Situated on the east bank of the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg is the capital of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The larger metro region, known as the Susquehanna Valley, is the state’s fourth largest city. The Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains is just north of the city. The anchor of running in Harrisburg is the 20-mile Capital Area Greenbelt Trail, which has sections along the river and inland passing through several parks.
The best place to run in Harrisburg is the ~5 miles of path along the Susquehanna River, including a loop around City Island. There are some other nice sections of the Capital Area Greenbelt Trail to choose from. Another favorite spot is Wildwood Park, and its 3-mile loop around Wildwood Lake. In western Harrisburg, the Grandon Farms Trail is worth checking out. For some trail running near the city, head to the Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area.
Note that summers in this area can be hot and humid!
