Healthy Adams County is inviting residents to lace up their boots and stay active through the colder months with its Winter 2026 Hiking Series, a lineup of guided hikes and walks across Adams County and nearby areas designed for a wide range of abilities.
The series, sponsored by the Healthy Adams County Physical Fitness Task Force, begins in early January and runs through mid-April, offering everything from easy, flat walks to more challenging hikes with significant elevation.
New this year is the “Step Up For History – 250K!” campaign, which encourages participants to log their steps throughout the season. Hikers who reach 250,000 steps can earn a prize. Details and step logging information are available at www.homeinadamscounty.org.
The first hike in the series takes place Sunday, Jan. 4, at 1:30 p.m. with a 4.3-mile hike at Canada Hollow in Michaux State Forest. Rated moderate, the hike features about 500 feet of elevation gain and a mix of trail surfaces ranging from pine needles to rocky stretches. Participants will park at the intersection of Ridge and Means Hollow roads.
That will be followed on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 1 p.m. by an easy 2-mile walk on the Elizabeth D’Nunzio Trail in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The relatively flat route, made up of gravel paths and sidewalks, meets near the athletic center parking lots on Emmitsburg Road and is designed for those looking for a gentler winter outing.
Additional January hikes include a 2-mile Amphitheater Hike at Gettysburg National Military Park on Saturday, Jan. 17, and a 2-mile walk from the park’s visitor center on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Later in the season, participants can choose longer and more strenuous options, including a 5-mile hike to Chimney Rocks on the Appalachian Trail, as well as family-friendly and history-focused hikes.
All hikes are fully guided and open to the public, though organizers note that trail conditions may be uneven or muddy. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and bring water. Walks and hikes are held rain or shine.
In the event of severe weather or schedule changes, updates will be posted at www.facebook.com/healthyadamscounty. A full schedule, including distances and difficulty levels, is available through Healthy Adams County and its partner organizations.
Source: Healthy Adams County