A popular community fitness initiative is returning this spring, inviting residents to explore Adams County through a series of guided walks that combine exercise, local history, and wellness education.
The Healthy Adams County Physical Fitness Task Force has announced its 2026 Spring Walking Parties, a lineup of free weekly walks and special events beginning in mid-April and continuing through early June.
Open to all ages and fitness levels, the program encourages participants to stay active while discovering parks, historic sites, and local attractions. Organizers note that dogs on leashes are welcome at most locations, and walkers are encouraged to bring water and wear appropriate footwear.
The season kicks off on April 15 with a three-mile walk from Gettysburg College’s athletic fields to the Peace Light memorial. The event will include a brief historical talk by historian Liz Haberman, highlighting the significance of the monument. Subsequent walks will take participants to locations including Cross Keys Community Park in New Oxford, Adams County Winery in Ortanna, and Littlestown Park, with some dates offering both standard and slower-paced options.
In addition to exercise, many walks feature educational components. Participants at Cross Keys Community Park will receive a brief CPR overview, while a May 6 walk at the Gettysburg National Military Park’s former golf course will include information on breast cancer prevention. Another walk at the Gettysburg Outlets will offer updates on local development, and the June 10 finale in historic Gettysburg will feature a presentation on Civil War-era resident Salome “Sallie” Myers Stewart.
A highlight of the schedule is a May 2 hike at Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve in Fairfield, where participants can join a naturalist-led walk focused on spotting spring salamanders. The series also includes the Highmark Wholecare Memorial Day 5K on May 25 at the Gateway Complex, which can serve as a make-up event for participants seeking perfect attendance.
Routes vary in length and terrain, typically ranging from one to three miles and including a mix of paved paths, gravel trails, and gently rolling hills. Several walks are designed to be accessible, with flatter routes and shorter distances available.
Organizers are also promoting participation in the “Step Up for History – 250K!” campaign, encouraging walkers to log 250,000 steps as part of a broader effort tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Participants who attend all scheduled walks, including the final event, will receive a perfect attendance prize in the form of an ice cream walk ticket.
Maps and additional details are available through the Adams Wellness website and the organization’s social media pages.
Source: Physical Fitness Task Force of Healthy Adams County