Obviously we've been hiking well before this hike, but in terms of posting to this page, this is our 1st! We're very excited to share our hiking experiences with you.
For our first hike, we decided to pick a location that is near and dear to us, Boiling Springs. Ella grew up in Boiling Springs, and later this year, we are moving back (from Mechanicsburg) and we can't wait! For these reasons, we thought it was only fitting that we start here, and share part of why we love this town! Center Point Knob has always been a favorite spot of ours and we hope you enjoy it too!
Center Point Knob
Length: 5.3 Miles
Time: ~2 Hours
Elevation Gain: 797 Feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: This out and back hike offers beautiful views of Cumberland Valley's farming landscape, as well as a tranquil forest setting.
Fun Fact: Center Point Knob was the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail when it was completed in 1937. The plaque bolted to the boulder at the summit of Center Point Knob is a bronze replica of the original plaque that marked the halfway point.
Directions: From Harrisburg - Take US 15 S to Lisburn Road exit (about 8 miles). Turn right onto Lisburn Road and continue for 3.8 Miles. Turn left onto PA-174 W/Boiling Springs Road and continue for 3.6 Miles. Turn left onto Bucher Hill Road (it can be easy to miss - it'll be the first left after Allenberry) and travel for .2 miles. There will be a parking lot on the left across from Children's Lake, called Fisherman's Lot. When using GPS, just put in the Boiling Springs Iron Furnace and it'll take you to that parking lot.
Where to Park: At the Boiling Springs Iron Furnace there is a free/municipal parking lot, called Fisherman's Lot, that you can park in to start your hike.
Details: Start this hike by exiting through the back of the parking lot and crossing the steel grate walking bridge. Turn right off of the bridge and follow the trail to the road. Cross over the single lane humpback bridge and bear to the left and around the green gate after crossing the train tracks. In about 25 yards stay to the right and continue following the iconic white blazes of the Appalachian Trail (AT). For a little over a mile you'll cross through active farm fields before reaching the foot of South Mountain. As you make your way to the summit there is evidence of long past mining activity along the left side of the trail. Continue following the AT until reaching the summit. Here you'll find a replica of the plaque that marked the original halfway point of the AT. Jot your name down in the trail log and take a peek through the trees for a view of the valley below. Now comes the easy part, turn back and head down the mountain and across the fields from where you came.
*Optional: Before starting the hike, take a short walk through the back of the parking lot to view the Boiling Springs Iron Furnace. This furnace was built in 1760 and is one of the earliest of its kind.
Suggestions: Pack water and a small snack for the top at Center Point Knob.
Shorten Your Hike: This hike can be shortened by parking along the shoulder of Leidigh Road, near the trail crossing, rather than beginning in the Fisherman's Lot. This is about 3.4 miles in length and is still considered moderate. An additional access point for Center Point Knob is the White Rocks Trail. It is a 1.3 mile, moderate to strenuous trail that adjoins the Appalachian Trail just south of Center Point Knob. Parking for the White Rocks Trail is located off of Kuhn Road.
The first local business that we are highlighting is TCO Fly Shop, which sits right on the Children's Lake in Boiling Springs. A lot of people think that this shop is just a fishing store, but it's so much more. They have tons of outdoor gear and are located right next to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Be sure to check it out and stop in for gear on your next visit!
That's all for this first hike!
Please give us feedback and let us know your thoughts! Also, be sure to share photos from your adventure on our Facebook Page.
Thanks for checking us out!
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