Peter’s Mountain Loop is a challenging yet rewarding hike that covers part of the Appalachian Trail near Harrisburg, PA. Read on for tips for tackling this hike!
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Table of Contents
- Why Hike Peter's Mountain
- Tips for Hiking Peter's Mountain
- Things to do Near Peter's Mountain
- Where to Stay Near Peter's Mountain
- FAQs about Hiking Peter's Mountain
- What to Pack for Hiking Peter's Mountain
Why Hike Peter’s Mountain
Peter’s Mountain Loop is a 3.5 loop trail located near Duncannon, PA. This hike is home to part of the iconic Appalachian Trail and gives day hikers a taste of why AT thru hikers refer to Pennsylvania as “Rocksylvania”.
Let me tell you, I got humbled by this short loop. The elevation is no joke!
While the hike is challenging for a day hike with rock scrambles and steep sections, the scenic vistas are worth the climb. I tackled this hike on a spring day in May 2024. It was a little hard to see some of the scenic views but I bet the foliage would be amazing in the fall.
As always, follow the principles of leave no trace when you're out exploring! Pack out all trash, leave wildlife alone, and generally leave it better than you found it - for more information visit the Leave No Trace Center.
Tips for Hiking Peter’s Mountain
Peter’s Mountain is a great hike in the Harrisburg area, but it is not an easy hike. If you plan to complete this hike, please be sure to be prepared and plan ahead.
USE CAUTION at the trail head. To get to the trail from the parking area, hikers need to cross active train tracks. DO NOT EVER climb over a moving or stopped train. Also – take this into account for leaving the trail and ensure to leave extra time when visiting the trail.
This hike has some amazing vistas, but to get there, hikers really earn their views. This hike has almost ~1300 feet of elevation gain. At the top of the loop, there are some significant rock scramble sections. I recommend bringing poles, even for a day hike.
Since this hike will take anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on your abilities and conditions, make sure to pack water and snacks. There are some really nice rock formations at the top for a snack or lunch break.
If it’s raining or has recently been raining, skip this hike in favor of another area hike. The rocks are very slippery when wet and can be dangerous.
When hiking the loop, make sure to keep an eye out for when the trail turns. Depending on the direction you hike it in, you’re either doing the Appalachian Trail (white blazes) or the Susquehanna Trail (blue blazes). If you’re doing the AT first, as the map suggests, don’t miss your turn or you’ll be hiking to Maine!
My favorite part of this trail was getting to talk to Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. I met at least three on my hike in May 2024 and it was so fun to learn about their journey. I was suffering walking from the trailhead and they had walked from Georgia. Really puts things in perspective!
Want to explore some state parks near Peter's Mountain? Check out my guide to the best state parks near Harrisburg!
Things to do near Peter’s Mountain
Eat at the Doyle Hotel
The Doyle Hotel, an Appalachian Trail institution, is over 100 years old. This hotel has been serving thru hikers for a very long time! It’s under new ownership who are working to maintain the hotel’s legacy. Order the Southwest burger – you won’t regret it! (A proud moment of 2024 is impressing Donald, the hotel’s bartender, by eating the entire thing in one sitting).
Grab a beer at Lindgren Brewery
Lindgren Brewery is located right next to the Doyle Hotel in an old bank building. If you love a repurposed building, you’ll love checking out the old bank vault and safety deposit box room, which is now home to Lindgren Brewery merch and brewery equipment. While I don’t drink, I loved the local themed beer names, including Livin’ Along the AT!
River View Point
If you haven’t had enough great views of the Susquehanna, check out the scenic river view located between the Hawk’s Rock trailhead and Clark’s Ferry parking area. This is a great place to sit and eat a little snack while looking at all the river traffic. The river view point is located at 14 Newport Rd, Duncannon, PA 17020. (Note: it looks like you’re trespassing, but you’re not! The landowners allow folks to visit the viewpoint so please make sure to respect the area and pack out all trash.)
Hike More
If Peter’s Mountain hasn’t tired you out, check out Hawk Rock. This 1.9 mile out and back hike is located on the Appalachian Trail and has one of the most iconic viewpoints in central Pennsylvania. For more about this awesome hike, check out my guide to hiking Hawk Rock.
Looking for more good hikes near Harrisburg? Check out my guide to Best Hikes Near Harrisburg!
Where to Stay Near Peter’s Mountain
If you’re in the area and want to stay near the hike, check out the options below!
FAQs about Hiking Peter’s Mountain
Is Peter’s Mountain a good hike for children?
Peter’s Mountain Loop is a great hike for experienced hikers. If you have older children that are experienced, it’s possible that this would be a good hike for them. However, I would not recommend this for younger legs as it is slippery when wet and there are some steep drop offs.
Is Peter’s Mountain located on the Appalachian Trail?
Peter’s Mountain loop combines parts of the Appalachian Trail and the Susquehanna Trail to create a loop trail. If hikers are looking for a longer hike on the Appalachian Trail, you can do a point to point beginning at the Clark’s Ferry Parking area and ending at the parking area off Peter’s Mountain road (GPS coordinates: 40.41196, -76.93022). This is a 6.2 mile point to point or 12.5 mile out and back challenging variation so be prepared!
Where to Park for Peter’s Mountain Loop
Parking for Peter’s Mountain loop is pretty easy to find. If coming from the west side of the river, you’ll cross the Clark’s Ferry Bridge and then immediately hit the parking area. If you’re coming from the east side of the river, you’ll take US 22 to the parking area right before you go over Clark’s Ferry Bridge.
Reminder that to get to the trail from the parking area, hikers need to cross active train tracks. DO NOT EVER climb over a moving or stopped train.
The GPS Coordinates for parking for Peter’s Mountain Loop are 40.39647, -77.00803.
What to Pack for Hiking Peter’s Mountain
Here’s my thoughts on what to pack for Hiking Peter’s Mountain!
- Good hiking shoes – it can be slippery! I really love my Topos. With a wide toe box and good grip, they’re perfect for this hike
- Good moisture wicking socks like DarnTough or Smartwool
- Trekking poles – I did not bring mine and I wish I had, especially since it was so slippery
- Raincoat – if you’re hiking in the spring definitely don’t forget a raincoat!
- Snacks for taking a break to enjoy the view – I enjoyed some Honey Stinger waffles on this hike
When hiking, remember to always remember the Ten Essentials! Not sure what they are? Check out my guide for the Ten Essentials of Dayhiking!
Hiked the Peter’s Mountain loop? Let me know how you liked it in the comments!
Updated August 24, 2025