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Wildwood Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,196 Google reviews · Running trail in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Wildwood Park'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.
Dog-friendly preserve with trails & boardwalks through marshes & wet woodlands plus a nature center.
What runners say about Wildwood Park
“Very well maintained and beautiful place for a hike with dogs!”
“The walking trails were absolutely beautiful, and I really enjoyed exploring all the different paths.”
It's a nice trail in a natural woody area with changing color trees, birds chirping in the neighborhood of busy highways. The Paxton Creek along the trail adds to the calming effects. My dog and I had a great visit on a beautiful Fall Saturday afternoon.
Found this scenic trail hike, best place to unwind and relax in. Must be more beautiful when flowers bloom ☺️ Dogs are allowed, however they must be leashed at all times. Restrooms are available in both north and south checkpoints (where parking lots are).
Beautiful park in the middle of a busy area. The trails are amazing, you can tell they do a lot of up keep especially with Fox Run trail (with the wooden planks) and the multiple boardwalk sections. The different trials also give a lot of terrain variety for running/walking.
I had such a wonderful time at this park! The walking trails were absolutely beautiful, and I really enjoyed exploring all the different paths. It's also a fantastic spot for bird watching; I saw so many different species of birds, it was truly a treat for the eyes and ears.
Trail conditions & character
“The walking trails were absolutely beautiful, and I really enjoyed exploring all the different paths.”
“We walked our dog and stretched our legs - found parking for our small tow behind camper at the lot near the nature center.”
“This nature center and trails are an absolutely great place to get away from all the sidewalks, concrete, parking lots and pavement.”
“The trails are amazing, you can tell they do a lot of up keep especially with Fox Run trail (with the wooden planks) and the multiple boardwalk sections.”
“There's a variety of paved to primitive trails and the maps online as well as posted at the park make it easy to choose a path appropriate for you.”
“Restrooms are available in both north and south checkpoints (where parking lots are).”
“The main loop trail is a mix of level ground and a few small hills.”
“The main loop trail is a mix of level ground and a few small hills.”
“It is great for my friend who uses a wheelchair to take the boardwalks.”
Plan your run at Wildwood Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteexplorewildwoodpark.org
- Phone(717) 221-0292
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–7 PM |
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