Trailhead access for Sand Springs trail/AT/Stone Tower/The General - Halifax, PA
Trailhead Access for Sand Springs Trail—A Dog-Friendly Wilderness Adventure in Halifax, Pennsylvania
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path dog park in Halifax, Pennsylvania, the Trailhead access for Sand Springs trail/AT/Stone Tower/The General offers an incredible experience for both you and your furry friend. This area gives dog owners access to pet-friendly, rugged hiking and wilderness exploration, with scenic climbs, stream crossings (including a wire bridge), and vistas that showcase Pennsylvania’s natural beauty. The park’s trails connect to the Appalachian Trail, Stony Mountain, Clarks Creek, and even offer glimpses of historic mining ruins, making it a favorite for adventurous dogs and their owners.
This park is known for its deep woodland setting, steep and challenging trails, and a strong sense of wilderness—perfect for dog owners seeking a memorable, invigorating hike. There is street parking with wide shoulders, though parking can sometimes be limited at peak times. Please remember that trails can be muddy and overgrown, and dogs should remain leashed for everyone’s safety. Whether you’re fishing, geocaching, or simply enjoying a quiet walk, this park stands out as a dog-friendly highlight in the Harrisburg area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features scenic, rugged hiking trails that connect to major regional trails like the Appalachian Trail.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs should be kept on a leash for safety and in accordance with trail rules.
- Where is the best place to park? Street parking with wide shoulders is available along Clarks Valley Rd, though spots can be limited during busy times.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, the trails can be muddy and proper footwear for both you and your pet is recommended.
- Are there shaded areas? Yes, the trails are primarily wooded, offering plenty of shade along the way.
- Is this park dog-friendly? Yes, the park is very dog-friendly and popular among local pet owners for hiking and walking with their dogs.
Reviews
Took the blue trail to old shovel in small valley. Got rocky at places must take your time. Most difficult part is crossing Clark’s creek. Had a great time.
Took the blue trail to old shovel in small valley. Got rocky at places must take your time. Most difficult part is crossing Clark’s creek. Had a great time.
A great trail to hike! We had to cross water to get to the other side but that made it even better!
A great trail to hike! We had to cross water to get to the other side but that made it even better!
Nice area to hike in…Trail is steep but fun..It is a bit overgrown, the trail and vista. Fun crossing the river on the fallen tree…can connect to the loop. We did up and back..4 miles. Fun day and time just wish it werent overgrown…Street parking but the shoulders are wide. Wear hiking boots as it can be muddy.
Nice area to hike in…Trail is steep but fun..It is a bit overgrown, the trail and vista. Fun crossing the river on the fallen tree…can connect to the loop. We did up and back..4 miles. Fun day and time just wish it werent overgrown…Street parking but the shoulders are wide. Wear hiking boots as it can be muddy.
This may be my favorite trail in this Harrisburg area. It is not for beginners at all. The trail access is actually 100 meters closer to the lake with big B or A on two trees along the side of the road. The hike itself has multiple stream crossings- one of which is via a wire bridge. There is also a very hard and steep climb up boulders for over half a mile. The reward of an old excavator and coal mine ruins is so worth it
This may be my favorite trail in this Harrisburg area. It is not for beginners at all. The trail access is actually 100 meters closer to the lake with big B or A on two trees along the side of the road. The hike itself has multiple stream crossings- one of which is via a wire bridge. There is also a very hard and steep climb up boulders for over half a mile. The reward of an old excavator and coal mine ruins is so worth it
This trail access to an 8 mile loop hike is as deep wilderness as your going to get in state of Pa. It’s great access to the Appalation trail and is a challenged hike with deep ascent and descent of Stony Mountain. Can access Cold Springs from this point. This is great access to Clarks creek for fishing. This hike demonstrates phenomenal will of man to overcome harsh living conditions and prosper in attempt to prosper from mining and lumbering industries. Can access Stony Valley rail road grade trail if one continues on down Sand Springs trail off AT. Parking is often limited at pull off shown in pics…so there are several pull offs along 325 in general vicinity to access to this trail. Look for several blue blazes on trees to access to Sand Springs trail from 325. With a little bushwhacking this is also great access to view Deharts Reservoir from east side for beautiful sunsets.
This trail access to an 8 mile loop hike is as deep wilderness as your going to get in state of Pa. It’s great access to the Appalation trail and is a challenged hike with deep ascent and descent of Stony Mountain. Can access Cold Springs from this point. This is great access to Clarks creek for fishing. This hike demonstrates phenomenal will of man to overcome harsh living conditions and prosper in attempt to prosper from mining and lumbering industries. Can access Stony Valley rail road grade trail if one continues on down Sand Springs trail off AT. Parking is often limited at pull off shown in pics…so there are several pull offs along 325 in general vicinity to access to this trail. Look for several blue blazes on trees to access to Sand Springs trail from 325. With a little bushwhacking this is also great access to view Deharts Reservoir from east side for beautiful sunsets.