Parking in Duncannon

[theurbansuburban]

I plan to do 5 or so days north starting at Duncannon, and the easiest way for me to get there is to drive myself. Whats the Safest and best parking in the Duncannon/Clarks Ferry area for that long?
Also if anyone has any tips for Duncannon to Rt 183 its alwasys good to have recent trail reports. Especially since this is my first time on this streach of PA. (How are the rocks?)

[Green Bean]

There are rocks but not to bad through this aree, but there still are some rocky spots like usual in PA.

You can maybe ask the firecompany if you can park there, The Duncannon INN, and there are other shops and businesses that should let you park for a little while Good Luck ~GB

[Chavens]

OK, I have to post to this too, to hopefully get more suggestions. I'm planning on hiking from Duncannon myself on Sunday morning, when most of the businesses will be closed. Are there any public parking lots at all in the town? Thanks for suggestions.

[EarlyBird2007]

I've parked by vehicle in Duncannon a couple times recently while doing day hikes. I generally park on a side street behind the Doyle. Haven't had any problems. Never parked overnight there, however. Another place to try is across the Susquehanna along side 322. There is a sort of informal park & ride there used by a lot of people who meet there and carpool to work in Harrisburg. Don't know if I'd want to leave a nice car there for several days, however. Still another thought is the car dealership that you pass by walking north into town on the trail. They might be willing to let you park a car there for a fee. Overall, Duncannon has a reputation of being one of the friendliest towns on the trail for hikers.

As for the condition of the trail, I've recently day-hiked the AT from the MD line north to Swatara Gap (Swatara State Park). Overall, it is in very good shape. I found several blowdowns in the Stoney Creek area between 225 and 325. I understand SATC is working on these. You WILL find rocks. Of the stretch I've hiked, the worst is on top of Peters Mountain, the one you climb up to going north out of Duncannon. On top of the mountain there's a mile or two where you hop from boulder to boulder. The view is worth it, however, especially before the leaves come out.

[c.coyle]

... You WILL find rocks. Of the stretch I've hiked, the worst is on top of Peters Mountain, the one you climb up to going north out of Duncannon. On top of the mountain there's a mile or two where you hop from boulder to boulder. The view is worth it, however, especially before the leaves come out.

The rocks on Peters Mountain are big, hoppable boulders for the most part. No sweat. The only place you'll encounter lots of little, pointy, sole bruising, ankle twisters will be the last leg from 501 to 183, and all you need to do is slow down a little and keep your eyes on the road.

I wouldn't stress on the rocks. They are overrated.