CAPITOL AREA GREENBELT:

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-

Last Updated:      August 09, 2025

Length:                Capitol Area Greenbelt; 21.7 mile Loop

                               Wildwood Park Loop Trail; 3.5 miles

Difficulty:            Capitol Area Greenbelt; Southern Section; Easy. Mostly flat, paved trail.

                              Capitol Area Greenbelt; Western Section; Easy. Mostly flat, paved & stone-dust trails.

                              Capitol Area Greenbelt; Northern Section; Moderate. Consists of an on-road (Not recommended for kids on bikes) section and Easy, SEPARATED 2-WAY BIKE LANE section.

                              Capitol Area Greenbelt; Eastern Section; Easy. Northern & Southern Ends mostly flat, paved & stone-dust trails. Moderate. Central Section is hilly w/on-road sections.

                              Wildwood Park Towpath Trail; Easy. Flat, hard packed dirt trail.

Directions:

The Greenbelt has several parking spots at trail heads. .

To start from the Five Senses Garden parking lot[ Southeastern End]; From I-83 southbound take exit 45 to Paxton St. Head east on Paxton St past the Harrisburg Mall. Turn left on Mall Rd and then right onto Harrisburg St (Route 441). The parking lot is on your left, just after you cross over the trail.

The Capitol Area Greenbelt is actually a linear park Loop, connecting and passing through Riverfront Park, Cameron Parkway, Paxtang Park, Paxtang Parkway, Reservoir Park, the grounds of the State Hospital, Harrisburg Area Community College, and Wildwood Lake. From this trail you can easily access major attractions in Harrisburg, such as City Island, the State Capitol, the State Museum of PA, the Civil War Museum, the Whitaker Science Center and much more. The trail varies from on-road to stone-dust, to paved and from flat easy riding to hills and valleys. The Southern Section is all off-road and follows a wooded route East-West along Spring Brook. The Western Section follows the Susquehanna River North-South and allows access to downtown Harrisburg, as well, as City Island. The Northern Section consists of a long on-road section and a 2-WAY SEPARATED BIKE LANE that takes you North, to Fort Hunter Mansion & Park. The Eastern Section varies a lot. At its Northern End, you utilize Wildwood Lake Park, which includes a Loop around the Lake & a Towpath Trail. It's Central Section consists of trails alongside roads and on-road sections with only a few wooded sections. The Southern End is hilly, but more wooded and scenic. For more information visit; CAPITOL AREA GREENBELT .

Capitol Area Greenbelt:

Southern Section:

Starting from the Five Senses Garden parking lot [Southeastern End]; Map Board located here, as well as, at other parking lots. Informational signs along the trail. Green signs mark the route.

Note; The Five Senses Garden is located East, just across Route 441.

Heading West; The Capitol Area Greenbelt follows an old paved road past a gate. The trail follows Spring Creek through a wooded valley. After 0.6 miles you’ll pass the Martin Luther King Memorial as the trail turns Southwest. After traveling underneath the S 19th Street Bridge you’ll come to another parking lot. Cross over S Cameron St at 1.6 miles, where the paved trail turns Northwest. This could be part of the old trolley line or rail line, as there are still some tracks as you cross over a driveway and head back into the woods along the creek. You cross over an old trestle bridge at 2.1 miles and then travel underneath a railroad bridge. The trail Loops Southeast, before it crosses over an active rail line via a bridge bringing you to an *Intersection at 2.5 miles.

Note; Straight West, is a short cut  through Phoenix Park to another **Intersection alongside the Susquehanna River.

Head left, Southeast, sharing a road, down alongside the RR tracks past an old concrete structure.

Note; This is now the site of the Veterans Outreach of PA, so the old concrete structure may be gone.

The trail Loops around the Veterans Outreach of PA and brings you alongside the Susquehanna River and the start of the Capitol Area Greenbelt; Western Section at 2.7 miles.

Western Section:

[Continuing Mileage] A bench overlooks the river as the Capitol Area Greenbelt heads upstream, Northwest, towards Harrisburg. The trail utilizes some sections of old road as you pass by a telescope overlooking the river next to some benches. You then come to an **Intersection & gate at 2.9 miles. Picnic tables.

Note; Right, East, is a short cut  through Phoenix Park back to the *Intersection.

Continue along the stone-dust trail as it follows the river. The trail briefly follows a road alongside Penn Dot, before passing a Map Board and coming to the John Harris Memorial Bridge (I-83) at 3.6 miles.

Note; The next section consists of 2 Trails; The Concrete Lower Trail, which travels alongside the Susquehanna River at river level and the paved Upper Trail, which travels above the Susquehanna River, next to S Front St. Both trails parallel each other and eventually merge after 2.5 miles at N Front St. The Upper Trail is much more varied, with expansive views and allows access to parks, benches, historic buildings... & downtown Harrisburg. There are limited ramp connections between both trails, but many stair connections. 

