Situated at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers
Duncannon, Pa.
The borough of Duncannon is situated at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers and is well-known for its views from Hawk Rock as well as the friendliness, hospitality and generosity of its residents.
Duncannon is also part of the Kittatinny Ridge Flyway Global Important Bird Area (IBA). Kittatinny Ridge is a long mountain ridge that winds 185 miles through eastern and central Pennsylvania, to the Maryland line. Each year tens of thousands of raptors and vultures and millions of songbirds use this flyway for their fall migration. The many rock outcroppings along the ridge also make it an excellent place to watch the many migrating species.
With its many natural riches, Duncannon is treasured by thousands of hikers, river enthusiasts and visitors.
- Grab a bite to eat when you arrive. Choose from a diner, a historic hotel, a pretzel shop, a pizzeria, an ice cream stand, a hoagie shop or food trucks.
- Stop by Noye Park and visit the cute little “Gnome Homes” found in and around some of the trees in this quaint little park just across the bridge from the intersection of High and Walnut streets.
- While away the afternoon by launching your canoe or kayak into the Susquehanna river at Water and Ann Street or at Water Street and Broadway Avenue, or you can launch into the mouth of Shermans Creek by the Shermans Creek bridge near Inn Road and Little Boston Road.
- Reminisce about your childhood snow days at the Sled Works on Market Street. If you had a sled as a child there’s a good chance it was built here, where Lightning Guider sleds were once manufactured. After 86 years producing sleds, the factory closed its doors in 1990 and has since become a popular antiques market.
- Check out Clark’s Tavern at the corner of Market and Clark Streets. The oldest standing building in Duncannon, the tavern served as the Union Army’s local recruiting office during the Civil War.
- Tour the quaint little log church at the end of Cemetery Street (40.404887, -77.021309) that was originally built at this site in 1804 and then rebuilt in 1970.
- End your day at The Doyle Hotel, an iconic stop for thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail. It not only offers great food, but also lodging for weary travelers. The original wooden hotel was built by the Anheuser Busch Company in the 1770s but was rebuilt in 1903 after a fire destroyed the structure.
• Kind of Outdoorsy
• Nancy’s Pretzels
• Sorrento Pizza
These businesses support the Trail by taking part in the A.T. Community Supporter program.
Featured Local Hikes
HIKE 1: Hawk Rock
You won’t want to miss a hike to Hawk Rock. The view of the confluence of the Susquehanna River, Juniata River and Sherman’s Creek is one of the best vistas in Pennsylvania. Take Little Boston Road to the recycling center, where you’ll find ample parking, and follow the signs from there. You can also use the Mountain Club of Maryland parking lot on Inn Road.
HIKE 2: Clark’s Ferry Bridge across the Susquehanna River.
Park at the park and ride off the Halifax Exit. Cross the railroad tracks and take the A.T. northbound up Peter’s Mountain to the blue-blazed Susquehanna Trail. The Susquehanna Trail rejoins the A.T. at the top of the ridge and you can take the A.T. southbound back to your car for a 3.7-mile loop.
Get Involved
Mount Mountain Club of Maryland
We are the oldest hiking club in Maryland (since 1934) and the premier hiking group in the state. We are a volunteer organization that is centered on hiking. We support Leave No Trace principles, and we work on both – local trails and the Appalachian Trail. We organize and lead hikes and other outdoor activities. We have a year-round schedule with hikes in and around Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey and Delaware. Visit https://mcomd.org/ for schedule and more information.
ATC Volunteer Program
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor center and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year. Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/volunteer.
Town photo credit Gerry Dincher. This photo is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. This image has not been modified in any way.