If you are visiting Newville, Pennsylvania, you’ll find that there are a number of interesting things to do. From historic sites such as Colonel Denning State Park to hiking trails and even a quaint mill, you’re sure to find something to interest you. Explore the list below to find places to visit in the area.
Colonel Denning State Park
Located in the Doubling Gap of Blue Mountain in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Colonel Denning State Park is a 273-acre state park. It is situated on Pennsylvania Route 233 between Newville and Landisburg. The park is home to 3.5-acre Doubling Gap Lake.
You can enjoy fishing in the Doubling Gap Lake during warmer months. This state park has an unstaffed boat launch for those who wish to bring their own boat. Camping is permitted at designated sites. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. Camping fees may apply. If you want to camp at Colonel Denning, check with the park office to get permits.
A monument honoring William Denning is located in the park. The monument reads, “Blacksmith and Forger of Wrought Iron Cannon.” Denning died in Newville in 1858 and is buried in the Big Spring Presbyterian Church. He was a Revolutionary War veteran who manufactured wrought iron cannons. Denning was stationed at the Washingtonburg Forge near Carlisle, PA where he helped provide armaments for the Continental Army.
Located in the Cumberland Valley, Colonel Denning State Park is a public recreation area. It consists of 273 acres of land and is surrounded by the dense Tuscarora State Forest. The park includes a 3.5-acre lake that boasts some good trout fishing. You can swim in the lake or take a boat out on the lake. However, there are no pets allowed on the beach, and you need to check with the park’s rules before bringing your dog.
While you’re in the area, you should also check out the Blue Mountain State Park. This park is surrounded by mountains on three sides and has a small food stall. It’s accessible by i-81 exit in Newville, Pennsylvania. After exiting the highway, take rt 233 and drive about 10 miles up the road. You’ll find the park about 10 miles up the road.
Cumberland Valley Rail Trail
In 1995, Conrail donated the railroad right-of-way to the Cumberland Valley Rail-to-Trails Council for construction of the trail. By 2006, they had completed nearly 10 miles of trail. In 2011, they added the Carlisle segment. By 2017, the railroad trail was open to the public for use, including two miles of paved trail in Newville. The trail is open to bicyclists and pedestrians from dawn to dusk. It’s important to wear a helmet when biking or walking, and equestrians must stay on grass adjacent to the trail, except at road crossings.
For outdoor lovers, the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is an incredible place to explore. It starts in Newville and runs all the way to Shippensburg. It follows the former railroad corridor, creating a beautiful environment and providing habitat for wildlife. Visitors can view a variety of wildlife along the trail, including the endangered Great Horned Owl and the Belted Kingfisher. Other interesting wildlife that can be spotted in the area include the Horned Lark and Downy Woodpecker.
The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is a multi-use trail that follows an abandoned railroad corridor from Shippensburg to Newville. The trail offers interpretive way-point signs that highlight the area’s agricultural and Civil War heritage. The trail includes a newly-opened two-mile offshoot that runs from the Newville underpass to Green Hill Road.
Whether you are a hiker, cyclist, or a family member, the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is one of Newville’s best places to visit. It’s open to the public and provides the perfect spot for a picnic lunch.
The Cumberland Valley is located about two hours from Philadelphia and is a natural wonderland. The region contains 54,000 acres and more than 200 miles of trail. The trail offers breathtaking views, perfect for picnicking, sightseeing, and Instagramming.
Big Spring Presbyterian Church
Big Spring Presbyterian Church was built in 1737 and completed in 1789. The church has a historic graveyard where many Revolutionary War soldiers are buried. It is located in the center of the town. The church’s grounds are home to several different monuments, including a statue of General George Washington.
Newville, PA is located in the Cumberland Valley and was officially incorporated in 1790. Its early residents include Andrew Ralston, who settled near the Big Spring in 1728. Another pioneer was William Laughlin, who came to the area in 1737 and donated land for a church. The spring itself is the second largest freshwater spring stream in the United States, making it an ideal location for a church.
Colonel Denning Mill
Colonel Denning State Park is located eight miles north of Newville, Pennsylvania, along Rt. 233. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Harrisburg. Local wedding photographers bring their clients to this park for their pre-wedding photo shoots. The stone-lined overflow provides a beautiful background for pictures. The park is also a popular location for early spring photos.
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure in Newville, Pennsylvania, check out the Colonel Denning State Park. The park spans two hundred and seventy acres of woodland and offers a range of activities. Visitors can go hunting, birding, boating, fishing, and enjoy the beautiful setting of this state park.
The park offers a campground with 52 sites for tents and trailers. Each campsite offers a picnic table and fire pit. There are also restrooms nearby. The park also features a camping shelter built by the Eagle Scout Project in 2000. A nearby restroom and dump station are available, so you won’t have to worry about using the bathroom.
The park is also home to several hundred species of birds. You can watch hawks, woodpeckers, and warblers dart in the trees. The park also serves as a trailhead for the Tuscarora Trail. Visitors to the park are welcome to swim in the lake, but they should do so at their own risk, as there are no lifeguards.
If you love outdoor activities, then Colonel Denning State Park is the perfect place to visit in Newville, Pennsylvania. The park’s lake is popular with trout fishermen, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission regularly stocks the lake. The park also has eighteen miles of hiking trails, including the Tuscarora Trail and Flat Rock Trail.