Swatara Gap to Route 645

September 8
9.5 miles

Tom, Shannon, Wyatt, Rich and Mike

Our first “leapfrog” hike.  We skipped the 16 mile stretch that would have come after our last hike because that would require an overnight that our schedule did not permit.  So, we hiked on a beautiful Sunday morning, in a southwesterly direction atop Blue Mountain from Route 645 to Swatara Gap.

What began as a fairly smooth path turned rockier as our walk progressed, and remained so for most of the duration.  When the rocks subsided in sections, ferns were everywhere, and the trail seemed overgrown and narrow—as if hikers had not tramped down the path.   But, indeed, several hikers were out, and what seemed to be a few thru or long-distance hikers.  We didn’t have a chance to talk to them, but I am guessing based on sight and smell—for they had not bathed in some time!

Wyatt was ever the trooper and there was no lag in the group—despite the terrain.   Along the way were two very picturesque overlooks of the valley below—and the day was gorgeous.   If there was a day that I thought we would see a bear, or some wildlife, that was it---but there were no sightings.

As we neared Swatara Gap, the steep decline of the trail put the shock absorbers in our human knee ligaments to the test (and I felt it for a few days afterwards).  Overall on this hike, the trail descends from an elevation of 1500 feet to 500 feet, and the last mile is half of that 1000 foot descent.

Nearer to the level ground, we passed under the high overpasses of Route 81 and came upon a beautiful bridge that transverses the Swatara Creek.  There are several trails in this area, and they make an excellent day hike.   For those interested in exploring the waterway, the Swatara Creek River Trail is a recreational waterway that runs from Pine Grove to Middletown.  In fact, the first weekend in May is known as the “Swatara Sojourn”, and many canoeists and kayakers make the trip during that weekend of food and fun.

After our wonderful day of hiking, Tom took a bus to D.C., and Shannon, Wyatt and Rich headed for Pittsburgh.  

Including the 16 we have to do behind us, we have about 123 miles to go!