A hike to heal an ailing body
I had not hiked for 2 weeks, homebound due to a severe allergic reaction. My body, weak from being ill and from several medications, yearned to get out onto a trail, but was not ready for anything too strenuous. I was desperate for fresh air and a view of the brightly colored autumn leaves in Pennsylvania, thus, I chose a 8ish mile trek that had low elevation change and several overlook opportunities. The out and back hike from the Kimmel Overlook to the William Penn Shelter, near Bethel, PA, was the perfect solution to my quest.
The hike details
We parked on Route 501, in a road side parking lot that has ample spaces for a dozen vehicles. The lot is only a tenth of a mile from the Kimmel Overlook, so walkers see into the valley quickly after entering the woods. Unfortunately, because of the close proximity to the parking lot, the overlook tends to be the location for partying and vandalism. We did not see trash during our visit, but spray paint was visible on the first rocky outcrop. There was one couple sitting on the overlook at our first pass-by, but we had the location to ourselves on the return to our SUV.
There are 3 overlooks within the first mile of the southbound AT hike, making the first section a perfect walk for young kids, novice hikers and those seeking a steady elevation trek with high rewards. The Appalachian Trail is well marked with white blazes painted on the trees that border the trail. Often called the “super highway” of trails, the AT is generally quite easy to follow without reference to maps. This path to the Willian Penn Shelter has no opportunity to accidentally take a side trail
Since this hike is an out-and-back, it is easy to amend the hike distance. The walk could be to the rocks and back (1.4 miles), or further to the only road crossing at Route 645 (4 miles) or even beyond the William Penn Shelter.
From the trailhead to Fisher’s Overlook, the trail goes downhill, about 200′. Over the course of the path to the shelter and back, the total elevation change is about 950′. My husband refers to these ridge line changes as “little ups and downs”. With the exception of the .4 mile rocky section, the elevation changes seem minimal because the trail surface is gentle.
From the Kimmel Overlook, turn left onto the Appalachian Trail and follow the trail. At mile .7 from the trailhead, just near the Fisher Overlook, rocks cover the trail, requiring caution and balance. Pennsylvania ridges are known to be rocky, so the fact that there was only .4 mile stretch, makes this AT hike more gentle than most.
Approximately 1.2 miles from the trailhead, the path becomes gentle and rock free, with small inclines and declines, making the hike easy on the feet.
About 4.6 miles from Route 501, the William Penn Shelter sits at the end of a blue-blazed side trail, and is a great location for a rest and privy break. The shelter has a sleeping loft accessible by ladder and additional sleeping space on the first floor. A picnic table, fire ring and shelter steps create a peaceful location for a hike break or an overnight sleep.
Why hike this stretch? Easy parking access, overlooks, a shelter for rest, clear trail markings and a nearby Sheetz for pre and post-hike potty use for those who do not like doing it in the woods. The close proximity of the overlooks to the parking area increases the number of people on the trail, making the first part of the hike an opportunity for socializing.
| Hike difficulty classification (link) | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Geographic location | Bethel, PA |
| Trailhead parking options | Parking lot for 12 cars |
| Trail amenities | Privy located at the William Penn Shelter |
| Elevation – trailhead | 1,446′ |
| Elevation – highest peak | 1,446′ |
| Elevation gain | 1,033′ |
| Total mileage | 9.6 miles |
| Water sources | Piped spring near the William Penn Shelter |
| Highlights | Views of the Swatara Creek Valley |