It's a bit more of a "breather" but all-in-all only 1.4 miles one-way.
The turtle is a creation of nature that carries its round shell over the ground, like heaven, and has a flat bottom, like earth. With a profile resembling a mountain and the turning motion of its toes, it seemed to be a depiction of heaven and earth changing constantly through the seasons. Turtles remind us that the way to heaven is through the earth. For that to happen, we must slow down and heighten our sensibilities. We must see the connection to all things through lifting our eyes towards the Creator. Just as the turtle cannot separate itself from its shell, neither can we separate ourselves from being part of His Great Outdoors.
The trail is part of Fort Hunter Conservancy which wraps around behind Camp Reily (Camp Reily) was originally a 10-acre property donated by former YWCA Greater Harrisburg Board President, Helen Boas Reily, and her husband Mr. John Reily, in 1927. Later the Reily family expanded the gift to 28 acres
This 153 acre Conservancy of wooded mountain land was donated to Fort Hunter in 1986 by Dr. J. Wister Meigs. The son of museum founder Margaret Wister Meigs, he wanted to maintain this nature area in perpetuity. Of the old 900 acre estate, this was the furthest tract from the Mansion. Originally called the Chucky Hill tract, it is no longer contiguous to the Fort Hunter Park property.
This route ascends the powerline cut on Second Mountain and provides some nice views despite the lines towards Harrisburg and the Susquehanna River. It is all Class 1 hiking but does get quite steep when ascending the powerline cut.
From Camp Reilly follow the gold blazed trail up hill (north) until you reach the red blazed trail which travels west to east. Head east for approximately 0.4 miles until you intersect the powerline cut. From here it is a 1 mile climb up to the summit and some very nice views south and north. The trail from the base to the summit is a steep rocky talus that absolutely kills the boots, so make sure you're prepared. You'll want trekking poles for the descent because it is really loose and slick. The trail is enshrouded in beautiful wildflowers in Spring and Summer and it's almost a sure bet that you'll get some glances at some of the areas wildlife.
Views south extend over Blue Mountain to Harrisburg and beyond with the Susquehanna River over to your right and the stone arched Rockville Bridge, which is the longest in the world. If you look north you can see over Third Mountain to Peters Mountain Ridge. If you look very carefully you can see Table Rock and Shikellamy Rocks jutting out of the top of the ridge on either end. This trail is a very nice evening or morning hike to watch the sun either coming or going. You'll gain just over 700 feet on the ascent in 1.4 miles.
You'll need (minimum) comfortable hiking boots, water/snacks, trekking poles (a must), and a camera.
Allow up to 2 hours so you can enjoy the view and take some photos.
