Wildwood Park lies on the outskirts of Harrisburg, located at 100 Wildwood Way. The park spans 229 acres, offering the perfect location for almost any outdoor activity you desire.
The park is home to Wildwood Lake, a 90-acre marsh. If you are willing to risk getting stuck in the mud below the shallow water, bring along an unpowered canoe or kayak. Take your boat out on the water and soak in the sunshine as the gentle ripple of the water sways your worries away. However, you have to watch out for fishing lines as you come back toward the water’s edge.
Fishing is permitted in Wildwood Lake, that is, as long as you play by the rules. Apart from the rules of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the park asks that no reptiles or amphibians be removed from their homes. To further protect the native wildlife, all fishing equipment must be removed as part of their “Leave No Trace” ethics.
While fishing is allowed, hunting, trapping and bow-fishing is completely prohibited. Since Wildwood Park is a popular outing spot, often packed with families, children and dogs, the rules are to keep everyone safe. Flying projectiles and animal traps pose a danger to everyone in the area.
Fishing and boating aren’t for everyone, but there is plenty to experience on shore.
If you wish to stay dry, there are six miles of trails open to wanderers, on foot or on wheels. You can venture on foot into the woods via unpaved trails or to the waters edge on the boardwalk. However, for pedalers, non-electric bikes are permitted only on paved trails.
The trail is also pet friendly. As long as they stay leashed and you clean up their messes, your furry friends are welcome to roam the woods with you.
You can enter the trail from one of four parking lots. The paved walkways are lined with woods on either side. With spring approaching, now is the perfect time to walk the trails. The flowers are in bloom, the leaves are growing back in a vibrant green.
It offers an excellent location to inspire anyone. From exercise enthusiasts to wildlife photographers, there’s an activity for everyone.
The park is full of wildlife that can often be found sitting on the waters edge, hopping along beside you or soaring above. Bring your binoculars and your birding books and take in the great creatures of nature.
However, some of nature’s beauty can be dangerous. Be sure you come armed with bug spray and sunscreen, especially as the weather begins to improve. Mosquitoes are ruthless, yet the red, itchy bumps left behind might be disguised by sunburn. Ticks and chiggers do not discriminate, they’ll hold onto your shoes as you walk through the tall grass, or fall from the trees as you pass underneath. Protect yourself, your family and your pets, and be sure to check when you get home to ensure you didn’t bring home any unwelcome guests.
For the nature lovers, and those who enjoy a free day of fun, the 30 minute drive out to Harrisburg may be worth it for a day in the sun.
