Clark's Ferry Bridge to Peters Mtn. summit.

Hiking in Pennsylvania

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Clark's Ferry Bridge to Peters Mtn. summit.

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(3 votes, 2 reviews)

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.4 miles / 5.5 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: Nice hike on the Appalachian Trail, to reach the top of Peters mountain. The trail starts just past the railroad tracks and is a somewhat steep climb up. As you skirt the side of the mountain on the way up, you will have wonderful views of the Susquehanna river below. Once you get so far up, the trail will start to flatten out. As you near the edge of the mountain, the trail again starts to get steep. You will encounter a few switchbacks and vistas as you near the summit. The trail continues north on the mountain top from here. As always look for the white blazes.

Tips: Proper footwear, proper clothing, water. Great views of the Susquehanna river. Parking is available just across Rt.147 from the sign. GPS signal is affected as you are in the shawdow, but strengthens at the top.

Points of Interest

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Appalachian Trail Sign

Appalachian Trail Sign near Rt 147 and railroad tracks. With the Clark's Ferry bridge behind you, head for the stone wall just past the railroad tracks. Please be careful, these are active tracks!!

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River and Duncannon vista

Nice view of the river and the town of Duncannon PA. Somewhat flat area to catch your breath and check out the area. No camping in this area please.

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Other side of river vista

Nice view of lower Duncannon, and the confluence of the Shermans Creek and Susquehanna River. In the distance you will see the stone railroad bridge over the Shermans Creek & Routes 11&15.

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Rocky outcroppings

Many large rocky outcroppings in this area, please be careful. The trail winds thru this terrain until the summit.

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Peters Mtn Summit

As we come to the summit, and the end of this guide the trail continues northeast on the mountain top.

Pictures in this guide taken by: kayakdog

How does this work?

This was a great hike with excellent views on the way up. The trail has several very rocky areas, and while I did fine in my regular sneakers I would suggest something with a little sturdier of a sole.

While the views were excellent I will be excited to do this hike again in the fall when the leaves have fallen. Once you're at the top you can't help but simply say 'WOW'. It is quiet, peaceful and the view goes on for miles.

I will definitely be doing this trail again come fall!
Visited on Jul 01, 2012

by bdgilliam on Jul 02, 2012

Did this hike with my seven-year-old son from the parking lot to the very top of the mountain. We set a good pace, but took time to stop at all the POI and take in the view. Made it to the top in about 90 minutes.

A great climb, not technical at all, though there are a lot of rocks on the trail. We wore Keen sandals and had no issues. About 2/3rds of the way up the mountain there is a spot with a large sharp rock that crosses the entire ledge and you need to be cautious stepping on or over it. Misjudged it on the way down and skinned my leg pretty well, but nothing serious.

As we've had a wet winter and fall there were a lot of small muddy areas and springs that were flowing on the trail. None of them were deep or treacherous, but if you go in sneakers they're going to get wet!

The views are spectacular, and it's amazing how quiet it gets at the very top. Will absolutely do this hike again soon.
Visited on Apr 30, 2011

by mauricereeves on May 02, 2011