Located in the heart of Pennsylvania, Carlisle is surrounded by beautiful nature trails. With fall right around the corner, September and October are the perfect months to explore all Cumberland County has to offer. Below, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the area’s best trails for leaf-peeping and stunning fall colors to make the most of your autumn stay. Read to the end to see Inn-Keeper Dawn’s favorite spot!
1. Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch
Distance from the inn: 8.7 Miles, 14 Minute Drive
Trail Length: 0.5 Mile Loop Trail
The Hawk watch trail at Waggoner’s Gap is perfect for an autumn adventure. Famous for its 
Habitat encompassing over 150 bird species, the fall migration is the perfect time to visit this trail. The beautiful view over Blue Mountain combined with autumnal colors and impressive wildlife makes this short trail perfect for all ages.
2. Sunset Rocks Trail
Distance from the inn: 17.2 Miles, 28 Minutes
Trail Length: 8.3 mile loop
Located in the beautiful Pine Grove Furnace State Park, this natural area has copious options for adventurous guests. If you are looking for a challenging yet rewarding adventure, the Sunset Rocks Trail is a beautiful outlook. Stunning at any time of day, the trail glows at sunset, especially when with the warm glow of the fall leaves.
3. Opossum Lake Trail
Distance from the inn: 6.1 Miles, 12 minute drive
Trail Length: 3.6 mile loop
The Angler Trail around Opossum Lake is a beautiful natural preserve. The trail follows the lake and goes through forests, wet-lands, and ridges, and is great for bird watching. The area is also great for fishing, biking, and boating if you are looking for more mellow outdoor activities!
4. White Rocks Trail
Distance from the inn: 10.1 Miles, 16 Minutes
Trail Length: 1.3 Miles
The beautiful White Rocks trail follows the Appalachian Trail and provides a stunning outlook over the mountain range. The path takes you through a rich forest filled with oaks and maples and is stunning in the autumn. This trail is perfect for a day hike and has stunning views of the valley.
5. Kings Gap Loop
Distance from the inn: 10.1 Miles, 16 Minutes
Trail Length: 1.3 Miles
Kings Gap State Park is perfect for any level of outdoor adventure. The iconic loop trail has overlooks on the scenic valley, but there are shorter hikes through the woods. Additionally, the area is perfect for a picnic from the Kings Gap general store which serves weekly specials, old fashioned-candy, and milkshakes! Kings Gap State Park is great for a day full of nature fun, or a short exploration – it has it all!
6. Pole Steeple Trail
Distance from the inn: 14.6 Miles, 21 minute drive
Trail Length: 0.75 mile loop
The Pole Steeple Trail spans from Pine Grove Furnace State Park to the Michaux State Forest and is a difficult yet rewarding short hike. The quartzite trail overlooks iconic Laurel Lake and the Cumberland Valley. For the adventurer, the trail connects to the Appalachian Trail for further exploration.
7. Carlisle Cave Hill
Distance from the inn: 2.1 miles, 6 minute drive
Trail Length: 0.5 out and back
The Cave Hill Nature Center is walking distance from the Inn and overlooks a beautiful creek. although this natural area is less mapped than others, it follows a route through the caves of Carlisle and is great for the explorer! The preserve itself has a little bit of everything, with a creek to explore, caves to wander through and cliffs for lookouts. 
8. Children’s Lake: Boiling Springs
Distance from the inn: 7.2 Miles, 12 Minute drive
Trail Length: 1.4 mile loop
Children’s lake is a beautiful expansive lake in the center of Boiling Springs. A quaint town just down the road from Carlisle, Boiling Springs is home to the Artisan Well Springs, and famously, the Bubbler. The trail around the lake connects to many Appalachian Trail historic markers and even connects to the trail itself! Perfect for a short day trip with beautiful views of the mountain range. Additionally, the town of Boiling Springs is perfect for a quick breakfast or picnic as it is nestled in the beautiful mountain range. 
9. Flatrock Vista
Distance from the inn: 18.2 miles, 33 minutes
Trail Length: 2.5 miles out and back
The Flatrock Vista trail is located in Tuscarora State Forest, home to many beautiful hiking trails. The Flatrock Vista winds through Blue Mountain and follows many interesting historical and geographic sites like the Wagon Wheel Footbridge. The rugged yet rewarding hike ends at a beautiful view of the Cumberland County and is perfect for the adventurer! 
10. Letort Spring Run Trail and Natural Preserve
Inn-Keeper Dawn Flower-Webb’s favorite Carlisle trail!
Distance from the inn: 1.5 miles or 5 minute drive
Trail Length: 3 Miles
The Letort Spring Run Trail showcases the natural beauty of Carlisle. The trail is close-by and perfect for fishing, biking, cross-country skiing, and, of course, hiking! Dawn loves to see the cranes, visit the friendly donkeys, and soak in the serenity found there. There are a few fascinating historical markers for the history buff, and beautiful wildlife for all to enjoy! The flat cinder path is accessible for all and perfect for a quick mid-day walk
Carlisle is the perfect destination for all sorts of fall fun! These trails are a great way to explore the natural beauty surrounding the Mooreland Garden Inn, scan the QR code below to book your stay!
