Fitness Fun Opportunities are Abundant in and around Our Area!!

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​FITNESS FUN     No fee - free to enjoy by all:

 Enjoy the  Fitness Trail - Enjoy a walk around the trail, and the beautiful view.  Stop at the stations to do stretching and strengthening.  Great for families; kids can  do the fitness stations or enjoy the playground.

 


Building the Fitness Trail was a community project.  We all celebrated at the opening.  On the top left Dr. Elizabeth George doing push - ups with Senator Alloway.  and in the picture below they are joined by Dan Fisher of DL Martin
Tuscarora Ridge ~ This is an easy destination.  Several roads cross Tuscarora Mountain's ridge. The Pennsylvania Turnpike actually goes through the mountain at the Tuscarora Tunnel. To get to the actual summit, Big Mountain, take Rt. 30 to the top of the mountain ridge, "Tuscarora Summit," and follow a dirt road north from there to the Big Mountain Lookout. This is the summit. There are a couple hiking trails to the summit, including the Tuscarora Trail.   You can also follow the trail north to
​Cowan's Gap.

​Johnston Run Streamside Trail - Enjoy the peaceful sounds of the stream and birds,, look for wild flowers  as you walk.  Wheel chair accessible and a pleasant ride.  Families are enjoying walking and cycling.  The entrance is on the left on Oregon Street, just after the bridge as you head out of town. 

For great exercise and comradery  - volunteer for the Trail Team and help with maintenance and planting.   
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​Enjoy our Favorite Bike Rides ~ Our roads are beautiful and scenic, gently rolling and turning.  Follow the map routes for beautiful views, and historic sites.  Cars, bicycles, and walkers generally do well sharing the road, however, these are not official bike routes.  Riders assume all risks.  Please read the "Safety Tips for Cycling" and follow proper safety protocols when cycling

Walk and Cycle

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Click on map for a larger view of fun walking routes in Mercersburg:
Amanda Snider made this map for folks to enjoy.  "Each path has a different color, but I tried to make some combination options:"
red- 1.0 mile
blue- 1.0 mile
orange- 1.0 mile
green- 2 miles
blue-->red-->orange-->green-->orange: 5 miles
Enjoy the One Mile "Alley Loop" from Park Avenue, up Finafrock Alley, (stop by the Library,), follow the signs up Icebox Alley, Luther Alley, College Alley - all the way to Lions Club Park - quiet, pleasant, scenic.

Explore

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There are many Scenic Back Roads all around Mercersburg and in Montgomery and Peters township for cyclists, joggers and walkers enjoy.   Ride or jog with safety in mind and "share the road".

Take a lovely walk in and around Mercersburg. Stop by Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce and pick up a map of Historic Mercersburg or the charming Alleys of Mercersburg  and enjoy a self-guided tour.  Or download a map here.

Discover

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We all know the location of James Buchanan State Park, a stones throw from Mercersburg, 3 miles west on route 16. Another fine place to go walking; bring the children and enjoy the walking trail and stream.

About 15 miles south of Mercersburg is the C & O Canal trail. It is a serene place to walk or ride a bike, bring the family; even dogs on leashes are welcome. Open dawn to dusk.  bikewashington.org/canal/

At the Conococheague Institute  you can also enjoy local history, beautiful gardens and
​scenic walks or hikes.  Also check out the website for many seasonal events and re enactments
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​Mercersburg sits in a valley between Tuscarora Ridge Trail  and the Appalachian Trail - there are many places to access the AT in less than an hour.  Enjoy amazing views, Spring Mountain Laurel, cascading streams, ferns, beautiful fall colors...

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Cowans Gap, north of Mercersburg on Route 75 past Fort Loudon, is a great place for hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, playing, camping, laughing.  Beautiful Tuscarora Trail passes through here.  Also, there are a variety of summer programs; check the on line Calendar of Events at www.visit PAparks.com.

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Tuscarora Wildlife Education Program (TWEP) - Take a walk through the beautiful grounds of TWEP with all native plantings that attract a variety of songbirds and other wildlife.  Or join a summer camp to learn all about taking care of our environment. www.twep.org

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MORE FITNESS FUN - a small fee:)

The Pool at James Buchanan High School completed major renovations and is beautiful. 
Rec Swim:    Mondays & Thursdays     7:00-9:00 P.M.    Families & Fitness Swimmers Welcome!
Adults $4.00         Students (K-12) $2.00    Toddlers – Free
Adult Water Fitness Class:  Tuesdays    7:00-9:00 P.M.    $5.00 per class
Adult Swim:  Wednesdays   7:00-9:00 P.M. $4.00 per session

The weight room can be used from 6 to 8PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays for $4.00 per session or $35.00 for 10 sessions.  Check the website for more information. www.tus.k12.pa.us

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For swimming and many other activities, the Chambersburg YMCA  is available year round; for information call  (717) 263-8508
Contact the dance studio in Mercersburg - Miss Dicey's ! They have classes for all ages!
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Yoga Blend Classes have moved to Leidy's Woodworking
11427 Church Hill Road, Mercersburg
Gentle Yoga Level 1 ~Wednesdays 5pm-6pm
with Diane (717)328-3874 ~ For larger bodies, cancer survivors, and beginners.
Yoga Flow ~ Saturdays at 7:30 A.M.  
with Sandy (717) 217-9377 ~ Promotes flexibility, strength, and life enjoyment!
Early Riser Yoga ~ Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays at 6:00 A.M. ~ For energetic early risers.

All classes $5.00  ~ Private lessons also available at $20/hour, [email protected]
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Block Party Fitness of Mercersburg has Zumba and Pound Classes with instructors Laura, Sharon and Dani!  Located in Leidy's Woodworking at 11427 Church Hill Rd.
(Side Entrance, Upper Level).
(717) 372-9217
Class Schedule:
Monday: Zumba 9:00am -10:00 am  or 6:30pm - 7:30 pm
Tuesday: Pound 5:30pm-6:15pm
Wednesday: Zumba 9:00am - 10:00 am  or  6:30pm - 7:30pm
Thursday:  Pound 6:30pm - 7:15pm
                                                                                                Saturday: Zumba 9:00am -10:00 am
Keystone Wellness, a community based fitness and wellness center, is located at 123 N. main St. in Mercersburg.  Monthly rates are very reasonable - for details call 717-328-2121 or email [email protected]  

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Zoom down the slopes at Whitetail.  Enjoy Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing in the winter and Golfing, Hiking and Fishing in the summer!  Major outdoor Fitness Fun!

And for summer fun, Whitetail also offers Kids Summer Adventure Camp. 

Check out their website for more info.
The National Park Service has tips on getting outdoors!  experienceyouramerica.pdf