South Mountain

Intrepid hikers often venture to Pennsylvania’s 230-mile portion of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail for a sense of adventure and a taste of the state’s scenic vistas and rural character. While the trail’s historic footpath is well established and is almost entirely protected, the surrounding lands are at risk for residential development and other pressures.

Trust for Public Land collaborated with partners and organizations to protect 118 acres of forested land adjacent to the Appalachian Trail in Cumberland County. South Mountain, added to the popular Michaux State Forest, preserves scenic views for trail hikers. It also holds the potential to enhance access to the trail through opportunities for a new trailhead and parking area.

Located within a few hours’ drive of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg, South Mountain provides access to parks, open spaces, and waterways. It enhances recreational trails for thousands of residents and tourists. This open space also helps safeguard drinking water for residents, conserve critical habitat for aquatic species and fishing, and preserve the rural character of Cumberland County.

The South Mountain land protection project is part of TPL’s strategic vision for the Appalachian Trail. South Mountain is one of 12 vulnerable properties we identified as priorities for preserving scenic views and protecting the quality and character of the small towns touched by the trail.

Stretching 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine—and hosting 3 million visitors per year—the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is America’s most iconic long-distance hiking trail and is a treasured unit of the National Park System. While its place in American history may be firmly established, its future is less secure. TPL is joining the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the National Park Service to protect the trail at its weakest and most vulnerable sections.