The Fielding Bank Trail gives residents of Boiling Springs access to a couple nearby parks without having to travel along local roads.
The trail begins at High Street the west end of town and meanders northwest through farm fields, treating users to scenic views of the bucolic countryside with South Mountain on the southern horizon.
The trail enters Spring Meadow Park at its southeast corner, about 1.5 miles northwest of town. Here, the trail splits in two and circles the perimeter of the large park, which consists of a couple meadows, picnic pavilions, a playground and athletic fields along with the well that serves as the source for much of the area's water supply.
The trail continues south of the park, paralleling an old stone wall and following the boundary between more farm fields and a woodland. After passing beneath Old York Road in a culvert tunnel, the trail crosses Yellow Breeches Creek into South Middleton Township Park and again joins a walking path that encircles this park. Here, users can enjoy observing nature along the creek and in some wetlands, play sports in the athletic fields and eat a picnic lunch. among other activities. The Yellow Breeches Creek is also shallow enough here that people can wade in it during the summer months.
The trail's surface is primarily crushed stone and gravel, though there are a couple small segments that are paved with asphalt, including in the tunnel beneath Old York Road. It is smooth and well-maintained and ideal for cyclists, walkers and parents pushing strollers, as well as wheelchair-friendly. Although there are some gradual slopes on small hills, there are no very steep segments.
In addition to connecting Boiling Springs and a couple subdivisions with two nearby parks, the Fielding Bank Trail provides a pleasant trip through the farmlands of the Cumberland Valley. Future connections to the nearby Appalachian Trail, LeTort Spring Run Trail and the Cumberland County Biker Hiker Trail are a possibility
Parking is available at Spring Meadows and South Middleton Township parks as well as along the streets of Boiling Springs
My husband and I are always looking for new spaces to share, I am an avid Walker, he in a heavy Wheelchair…. we found the path between the golden soybean fields and enormous trees with its echo filled underpass and arched bridge a delightful hike, within a half hour of home. Boiling Springs and Cafe 101 offers a nice to have a nosh after.
What a gorgeous trail between town and parks. However, there are a few spots where the gravel is deep and I had to go on the grass to avoid a spill. My friend is a bit tentative on his bike and I’m glad he didn’t come with me today. I won’t be riding this trail again.
My wife and I biked this trail on May 2, 2021. It was sunny, 85 degrees and breezy. There were a lot of people walking in pairs, walking dogs and a few small groups riding bikes. The trail connects two parks and winds through open fields. We started in town and rode to both parks and circled both. Going out we had the wind in our face most of the time, but it felt good since there was little shade due to the early spring and the leaves were not all out on the trees and a lot of the trail is in the open. There are beautiful views of the mountains and country side. The trail is flat in places, and there are a few gentle inclines. It is mostly packed gravel. There are a few places around the parks that are paved. But the main trail is gravel. There arerestrooms at the parks.
Great gravel trail connecting two parks. It’s well maintained and easy to navigate. Took my bike on it today with my toddler son in tow.
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