The best walks and hikes around Campbelltown

The Hotel Hershey Loop offers a delightful escape into nature, guiding you through the hotel's lush woodlands. This easy 2.3-mile (3.7 km) route, with a gentle 235 feet (72 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed outing, taking about 1 hour and 2 minutes to complete. You'll enjoy the peaceful scenery along the Brook Valley Run and Mountain Ridge Pass Trails, making it one of the more popular walking routes in Hershey, PA, especially for those seeking a tranquil forest experience.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is publicly accessible, meaning you don't need to be a hotel guest, and there are no permits or fees required. Parking is available at The Hotel Hershey, making it easy to start your adventure. For the most comfortable hiking weather and vibrant scenery, consider visiting in the spring or fall, though the trail is open year-round.

This loop is part of a larger 5.5-mile system of public hiking trails at The Hotel Hershey, offering more options if you wish to extend your walk. Its easy difficulty makes it an ideal choice for families or anyone looking for a refreshing, low-impact outdoor activity in the Hershey area. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region without venturing too far from amenities.

The Bellaire Woods Nature Preserve Loop offers an easy 1.2-mile (1.9 km) hike through a lush, third-growth mixed-hardwood forest, with only 90 feet (27 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 31 minutes to complete. You'll wander among towering tulip trees and mature shagbark hickories, encountering massive diabase boulders and numerous springs and branching streams that crisscross the path. While the grade is easy, the trail features a technical and often wet tread, with rocky sections and primitive bridges adding to the adventure.

Planning your visit is straightforward, though parking is limited, ensuring a more tranquil experience. The preserve truly shines from late April to early May when its vibrant spring native wildflowers are in full bloom. Given the many springs, expect the trail to be frequently wet, so waterproof footwear is a good idea. This is a perfect spot for a quick, rewarding nature walk.

This preserve is a hidden gem for wildlife spotting, with large woodpeckers, owls, herons, and frogs making their home here. The rich biodiversity and unique geological features, like the diabase boulders and the convergence of multiple streams, create a special microclimate. An interesting feature is the bog bridge, ingeniously crafted from the sills of invasive ailanthus trees, showcasing ecological management efforts.

The Ridge, Swamp, General Nicholas Biddle, Reservoir, and Spring Road Loop offers a delightful and easy hiking experience through varied landscapes in Lebanon County. You'll traverse sections named for their natural features, including a pleasant stretch alongside the General Nicholas Biddle Reservoir, providing a refreshing change of scenery. This 4.6-mile (7.5 km) route involves a modest 256 feet (78 metres) of elevation gain, making it a comfortable journey that typically takes just under 2 hours to complete.

For planning your visit, this loop is highly accessible and suitable for most hikers. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the trail's easy nature means it's a good option for a spontaneous outing. It's a family-friendly choice, and you won't need any special permits to enjoy this tranquil walk in Pennsylvania.

This trail stands out as a great option for those seeking a gentle, unhurried outdoor activity in the Timber Hills area. Its combination of named sections like Ridge Trail and Swamp Trail suggests a diverse natural environment, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quiet escape into nature. It's an excellent way to explore the local landscape without committing to a strenuous climb.

The Bullfrog Valley Park loop offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll wander along well-maintained paved paths and discover more rustic, unpaved sections, including a charming abandoned railroad grade. Keep an eye out for ducks and geese around the park's serene lake or pond, and enjoy the changing scenery from lush woodlands to open green spaces and farm fields.

This easy 4.2-mile (6.8 km) hike, with a gentle 322 feet (98 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 51 minutes. It's an ideal choice for families, walkers, and even strollers, though you should expect some mild uphill grades. Parking is available at Bullfrog Valley Park, and the trail is generally accessible year-round, offering pleasant views in any season.

What makes this route particularly special is its integration into the extensive Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail network, a 13.5-mile multi-use greenway. This connection allows you to seamlessly explore beyond the loop, linking to other parks and neighborhoods. The trail is well-equipped with amenities like benches and porta-potties, and you might even spot wildlife such as deer and various birds.