The midpoint of the Appalachian Trail runs through Perry County, which also has nearly 50 hiking trails. The county is also home to forest landscapes, a state park and historic sites. Travelers looking to combine nature and cultural heritage can find several different themes here to guide their planning.
Hiking in Perry County
The Appalachian Trail and nearly 50 hiking trails give hiking a prominent place in the county’s profile. The midpoint of the Appalachian Trail runs through Perry County, while the number of trails reflects the breadth of hiking options in the county. You can plan your trip around hiking without this automatically implying a particular walking time or difficulty level for any individual trail.
Forests, Ridges and Golden Eagles
Nearly 90 percent of Perry County is protected land, public land or farmland. This means the landscape is not limited to forests: agricultural land is also included in these categories. The lands of Tuscarora State Forest include narrow valleys and steep, rocky ridges with oak and hemlock forests. Golden eagle migration is monitored along the ridges. Alongside the landscape, bird migration is therefore another of the county’s nature-related attractions.
A Specific Nature Stop: Fowlers Hollow State Park
The 104-acre Fowlers Hollow State Park lies in a narrow valley formed by Fowler Hollow Run. The park is open daily year-round from sunrise to sunset; day-use areas close at dusk. This distinction is useful when planning your day: the park’s opening hours and the earlier closing time for day use are not the same.
From PA 274, you can reach Fowlers Hollow State Park via Fowlers Hollow Road; follow the road for 5.7 miles. This provides both specific directions and context for your visit: the park lies in the valley of Fowler Hollow Run and has designated daily opening hours.
Murals and Local History
The Perry County Historical Mural Trail shares the county’s history through murals by local artists and community members. Topics include stories about veterans and the agricultural heritage. The Quilt Mural Trail has a different focus: it features 29 large quilt murals on barns and other buildings in Perry, Mifflin and Juniata counties. The number refers to all three counties combined.
Historic Buildings and Distinctive Structures
The Little Buffalo Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Blue Ball Tavern opened in 1811. The Cochran-Anspach House was built in 1821 by Isaiah Clark for Thomas Cochran; Henry Fetter had the Fetter House built as a brick house in 1848. These dates distinguish the tavern’s early opening from the later construction years of the two houses.
Individual architectural styles and the uses of buildings also shape the county’s historic themes. Red Bridge is the only surviving covered bridge in Perry County built in the King Post/Queen Post style. Green Park School is preserved as a walk-through historic time capsule, with artifacts from an earlier era. Landis House offers a contemporary gallery as well as a recital and concert hall. Together, these examples range from a distinctive bridge design and preserved artifacts to present-day cultural offerings.
An Autumn Event at Little Buffalo State Park
The Old Fashioned Apple Festival takes place on the third weekend in October at Little Buffalo State Park; exact dates may vary from year to year. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific dates for that year before making your plans.
Discover more destinations: Bloomfield, Duncannon, Armstrong, Carbon, Columbia, Indiana County, Mifflin, Fulton County.
For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.
