TOP 12 LIST: THE BEST WAYNESBORO AREA AUTUMN HIKES
Photographs by Robb Helfrick
NUMBER 12: ANTIETAM MEADOW PARK
This little-known park borders Antietam Creek, but the open meadow is the bigger draw, with plentiful bird species and common deer sightings. This recreation spot is quiet, and harder to locate but worth the trip, located off Country Club Road and Scott Road. Bring binoculars to spot birds in the trees and near the creek.
NUMBER 11: ROTARY PARK
Soon to be designated as an arboretum, Rotary Park is tucked into a quiet neighborhood in southern Waynesboro. With nearly 30 species of trees, its likely a visitor will see some stage of fall color during late October and November. A flat, paved circuit path makes walking stress free.
NUMBER 10: PINE HILL RECREATON AREA
This 174-acre Washington Township Park sits above Red Run Park and offers panoramic vistas and 7 hiking trails that total 3 miles in length. The wooded portion of the park has never been developed. The area containing pavilions and a fire pit offers wide views of the nearby Michaux State Forest.
NUMBER 9: C&O CANAL TOWPATH
The towpath offers flat terrain and scenic views of the Potomac River. With multiple access points in Washington County, MD, including at Cushwa Basin in Williamsport, this pathway stretches from Washington, DC, to Cumberland, MD. An idea place to witness misty mornings along a great river ecosystem and spy many species of birds.
NUMBER 8: HAGERSTOWN CITY PARK
One of the area’s greatest municipal parks, Hagerstown City Park has colorful old trees surrounding a scenic lake. Footpaths wind through the park, and walkers never tire of circling the lake while witnessing waterfowl and other aquatic creatures.
NUMBER 7: MEMORIAL PARK
Memorial Park is Waynesboro’s quintessential town park. Hosting a main thoroughfare that travels beneath a tunnel of orange/yellow trees, and a walking circuit that offers both sun and shade, it’s a perfect place to see fall color and greet neighbors.
NUMBER 6: MONT ALTO STATE PARK
Situated near Antietam Creek and in the shade of the mountains, Mont Alto State Park is Pennsylvania’s oldest recreation area. The park was once a grand resort that rivaled Pen Mar Park but is quiet now. Various trails lead along the road and creek and connect with other trails for a more adventurous hike. A bell-shaped gazebo is a perfect place for fall picnic and a vestige to an earlier era.
NUMBER 5: MONTEREY PASS BATTLEFIELD
Monterey Pass offers mountaintop scenery, with a reward for hikers who trek the semi-steep hike to the summit. Along the way, rugged scenery and interpretive signage explain that General George Custer roamed this territory in 1863 during fierce fighting that took place at night during a raging thunderstorm. The vista from the top offers fantastic views to the east with glimpses of Appalachian splendor.
NUMBER 4: CUNNINGHAM FALLS STATE PARK/CATOCTIN NATIONAL PARK
These Maryland neighbors offer a full range of hiking experiences. Cunningham Falls has its namesake waterfall, a lake and trails that connect the two. Catoctin National Park has wilder trails, which lead to rocky overlooks that showcase grand vistas of Appalachian scenery.
NUMBER 3: THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
For a greater challenge, take a hike on the famed Appalachian Trail, which passes through Franklin County. With multiple access points on Route 16, Old Forge State Park, and Pen Mar Park, hikers can choose to trek over and along ridgelines with fantastic overlooks of the Cumberland Valley. Walk as far as you’re able, the trail stretches over 2000 miles from Maine to Georgia.
NUMBER 2: BUTTONWOOD NATURE CENTER
Buttonwood Nature Center is the newest retreat in the Waynesboro area, located off Amsterdam Road near the mill. With a pond, bubbling Red Run creek, rolling hills and panoramic vistas, this is park is a haven for flora and fauna, and has quickly charmed outdoor enthusiasts with its scenery and outdoor education programs.
THE NUMBER 1 AREA PLACE FOR AN AUTUMN HIKE: RENFREW PARK
Renfrew Park has an excellent trail system that allows walkers to experience every sort of landscape at this 120-acre preserve. Stroll past farm fields, through woods, along Antietam Creek, or past rustic buildings to sample all Renfrew has to offer. With connections to the Ed Miller Trail, hikers can walk into town to Memorial Park and will likely see wildlife along the way.
Honorable Mentions:
Gettysburg National Military Park, Pat O’Conner Park, Red Run Park, Happel’s Meadow Park, Martins Mill Bridge Park