 140 bird species have been spotted along the 4-mile trail and its adjacent habitat of fields and woodlands; and the LeTort Spring Run Nature Trail.

For more information about planning an outdoor adventure in Cumberland Valley, go to VisitCumberlandValley.com/Outdoor.