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Swopes Valley Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · Running trail in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Swopes Valley Trailhead yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
What runners say about Swopes Valley Trailhead
“Beautiful trail this time of year.”
What could be better than finding some fossils with someone you love?! We never dug for fossil before, but it seemed like something fun to do on a cool autumn day. The "fossil pit" is about half a mile from the trailhead parking lot.
This trail has become one of our families favorite local destinations the past few years. The trailhead itself has recently gotten an actual bathroom, which was great, and an upgrade from the porta potty that was there last time we went. There isn't any running water, but still great to just have that.
Trails are nice for cycling. I usually start at Swopes Valley Road on Bear Hole trail to Lickdale Campground for a break. You can return on the Swatara Trail to Portage Trail and back to Swopes Valley. Round trip is just under 20 miles. You can add another 4 miles continuing across Swopes Valley Road up to Rt.
Parked at Swopes Valley Trailhead then rode my bike. About 1 mile in is the fossil site and at approximately 2.5 miles to Bordners cabin.
Trail conditions & character
“The trailhead itself has recently gotten an actual bathroom, which was great, and an upgrade from the porta potty that was there last time we went.”
“The trailhead itself has recently gotten an actual bathroom, which was great, and an upgrade from the porta potty that was there last time we went.”
“Nice, wide multipurpose trailhead for horses, dogs, hikers, and cyclists.”
“We have been able to find fossils all over the hill and even just laying around.”
Plan your run at Swopes Valley Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Pine Grove
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Swatara Rail Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 36 reviews
Gravel-surfaced trail for hiking and mountain biking that links to the Swatara Rail Trail.
Swatara State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 843 reviews
The fields, woods & streams draw visitors for fishing, hunting, hiking & cross-country skiing.
Swatara Water Trail
5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews
Trout Run Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
Lebanon Valley Rail Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 43 reviews
Dog-friendly hiking area with a wide trail that's good for quick walks.