Note; The Concrete Lower Trail continues straight, traveling underneath the John Harris Memorial Bridge (I-83) to the Dock Street Dam. Pass by a couple of narrow, paved trails that take you up to the Upper Trail, before coming to an impressive RR Bridge, with multiple arches, at 3.8 miles. A wide trail on your right leads up to the Upper Trail. Travel underneath another RR bridge & the Market Street Bridge and come to another wide paved trail at 4.2 miles that takes you up to the Upper Trail, where you can access downtown Harrisburg. Travel underneath the Walnut Street Bridge, followed by the Forster Street Bridge at 4.8 miles. After 5.8 miles the Lower Trail ends and merges with the Upper Trail at N Front St, across from ***Maclay Street.

To access the Upper Trail, head right up to S Front St and travel left, on-road underneath the John Harris Memorial Bridge (I-83), past which you'll quickly pick up the paved Upper Trail. There are many interpretive signs located along this section, which follows a greenway next to S Front St and has lots of benches overlooking the river. Travel through an arch, underneath a RR Bridge, keeping straight when the trail splits. 

Note; Heading right at the split takes you out to S Front St, where you can check out the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion, which now houses the HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY .

Travel through Riverfront Park, passing by the Harris Burial Ground and travel underneath another impressive RR Bridge, with multiple arches. Cross Market St. Nice overlooks from the Market Street on your left. Come to the Walnut Street Bridge at 4.2 miles. Spur Trail down to the Lower Trail here. 

Note; Built in 1890, the Walnut Street Bridge is now a pedestrian bridge over to City Island Park . I would suggest a detour over this bridge to check out the island. First National Bank Stadium, Skyline Sports Complex, City Island Beach, playground, miniature golf... I haven't checked out City Island Park.

Continuing along the trail, you’ll come to Kunkel Plaza, with a large promenade overlooking the river at 4.6 miles. 

Note; You can take a short detour here. Head East, on-road (low traffic/brick sidewalk available) up State St along its wide, brick lined boulevard to check out the State Capitol. You’ll also pass by the green domed Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and many old historic buildings. It’s only 0.3 miles to the Capitol. Other areas of interest close by are the STATE MUSEUM OF PA and the WHITAKER SCIENCE CENTER .

Continuing along the trail, you’ll cross Forster St (Forster Street Bridge) and pass by the Harrisburg Sunken Garden. Pass by the Governors Mansion and come to ***Maclay Street at 5.8 miles. 

Note; You can access the Northern End of the Lower Trail here.

I haven't checked out this next section. The trail continues North, between the river and N Front St along a narrow strip of land. Lots of sculptures. After 7.5 miles the trail ends at Vaughn St. 

Northern Section:

I haven't checked out this next section. [Continuing Mileage] This next 3.8 mile section is all on-road along residential streets. Green signs mark this route. Travel East, along Vaughn St, then left, North, along Green St. The trail briefly turns East, out to N 6th St at 10.2 miles. Continue left, North, traveling underneath I-81. This road is busier, with some industrial buildings. Come to +Route 39 after 11.3 miles.

Note; The Capitol Area Greenbelt continues left, West, utilizing a double-wide sidewalk, located across Route 39. A cross-walk is on your left. 

Note; This is a busy road. To avoid the using the crosswalk, follow a 2-Way SEPARATED BIKE LANE right, East, which quickly brings you to a paved trail. Follow this trail which takes you underneath Route 39 to the Northern Side, then West, back to N 6th St where the Capitol Area Greenbelt continues.

Follow the double-wide sidewalk along Route 39 to N Front St at 11.5 miles. Here, a 2-WAY SEPARATED BIKE LANE travels North, along the river (mostly obscured by trees). Travel through a tunnel underneath a RR Line at 12.3 miles. Pass by a Map Board and an old red Caboose before the BIKE LANE ends after 12.6 miles at the entrance to FORT HUNTER MANSION & PARK . 

Eastern Section:

Continuing from +Route 39 [Continuing Mileage from 11.3 miles]; I haven't checked out this next section. Travel right, East, along a paved 2-Way SEPARATED BIKE LANE which quickly brings you to a paved trail.

Note; This trail simply takes you underneath Route 39 to the Northern Side, then West, back to N 6th St where the Capitol Area Greenbelt; Northern Section continues.

The Capitol Area Greenbelt Follows the 2-WAY SEPARATED BIKE LANE straight, East, crossing a bridge over the RR tracks to Industrial Rd where it turns East. You then cross the road, passing the Wildwood Park North parking lot (picnic pavilion and restrooms) and coming to an intersection at 11.7 miles in Wildwood Park.

