The Forest Hills area is situated in Lower Paxton Township, within the scenic Blue Mountains, and is known for its rolling hills and beautiful trees. This tiny nature hike is hidden in a housing development, making it a bit of a secret forest. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse species that may be spotted throughout your visit. During the day you will see grey squirrels, chipmunks, a variety of birds, white tail deer and sometimes fox. Look for tracks from night time visitors that include bear, coyote, opossum, and raccoon.
A 2010 Boy Scout project, the side trails are hard to make out 15 years later (any Scouts looking for an Eagle project?) but worth investigating. Look for logs and stones that used to outline the side paths through the forest. The main path leads through the left side of the forest and into a grassy meadow. The trail through the forest on the right side of the trail head has disappeared but the woods are wide open and easy to walk through so adventure away! Deer are always bedded down on the right side, so well worth the trail blazing.
Follow-on Adventures:
- If you have small children, the large Centennial Acres playground nearby is recommended at: 4291 Continental Drive Harrisburg, PA 17109 or N40.34341, W-76.83715
- Older children may enjoy the basketball court, tennis courts, playground, or wide grassy field (for chase or other sports) at Forest Hills Park: 4100 Wimbledon Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17109 or
N40.34341, W-76.83715.
- For adventurous older explorers, Forest Hills Park’s green zone runs across Forest Hills Drive from the long/wide grassy field (that doubles as a water control zone during heavy rains – people canoe there during floods!) along the stream running near the playground and ball courts. See: https://www.mapquest.com/us/pennsylvania/forest-hill-park-46550147