Fall is fabulous in Franklin County, and so is the Appalachian Trail. Just ask Pennsylvania First Lady Lori Shapiro. As foliage approached peak in the higher elevations of south-central Pennsylvania, Shapiro hiked a 10-mile section of the AT in Franklin County, beginning at Old Forge Picnic Area and departing the trail at Caledonia State Park.
Shapiro is striving to hike the 229-miles of the Appalachian Trail that crosses Pennsylvania. She began in June with an eight-mile hike from the Mason-Dixon Line at the Maryland-Pennyslvania border to the Tumbling Run Shelter in South Mountain, Pennsylvania.
Accompanying Shapiro on Old Forge to Caledonia hike were state Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, representatives of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, local members of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and outdoor supporters from neighboring Adams County.
Secretary of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Cindy Adams Dunn was on hand to see off the hikers and share some insights on the importance of this Pennsylvania landscape. Hikers topped off the day with a well-deserved cone or dish of Windy Knoll ice cream on Spring Road in Chambersburg. Windy Knoll Creamery is part of the south central Pennsylvania Scoop It Ice Cream Trail.
The later part of October is a beautiful setting for a hike in Franklin County. Colors are vibrant. Salmon-orange, gold and auburn leaves pop among the rich green of the pines. The Pennsylvania portion of the AT traverses Michaux State Forest in eastern Franklin County. Michaux comprises more than 85,000 acres in Franklin, Adams, Cumberland and a small part of York counties. Three Pennsylvania State Parks – Mont Alto, Caledonia and Pine Grove – are in Micahux State Forest, and Michaux holds the mid-point of the Appalachian Trail.
Franklin County attracts visitors to enjoy outdoor recreation, agri-tourism, beautiful views and nearly 300 years of American history. Day hiking is a perfect example of why more than 850,000 visitors enjoy the county each year. As the beauty of fall continues to spread across Franklin County – hikers, walkers and outdoor lovers are invited to explore the season in two leaf peeper adventures. Caledonia Canopy with Waterfall & Winery highlights the three state parks of Mont Alto, Caledonia and Pine Grove. Fort Loudoun, Forbes Road, Farmsteads & Frosty Brews travels to the western part of Franklin County and explores early American sites. Both showcase beautiful fall foliage, mountain views and the many reasons Franklin County is easy to enjoy.
The Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites all to experience the warm hospitality of communities like Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Shippensburg and Waynesboro. For more information, visit ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com or contact the Franklin County Visitors Bureau at 866-646-8060.
