A full slate of winter and early spring hikes sponsored by the Healthy Adams County Physical Fitness Task Force gets underway this week, offering residents a chance to stay active, explore local landscapes and connect history with healthy movement.
Hikers should wear sturdy footwear and carry drinking water, as trails may be uneven or muddy, and hikes are held rain or shine.
New this year, hikers are encouraged to join the “Step Up For History – 250K!” campaign, which challenges participants to log 250,000 steps and earn a prize. Step tracking and details are available at www.homeinadamscounty.org.
The guided hikes and walks are open to the public, with difficulty levels clearly marked from easy walks to strenuous climbs. Wednesday, Jan. 7, features an easy, 2-mile walk at 1 p.m. on the Elizabeth D’Nunzio Trail in Emmitsburg, Maryland, followed by a 2-mile hike at the amphitheater on Saturday, Jan. 17, at Gettysburg National Military Park. A late-January walk on Jan. 28 loops through the park’s Visitor Center area, passing landmarks such as the Pennsylvania Monument, the Angle, and Meade’s headquarters.
February brings longer and more challenging options. A 3.5-mile hike at Hosack Run in Caledonia State Park on Feb. 7 offers two routes, including a rockier option with significant elevation. On Feb. 15, hikers will tackle a strenuous 5-mile outing on the Hermitage Trail and the Appalachian Trail to Chimney Rocks near Waynesboro, climbing roughly 1,000 feet in the first two miles for expansive views of Michaux and the Waynesboro Reservoir.
Later winter walks include a 1.5-mile stroll on the Gastley Property in Gettysburg on Feb. 25 and a flexible 4- or 6-mile hike on Buck Ridge at Pine Grove Furnace State Park on March 1. March continues with a walk at The Barn Resort, a rugged Charcoal Hearth Trail hike at Caledonia, and a history-themed outing on March 21 from Sachs Bridge to the Eisenhower National Historic Site, where a speaker will share insights into the Eisenhower family and their Gettysburg home.
As spring approaches, hikers will explore Mount Holly Marsh Preserve on March 29, Boyer’s Nursery near Biglerville on April 4, and conclude the season with a family-friendly 2-mile hike at Caledonia on April 11. That final hike is co-sponsored by the Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center and includes snacks and a hot dog lunch, with advance registration required.
Participants are reminded to check the Healthy Adams County Facebook page for weather updates. A complete, printable list of all hikes and dates is available here.