Tucked between two Appalachian ridges, Cumberland Valley is your launchpad for unforgettable summer escapes. From food trails to creek tubing, this is where outdoor adventure and small-town charm collide.
TAP INTO YOUR WILD SIDE
Roam the wilds of Cumberland Valley for jaw-dropping views and epic outdoor escapades. Forty-six miles of the Appalachian Trail cut through this neck of the woods. For a moderate challenge, tackle the rugged White Rocks Trail, where cool rock formations call for some light rock scrambling. For more variety, explore over 25 miles of scenic trails at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, winding through the peaceful forests of South Mountain.
Prefer your adventures waterside? Kayak or fish along the trout-filled Yellow Breeches Creek. Tube the easy-flowing Conodoguinet Creek or explore the calm lakeside beaches at Pine Grove Furnace State Park and Colonel Denning State Park.
FOLLOW THE CUMBERLAND VALLEY PASSPORT TRAILS
Want to taste, sip, and snack your way across Cumberland Valley? Use the free digital Passport Trails to map your route and take advantage of special discounts. Try the Ice Cream Trail for local scoops. With over 20 participating locations, you will satisfy your sweet tooth and cool off as you “moo-ve” across the Valley. Or enjoy great drinks and good company as you explore distinctive flavors along the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail. With more than 25 locations, there’s no shortage of refreshing options. In between scoops and sips, explore the area’s rich heritage along the Carlisle History Walk. Stroll through Carlisle as you explore historical wayside markers that invite you to connect with stories that shaped our community.
Interested in exploring more history? Walk the 1-mile Army Heritage Trail in Carlisle, step into the past at the Cumberland County Historical Society Museum, or dive into the human experiences of hiking along the Appalachian Trail at Appalachian Trail Museum.
EXPLORE THE VALLEY ON WHEELS
Bring your bike and explore Cumberland Valley on two wheels. From mountain biking adventures to family-friendly bike paths, there’s a route for every skill level. Zip around the Carlisle Pumptrack or enjoy a leisurely ride along the 13-mile Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, traversing wooded areas and scenic farmlands. Mountain bikers will love traversing the
4-mile trail around Opossum Lake, featuring climbs, bumpy terrain, and small bridges that offer a fun challenge.
CAPTURE PICTURE PERFECT VIEWS
Searching for Instagram-worthy shots? Snap panoramic views from numerous scenic overlooks, where you can look across Cumberland Valley’s quaint towns, rolling farmlands, and wooded forests. From the rocky overlook at Waggoner’s Gap to the spectacular
180-degree views of the Valley from Flat Rock Trail and views of the Harrisburg Skyline and Susquehanna River from Negley Park, you’ll find a picture-perfect landscape. Don’t forget to tag your shots with #FoundItinCV.
VIBE ALL SUMMER WITH OUTDOOR MUSIC
Is it really summer without outdoor concerts? Enjoy summer vibes at events like Music on the Mountain at Kings Gap, the Live Music Summer Artist Series in Carlisle, and the Summer Concert Series at Historic Peace Church. Or relax with wood-fired pizza and tunes at Dickinson College Farm. All season long, concerts pop up in some of the Valley’s most scenic outdoor spots.