Places to Run

Harrisburg and Mechanicsburg have tremendous running paths. From our iconic Greenbelt through the city to beautiful parks and the Appalachian Trail, our area truly has something for everyone and keeps runners interested with the various types of terrain found here. Being the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail and having access to a 20-mile Greenbelt means you'll never be bored running in Central PA. 

If you’re looking for company you can always join Fleet Feet Mechanicsburg on Thursdays for a group run in the Vincent DiFilippo Nature Preserve. Or Fleet Feet Harrisburg for a late morning run on Sundays.

Harrisburg Greenbelt

The Harrisburg Green Belt is a cornerstone of running in Central PA. The Greenbelt offers 20 miles of connected paths through the city of Harrisburg. The Greenbelt begins at City Island, runs along the Susquehanna River, connects to Wildwood Park and makes a full loop of 20 miles around the city. Runners and walkers can be seen on the Greenbelt daily enjoying the views of the river and local scenery.

Wildwood Park

Wildwood Park offers a nature sanctuary right in Harrisburg. The park is commonly frequented by bird watchers for the many species that live in the park. There is a path used by runners that includes a boardwalk section, and winds through wooded areas and a lake. The park is used to display local art which can be seen along the path alongside wildflowers.

Riverfront Park

City Island is a great place to park to access the beautiful river walk. This is also part of the Greenbelt.

Adams-Ricci Community Park 

This park features great paved trails for walking and running.

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail, often simply referred to as the "AT," is an iconic trail that passes right through Central PA, just a few miles from Fleet Feet Mechanicsburg. The Appalachian Trail spans almost 2,200 miles from Maine to Georgia. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy claims the trail to be the longest hiking-only trail in the world. More than 3 million people utilize the AT every year. The trail in our area is relatively flat and smooth through the Cumberland Valley but begins to get very rocky and technical once you are more than a few miles outside of the valley, especially when traveling south past Boiling Springs. A common 5-mile run begins in Boiling Springs at Children's Lake, runs south to Center Point Knob, and returns back to Children’s Lake. Enjoy mountain views, and the beauty of nature along the way.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park 

Located southwest of Mechanicsburg, Pink Grove Furnace State Park features an extensive network of trails.

Vincent DiFilippo Nature Preserve

Beginning from Fleet Feet Mechanicsburg, head West to the trail along Sample Bridge Road. The trail takes you directly to the nature preserve known for eagles and their nests. The preserve follows the Conodoguinet Creek and provides a natural habitat for many plants and animals. This route is frequently used by Fleet Feet for the Thursday run beginning at 6 p.m. all year round. Runs often finish at Appalachian Brewing Company which is along the route.