The panorama of Duncannon, a historic river town situated at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers and the Kittatinny Ridge “Flyway,” is treasured by the thousands of thru-, section and day hikers that experience the A.T. in Perry County, PA. One of only a handful of small towns through which the Trail directly passes, Duncannon is well-known for its views from Hawk Rock as well as the locals’ friendliness, hospitality and generosity.
The legendary Doyle Hotel on Market Street is a welcome respite to hikers and paddlers, offering good food, drink and a place to rest before continuing on their journey. Duncannon has also played host to the annual Billville Hiker Feed, with hikers flocking to the Borough’s community park for three days of food and festivities each summer over the last seven years, and local Boy Scouts have installed maps of local attractions and hiker services to help orient and welcome visitors to town.
Duncannon’s A.T. Community Advisory Committee, comprised of local officials, Trail Angels, Trail to Every Classroom teachers, business owners, and representatives of non-profit organizations and Trail clubs, is planning a town festival and designation ceremony for June 2nd, 2012 with the theme “Saving our Community from Nature Deficit Disorder.” Presentations and events will include a vendor area for clubs, organizations and retail vendors associated with the trail and outdoor recreation; live musical entertainment, a panel on hiker culture and presentations on native plants, Leave No Trace, and Native American & A.T. Storytelling. Closing the day will be the announcement of the Susquenita Middle School Post-Card Art Contest winners, keynote speakers and the official A.T. Community proclamation ceremony.
The morning of the designation event, hikes and river trips open to residents of the greater Duncannon area will be led and sponsored by Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club, Mountain Club of Maryland, York Hiking Club, Appalachian Audubon Society, the PA Game Commission and Blue Mountain Outfitters.
In the coming years, the Advisory Committee hopes that the event’s theme will carry over into all changes being considered for the Borough, including improved river access, beautification of the town square and development of the Apple Tree AlleyWalk pedestrian/bike path. The Advisory Committee plans to support and implement projects and programming that enhance tourism opportunities for Duncannon as an outdoor recreation destination and encourage all to get outside, enjoy nature and recognize the connection between the health and abundance of the region’s natural assets and the vitality of its communities. For more information and event updates visit the Duncannon A.T. Community Advisory Committee’s blog.