hiking near hershey pa

Nestled amid the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania, Hershey is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene waterfalls to challenging trails, the area surrounding this chocolate-themed town offers a diverse range of hiking experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, you’re sure to find a trail that suits your needs.

Swatara State Park

Just a short drive from Hershey, Swatara State Park is a 3,500-acre oasis of natural beauty. The park is home to a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. One of the most popular trails is the Swatara Falls Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that leads to a stunning 40-foot waterfall. The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it a great option for families with young children. For a more challenging hike, try the Indian Echo Caverns Trail, a 3-mile loop that takes you past a series of caves and rock formations. The trail is moderately difficult, with some steep sections and uneven terrain. Be sure to bring a flashlight if you want to explore the caves.

1.1 Swatara Falls Trail

The Swatara Falls Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail that leads to a stunning 40-foot waterfall. The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it a great option for families with young children. The trailhead is located at the Swatara Falls Picnic Area, and the trail follows the Swatara Creek upstream to the waterfall. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. The trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, so be sure to keep an eye out for deer, turkeys, and other animals.

1.2 Indian Echo Caverns Trail

The Indian Echo Caverns Trail is a 3-mile loop trail that takes you past a series of caves and rock formations. The trail is moderately difficult, with some steep sections and uneven terrain. Be sure to bring a flashlight if you want to explore the caves. The trailhead is located at the Indian Echo Caverns parking lot, and the trail follows a series of switchbacks up to the caves. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. The trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, so be sure to keep an eye out for deer, turkeys, and other animals.

1.1 Swatara Falls Trail

The Swatara Falls Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail that leads to a stunning 40-foot waterfall. The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it a great option for families with young children. The trailhead is located at the Swatara Falls Picnic Area, and the trail follows the Swatara Creek upstream to the waterfall. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. The trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, so be sure to keep an eye out for deer, turkeys, and other animals.

Here are some tips for hiking the Swatara Falls Trail⁚

• Wear comfortable shoes, as the trail can be slippery in some spots.
• Bring plenty of water, as there is no water available on the trail.
• Be sure to pack a lunch or snacks, as there are no food concessions on the trail.
• If you’re hiking with children, be sure to keep them close to you, as the trail can be narrow in some spots.
• Be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for wildlife.

The Swatara Falls Trail is a beautiful and easy hike that is perfect for a day trip from Hershey. The waterfall is a stunning sight, and the trail is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

1.2 Indian Echo Caverns

Indian Echo Caverns is a vast underground cave system located just a few miles from Hershey. The caverns are home to a variety of stunning geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caverns, which lasts about an hour. The tour is informative and educational, and it’s a great way to learn about the geology of the area. After the tour, you can explore the caverns on your own and take some photos. The caverns are also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, frogs, and salamanders.

Here are some tips for visiting Indian Echo Caverns⁚

• Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves some walking.
• The caverns are cool and damp, so be sure to bring a jacket or sweater.
• Photography is allowed in the caverns, but flash photography is not permitted.
• Be sure to follow the instructions of your tour guide.
• If you have any questions, be sure to ask your tour guide.

Indian Echo Caverns is a fascinating and beautiful place to visit. The caverns are a great way to learn about the geology of the area and to see some amazing natural formations. The tour is informative and educational, and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.

Hersheypark

Hersheypark is a large amusement park located in the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania. The park is home to a variety of rides, attractions, and shows, as well as a water park. Hersheypark is a great place to visit for families and people of all ages. However, many people don’t realize that Hersheypark also has some great hiking trails.

The Wildcat Hollow Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail that takes hikers through a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. The trail is relatively easy to hike, making it a good choice for families with young children. Along the way, hikers can see a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and squirrels. The trail is also home to a number of wildflowers, which bloom throughout the year.

The Pioneer Frontier Trail is a 2.5-mile loop trail that takes hikers through the history of Hersheypark. The trail passes by a number of historic buildings and attractions, including the first roller coaster ever built at Hersheypark. The trail is also home to a variety of plants and animals, including trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. The Pioneer Frontier Trail is a great way to learn about the history of Hersheypark and to see some of the park’s natural beauty.

If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to spend a day in Hershey, be sure to check out the hiking trails at Hersheypark. The trails are a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and learn about the history of the park.

2.1 Wildcat Hollow Trail

The Wildcat Hollow Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail that takes hikers through a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. The trail is relatively easy to hike, making it a good choice for families with young children. Along the way, hikers can see a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and squirrels; The trail is also home to a number of wildflowers, which bloom throughout the year.

The trailhead for the Wildcat Hollow Trail is located near the main entrance to Hersheypark. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. The first part of the trail takes hikers through a dense forest. As the trail continues, it opens up into a meadow. The meadow is a great place to see wildflowers and butterflies. The trail then crosses a small stream and enters a wetland area. The wetland area is home to a variety of birds and frogs.

The Wildcat Hollow Trail is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Hersheypark. The trail is relatively short and easy to hike, making it a good choice for hikers of all ages. The trail is also a great place to see wildlife and wildflowers.

Here are some tips for hiking the Wildcat Hollow Trail⁚

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
• Bring water and snacks.
• Be aware of your surroundings and stay on the trail.
• Respect the wildlife and do not feed the animals.
• Leave no trace and pack out everything you pack in.