Note; The hard packed dirt, Wildwood Park Towpath Trail, travels right, South, through the woods and along the Western Side of Wildwood Lake & Paxton Creek to the Wildwood Way parking lot, just below I-81, where it rejoins the Capitol Area Greenbelt after 1.2 miles. Map Board and restrooms.

Continuing straight, North, the paved Capitol Area Greenbelt & Wildwood Park Loop Trail travels around the Northern Tip of Wildwood Lake. Here the trail travels South, along the Eastern Side of the lake. Come to an intersection at 13.3 miles. 

Note; A paved trail travels straight, East, underneath Route 22, then North, through Olympic Heights Park and out to Apollo Ave after 0.3 miles.

Continuing right, South, you'll cross a bridge over Paxton Creek before quickly coming to the Benjamin Olewine Nature Center parking lot at 13.4 miles. Picnic pavilion, restrooms, water fountain and boardwalk trails into Wildwood Lake Marsh. Here you'll follow the park road West, along the Southern End of Wildwood Lake Marsh. This brings you to the Wildwood Way parking lot, just below I-81 and the intersection with the Wildwood Park Towpath Trail at 14 miles. Map Board and restrooms.

Note; The hard packed dirt, Wildwood Park Towpath Trail, travels right, North, through the woods and along the Western Side of Wildwood Lake & Paxton Creek back to the Wildwood Park North parking lot and the Capitol Area Greenbelt for a 3.5 mile Loop.

Continue, left, South, underneath I-81 (sidewalk) and you'll pick up the paved Capitol Area Greenbelt, where it parallels Industrial Rd. Open, industrial corridor. Soon, the trail leaves the road behind as it travels up a slight hill. Come to an intersection and keep right out to and around a parking lot for Harrisburg Area Community College. You pass by a Map Board and BIKE STATION before turning left and crossing a bridge over Paxton Creek to a traffic circle. Travel right, on-road, South, through campus to Alumni Dr. Head left, then right, South, along HACC Dr (wide shoulder/sidewalk available). Cross Wildwood park Dr and you'll pick up the paved trail on your left at 15.8 miles. Here the trail travels South, alongside Route 22. I've checked out this next section. You'll come to a tunnel that will take you safely underneath N Cameron St. This quickly brings you onto the grounds of the Harrisburg State Hospital at 16.3 miles. The paved trail winds Southeast, through the grounds and soon takes you alongside Asylum Creek. Cross a bridge over the creek, before crossing Pine Drive at 17 miles. Map Board.

Note; Left, Northeast, a Spur Trail leads through the woods, along Asylum Creek to an intersection at 1.3 miles. 

Note; Left, North, a short paved trail leads up to Veterans Park.

The trail continues Northeast, to another intersection. Left, West, leads to Travis Way and straight continues to Andrea Ave after 1.8 miles.

Turn right, East and head up a long hill alongside Pine Dr & Stanley Rd. The trail then passes by the PA DOT, before traveling around East Harrisburg Cemetery out to Edgemont Rd. Here, the paved trail turns South, alongside the road, bringing you to Herr St at 18.1 miles. Cross over to Parkway Drive and continue on-road (residential, sidewalk available). Cross State St and enter Reservoir Park. Parking lot. Follow National Civil War Museum Dr East, up hill through the park. Pass by the amphitheater and the NATIONAL CIVIL WAR MUSEUM along your right. Continue straight past the "Do Not Enter" sign (one-way road) and you'll come to a Y in the road. Map Board. Bear left and pass through the orange gate. This will bring you to Parkway Blvd. Travel downhill on-road along Parkway Blvd until you come to a stop sign. Use Caution crossing over 28^th St and Market St where you’ll pass by another orange gate at 19.3 miles. Here the trail follows old Cameron Parkway, which is not open to traffic. Map Board. This is a peaceful section that follows a small brook down hill through the woods, as the old road veers South. You'll come to the Parkway Blvd parking lot at 20.5 miles. Map Board, picnic table and BIKE STATION. Follow a paved trail out to Derry St and head left, East, on-road to S. Paxtang Ave and continue right, South, on-road (Caution; This section is narrow w/no shoulder and a narrow sidewalk) Travel under the railroad tracks where you’ll pick up a paved/boardwalk trail that brings you under I-83 and up to the Rutherford Farm Spring House. Follow the driveway out to Parkview Lane and turn right, West, on-road. Just before Paxton St, you'll pick up a paved trail on your left, which will take you across Paxton St. Here the paved trail travels Southwest, through the woods, passing by the Five Senses Garden, before crossing Route 441 and returning back to the Five Senses Garden parking lot after a 21.7 mile Loop.

HH

CLICK HERE FOR MAP

BEFORE YOU SET OUT BE SURE TO READ THE

WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCLAIMER

BIKE IT OR HIKE IT

HOME PAGE