For our next Hike Central PA post we decided to do the lake loop at Wildwood. With our first hike being moderate in difficulty, we wanted to slow things down a bit and take an easy stroll. Our plan is to highlight several different types of hikes (strenuous, moderate, and easy) for all skill levels.
Wildwood Lake Loop
Length: 3.2 Miles
Time: ~1 Hour & 15 Minutes
Elevation Gain: 144 Feet
Difficulty: Easy
Description: This hike is a heavily trafficked loop trail. It offers views of the lake and offers a number of activities such as bird watching and a tour of the nature center. This is a great hike for all skill levels; it is wheelchair and stroller friendly. Dogs are welcome to this trail but must be on a leash.
Fun Fact: From the 1920's-1940's Wildwood was home to the Harrisburg Zoo, which included native Pennsylvanian species, such as mink, black bear, white-tailed deer, mountain lion, muskrat, raccoon and 24 monkeys (which were imported).
Directions:
GPS: 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110
From 81 (either direction) take Front Street Exit #66 (North) Exit and proceed north on Front Street. Follow Front Street North to the first traffic light turn right onto Route 39 (also called Linglestown Road). Proceed to the next traffic light and turn right onto Industrial Road. Travel Industrial Road for 1+ mile. Look for a large green sign on the left that says Olewine Nature Center/Wildwood Park - turn left at the sign onto Wildwood Way and follow the paved road until you come to the nature center parking lot. If you go under the I-81 bridge-you have missed the nature center entrance
Where to Park: Parking available at the Nature Center.
Details: We started our walk at the Nature Center and followed the Wildwood Way Trail for 2.1 Miles and then continued onto the Towpath Trail for another 1 mile. We then turned left onto Wildwood Way and followed this back to the Nature Center.
Suggestions: Bring a pair of binoculars and a camera for animal sightings.
Instead of highlighting a local business, we opted to highlight the nature center located at Wildwood. The Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center includes a natural exhibit area that showcases the areas natural resource information, as well as a small shop, called the Nature Store. There is also a reading area for children and parents, and a glass "blind" for bird watching. If you check it out and find it interesting please consider donating to the Friends of Wildwood Organization, which supports the Nature Center, or even better, becoming a member! There is a membership form and donation link on their website: https://www.wildwoodlake.org/support/membership-application.aspx
We hope you enjoy your walk around Wildwood Lake!
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! Keep Nature Neat!
Check out our other hikes!
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