Mount Holly Marsh Preserve

PRESERVE CONTACTS HISTORY RECREATION

The Mount Holly Marsh Preserve was acquired in The Mount Holly Marsh Preserve is a perfect spot 1992 by The Nature Conservancy with the assis- for hikers and nature lovers. Primary activities tance of the Holly Gap Committee, a group of within the preserve include hiking and the obser- MOUNT local community members who raised funds to vation of birds, plants and other wildlife. The pre- permanently preserve the land. Today, the serve features approximately 7 miles of trails property is owned by Cumberland County and ranging from easy to difficult. One might also be managed in cooperation with The Nature Con- able to discover the location of a hidden geo- HOLLY servancy. cache.

Cumberland County Planning Department The area now called the Mount Holly Marsh Pre- Hunting is permitted in the upland forest, but not 18 North Hanover Street, 3rd Floor MARSH serve has a long and fascinating history. The in the marsh preserve. Fishing is permitted along Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 lands were believed to be utilized early on in Mountain Creek. Mountain Creek has been des- 717.240.5362 American history by the iron industry to support ignated an “approved trout waters” and is www.ccpa.net/planning PRESERVE nearby furnaces and forges. In the 1800’s, the stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Com- [email protected] lands were owned by the Mount Holly Paper mission. Company. During this period, Mountain Creek was dammed to supply water and generate FUNDING ASSISTANCE power for the nearby paper mills. In 1863, Con- ECOLOGY federate soldiers passed through the Holly Gap This guide was financed in part by a grant from the Com- on their way to defeat in Gettysburg and raided The Mount Holly Marsh Preserve is a 900 acre munity Conservation Partnerships Program, Environmental many of the paper companies to supply the natural area along the rocky slopes of the South Stewardship Fund, under the administration of the Penn- government in Richmond. Mountain. The preserve consists of a 700 acre sylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Re- upland forest and a 200 acre marsh preserve. sources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Around the year 1900, the area was transformed into the famous Mount Holly Park, a summer re- The ridge top is dominated by pitch pine and chestnut oak with an under story of huckleberry, sort. The resort was owned by Pat Russ, principal stockholder in the Carlisle and Mount Holly Rail- blueberry and mountain laurel. In the valley,

way. People would come from miles away and where several springs feed into a marshy area,

ride the “Trolley to Holly” and enjoy the many you will find black ash, red maple, winterberry,

recreational activities at the park. The resort spice bush, holly and poison sumac. Cumberland County is a partner of the South Mountain boasted a dance hall, concerts, bowling, boat- Partnership, an alliance of organizations working to pre- The preserve is inhabited by a great variety of ing, hiking, ball fields and even a roller coaster wildlife including: serve and enhance the cultural and natural assets of the and ferris wheel. The nearby springs also offered South Mountain Landscape in Central Pennsylvania. This cold, clear water, which prominent physicians project was awarded through the South Mountain Part- touted for it’s medicinal qualities. Painted and snapping turtles nership with management oversight of the Appalachian Muskrats Trail Conservancy. To learn more about the South Moun- Mount Holly Park prospered for nearly fifteen Minks tain Partnership visit www.southmountaincli.blogspot.com years before experiencing a decrease in visitors Northern copperhead snakes with the advent of the automobile and eventu- Turkey ally closed in 1928. White tail deer Mallards Today, there is very little evidence of the pre- Wood ducks serve’s rich history. The dam on Mountain Creek Canada geese was breached in the late 1980’s but the earthen Great blue herons wall and foundations of the spillway still remain. American woodcock

TRAIL & LOCATION MAP TRAIL INFORMATION PLAN YOUR VISIT

Marsh Loop Trail is approximately 2.2 miles (out The Cumberland Valley and South Mountain re- and back) and is marked with blue blazes. The gion offer a variety of unique experiences and Marsh Loop begins at the parking area and is outdoor opportunities to round out any trip. After the starting point for the park’s trail network. Fol- exploring the Mount Holly Marsh Preserve visit low this trail to connect with the Spring, Creek, one of these locations for more outdoor fun! Briar and Ridge Trails. For an easy hike, try this trail. Appalachian Trail & AT Museum Children’s Lake in Boiling Springs Lamberton Trail is about 1 mile (out and back) of Cumberland Valley Rail Trail steep, rocky terrain marked with a white blaze. Colonel Denning State Park This trail is best left to more experienced hikers. Conodoguinet Creek Water Trail The Lamberton Trail begins near the parking ar- Kings Gap Environmental Education ea. Center Michaux State Forest Spring Trail is about 0.5* mile long (one way) and Pine Grove Furnace State Park marked with green blazes. Take this easy path to South Mountain GeoTrail view the bountiful, bubbling spring. Yellow Breeches Creek Water Trail

Creek Trail is about 1.4* miles (loop) in length and For information on these locations and more is indicated with red blazes. For an easy to mod- things to see and do visit: erate hike, try this scenic trail.

Briar Trail is about 1.2* miles (one way) and is marked with orange blazes. Hikers who want a moderate challenge should try this trail. VISITCUMBERLANDVALLEY.COM

Ridge Trail is about 2.2* miles (out and back) of moderate to steep, wooded terrain marked with DIRECTIONS yellow blazes. Hikers who want more of a chal- lenge should take this trail. The entrance to the preserve is located at: 100 Block S. Baltimore Ave. (PA Route 34) Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania 17065 *Mileage stated does not include the distance Coordinates for parking lot: 40.1063, -77.1805 to get to the designated trail via the Marsh Loop

Trail. From Carlisle – Travel south on Route 34 through Mount Holly Springs, about 6 miles. You will pass Trail Tips the former Deer Lodge Restaurant on the right. In wet seasons, portions of the marsh pre- Immediately after Deer Lodge, turn right onto a serve may be inundated with water, as the dirt road at the “Smokey the Bear” Fire Danger area is a natural wetland. During these sign. The road will follow Mountain Creek for ap- times, some trails may be unsuitable for proximately 1/8 mile. The parking lot for the pre- hiking. serve is located on the left. Cumberland County embraces the Leave No Trace code of ethics that promotes the From Shippensburg or Harrisburg – Take Interstate responsible use and enjoyment of the out- 81 to Exit 47A (Hanover Street/Route 34) and doors. To learn more visit www.LNT.org. then follow Carlisle directions.