The Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world and includes a moderate 9.5-mile hike through the Lebanon Valley. Find parking at Swatara State Park and set off over the Swatara Creek across the historic Waterville Bridge. A lenticular truss bridge built in 1890 then relocated to its current home in 1985 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Best Known For
- Recommended Day Hike: “Rt. 645, south of Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, to Rt. 72 at Swatara State Park, Lebanon County: A 9.5 mile, moderate hiking. Parking: Roadside parking at the AT at both terminus points. Highlight: Crossing Swatara Creek on the historic iron bridge that was moved here from the Pine Creek at Waterville in Lycoming County.” Read More at pennlive.com
What Locals Love About It.
- “This was the location for my second backpacking adventure and it was a good one with a nice mix of terrain—a mix of flat, hills, rocky, wet. It was just the right amount of challenging for me with a full pack in my late 50s and my second time out, it was a great experience. I would definitely do this again.” – Trish T via alltrails.com
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Lebanon, PA 17042