Spring is finally here! And after a year of social distancing and self-isolation, the great outdoors are exactly what we need for our mental and physical health. If you live in the Lebanon Valley, there are so many adventures right in your backyard! Take advantage of the fresh air and vast landscape that the county has to offer. We’ve compiled a list of locations and things that you can do to stay active while practicing safe measures.
Ride Your Bike on the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail
Grab your bike and head to the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail for a family ride. This 15 mile trail is suitable for all ages and abilities. Get great exercise and take in some fresh air while keeping distance from those around you. While you’re on your ride, cool down with a pit stop at the new Brandt’s Ice Cream Parlor, located at the Cornwall Inn. Enjoy hand-dipped ice cream, shakes, floats and specialty sundaes.
Identify Historic Architecture in Downtown Lebanon
Have you ever taken the time to look up at the beautiful architecture in Downtown Lebanon? Use our self-guided architectural tour to learn about some of the oldest and most unique buildings in town. This 1.4 mile loop is a great way to get outside and explore the city. See if you can identify some of the ghost murals on the sides of these historic buildings!
Take a Hike at Swatara State Park
A hike is a great way to unwind and enjoy the serenity of nature. Swatara State Park provides 18.2 miles of hiking trails for all skill levels. Take the 4.8 mile Bear Hole Trail and uncover the Bordner Cabin and Aycrigg’s Waterfall. Be sure to take your camera along to get some great photos of this spectacular sight!
Go Fishing at Stoever’s Dam Park
Relax and test your patience as you drop your line in the lake at Stoever’s Dam Park. This 153-acre park is a prime destination for fishing! With 23 acres of lake stocked with trout and bass, there are great opportunities for a good catch. If fishing isn’t your sport, take advantage of the 1.5 mile walking trail and spot some wildlife.
Play Disc Golf at Jackson Rec Park
Grab your frisbee and head to the Jackson Rec Park in Myerstown for a friendly game of disc golf. This 18-hole course spans throughout the park and will put your skills to the test. Disc golf is a great solo or family game and encourages physical activity!
Encounter Wildlife at Middle Creek Wildlife Management
Enjoy the vastness of Middle Creek’s 6,254 acres. Grab your binoculars and be prepared to see wildlife like pheasants, deer, blue-birds, and many other species! Take in the sight and sounds of thousands of ducks, geese, and swans as they drop in during their migration. While you’re there, take advantage of their hiking trails and 400-acre lake.
Geocache in the Lebanon Valley
Geocaching is a great way to explore the outdoors and encourage creativity! If you’re unfamiliar with this hobby, geocaching is a GPS-driven scavenger hunt. There are hundreds of hidden caches all over Lebanon County that are waiting to be discovered. To get started, you can download a free geocaching app on your phone and get clues as to where the caches are located. Who knows, maybe there’s one just a few steps away from your home.