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Kings Gap Environmental Education Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 329 Google reviews · Running trail in Carlisle, Pennsylvania · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Kings Gap Environmental Education Center's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Sprawling state park with 16 miles of scenic hiking trails, plus an educational program center.
What runners say about Kings Gap Environmental Education Center
“I only did a bike ride to the top and walked around a little bit so not sure on the specifics of the Ed Center but the building is awesome and the views from the back are stunning.”
“For those seeking an easy walk, the forest pools and pine plantation areas provide flat, peaceful routes with no elevation gain.”
“For those seeking an easy walk, the forest pools and pine plantation areas provide flat, peaceful routes with no elevation gain.”
Nice series of walks, plenty of trail maps available, but some of the trails were really well marked while others were not, so it was confusing in places. Only area we saw rattlesnakes while visiting the area.
This place is a different experience than the other typical hikes. This place is a little deep into the woods (a bit isolated) but the views from here were spectacular. There are a lot of hiking trails from easy to difficult.
I'm slightly biased about Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, as my property connects to the north end of this beautiful state park. Spanning 2,500 acres from the crest of South Mountain down to the valley below, Kings Gap offers a diverse landscape.
It was beautiful. The views from the mansion balcony are stunning! We definetly plan to go back and tour once the mansion opens. They have some of everything, flowers, herb 🌿 gardens, and walking trails. Dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed and you must clean up after them.
Trail conditions & character
“I only did a bike ride to the top and walked around a little bit so not sure on the specifics of the Ed Center but the building is awesome and the views from the back are stunning.”
“For those seeking an easy walk, the forest pools and pine plantation areas provide flat, peaceful routes with no elevation gain.”
“(We did not go inside and the restrooms we further away from the terrace but they were accessible for those who could walk/drive over)”
“There's also a parking area for a pond and another for the forest pools.”
“(We did not go inside and the restrooms we further away from the terrace but they were accessible for those who could walk/drive over)”
Plan your run at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitedcnr.pa.gov
- Phone+1 717-486-5031
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Carlisle
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Fielding Belt Trail
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