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Vincent DiFilippo Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 247 Google reviews · Running trail in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Vincent DiFilippo Nature Preserve'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.
Nature preserve featuring a walking trail, riverside area, and abundant wildlife.
What runners say about Vincent DiFilippo Nature Preserve
“Lovely, partially shaded, well-maintained wetlands preserve, with wildlife consistently visible.”
“Lovely, partially shaded, well-maintained wetlands preserve, with wildlife consistently visible.”
“It's a nice, peaceful place to take a walk and enjoy the beautiful area.”
This 54 acre nature preserve is situated between a residential development and the Conodoguinet Creek. I found this place when I was looking for access points for the creek. The access point, by the way, is right by the parking lot, only good for non-motorized boats.
This is a great local park. The trails are nice for a quick walk and are well maintained. There is water access and lots of wildlife. I saw squirrels, snakes, and a groundhog. It was a very peaceful park and I would go back if in the area again.
Clean trail with a chance to see bald eagles! Lots of wildlife and there is a small spot to go swimming and cool off.
Vincent DiFilippo Nature Preserve is a welcome place of solitude. There is a 2 mile gravel trail and is a great place for a walk or run. I always see lots of wildlife whenever I visit. This is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life!
Trail conditions & character
“The gravel parking area includes handicap parking spots and direct access to the creek and walking trail.”
“The gravel parking area includes handicap parking spots and direct access to the creek and walking trail.”
“It's a nice, peaceful place to take a walk and enjoy the beautiful area.”
“There is a loop trail that starts and ends at the parking lot.”
“It's a nice, peaceful place to take a walk and enjoy the beautiful area.”
“Lovely, partially shaded, well-maintained wetlands preserve, with wildlife consistently visible.”
“A relaxing park with a level path along the creek and through a reclaimed area turned into a nature preserve.”
“This place has lot of parking spaces and also offers restroom.”
“The creek is generally not accessible for a closer look except by the concrete building and the small bridge.”
Plan your run at Vincent DiFilippo Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Loop distance4 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesstwp.org
- Phone(717) 766-1657
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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