Hamer Woodlands at Cove Mountain Preserve

Just across the river from Harrisburg, Hamer Woodlands at Cove Mountain offers a wide variety of trails and views.  You’ll find well-maintained trails, rock features, and views of the Rockville Bridge and a mini "Statue of Liberty" replica in the middle of the Susquehanna River.

Located along the Kittatinny Ridge, Hamer Woodlands at Cove Mountain is a nearly 1,400-acre preserve in Perry County. Throughout the trail system, the serene sounds of nature mix with train engines as they ride along the track over and parallel to the Susquehanna River winding below.

Hamer woodlands at cove mountain Core Stats

Adventure Trail Hiking

Hamer Woodlands at Cove Mountain Preserve Features

The Green and Yellow Loop

Both the Green and Yellow trails can be separate 1-mile out-and-backs to the Boulder Squeeze and Susquehanna River Overlook, or hikers can create a mixed-trail loop. The Green blaze route features a mix of rocky inclines and tighter pathways, while the Yellow blazes offer some rocky elements but overall a more gradual route. The payoff for either route is a 270° view of the Susquehanna River, including a view of a mini “Statue of Liberty” replica atop an old railroad support in the middle of the Susquehanna River. Note: the view is best from fall through early spring when the canopy isn’t full.  

The Pink Trail

The Pink Trail is 1.3-mile loop featuring an observation area with a view of the Rockville Bridge, the longest stone masonry arch railroad viaduct ever built. As noted for the Green and Yellow Loop, the views from the observation areas are best when the canopy isn’t full. But don’t let that stop you from hiking this beautiful trail during the lush spring and summer months!

Pink, Orange, and Purple

If you are looking for a longer hike, use a section of the Pink Trail to connect with the Orange and Purple trails to explore a huge section of Cove Mountain. This route covers nearly 10 miles of hiking across varied elevations. Are you up to the challenge?

How to get there

From Harrisburg, take I-81 South to US 11/15 North to Marysville. Turn left onto Spruce Street, make a quick right onto Myrtle Ave., then a left on Sylvan St. to head up the hill to the gravel lot above Wesley United Methodist Church. The parking area is less than 10 miles from Downtown Harrisburg.