Camp at Tom's Run Shelter
Newville, Pennsylvania
Details
Distance
3 miles
Elevation Gain
85 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Seth Umbenhauer
This is a peaceful, convenient hike less than 1 hour from Harrisburg, PA that passes the halfway point on the Appalachian Trail and leads to a nice shelter.
Starting from the small parking area on Bunkerhill Rd, head north (turn right) onto Michaux Rd. After about 1/3 of a mile you will reach the Appalachian Trail where you will want to head west (turn left).
This will lead you on a leisurely hike through the woods (follow the white blazes). It won't be long until you see a mailbox and a fancy signpost up ahead. This marks the exact halfway point of the AT! Continuing on, you will cross a small stream and shortly thereafter you will see Tom's Run Shelter up ahead. This used to be Tom's Run Shelters, but in 2013 one of them burned down leaving one remaining. A good reminder to use common sense when dealing with a campfire.
There are some nice structures still standing including the shelter (obviously), a small pavilion, a privy, food storage poles, and some picnic tables complete with fire rings. Depending on the time of year and what day you go on, there may or may not be room left for you in the shelter. No worries though, as long as you brought a tent for backup. There are plenty of nice spots to pitch a tent and you should still be able to claim your very own picnic table and fire ring.
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