2014 Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community Festival

Duncannon is one of the few official Appalachian Trail Communities and we are eager to share the pride and enthusiasm of being part of a national treasure.  Join us for a family-friendly festival while learning about the Appalachian Trail and other outdoor opportunities in Central PA.Duncannon AT Community Event 2012

We will celebrate our next annual Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community Festival on Saturday, June 21st, 2014.  There will be hikes and outdoor activities in the morning and from noon to 4PM there will be entertainment, exhibits, presentations and vendors near the town square on High Street between Cumberland and Ann streets.

AttractionsHike InfoPresentationsLive MusicRaffle PrizesCommemorative TokensParking & DirectionsVendor ListFestival FriendsJoin the FunMission Statement

Coming Attractions:Festival Attractions

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

Take a Hike!Hike Trails of Duncannon

Many of the hiking clubs at the festival will be leading their own hikes in the morning and they encourage the public to join them for a fun time hiking the Duncannon area trails.  Some hikes are easy while some are more challenging so be sure to find a hike to match your abilities.

  • Duncannon Outdoor Club LogoSuper Easy 9:00 to 10:30Scavenger Hunt at Cornerstone Christian Church Trails – sponsored by the Duncannon Outdoor Club. This is a slower paced 1.14 mile easy-terrain hike through woods and fields on mostly wide paths. It is a hike for the whole family, especially young children ages 5 and up. Try and find as many things as you can to check off your scavenger list. Meet at the Cornerstone Christian Church Duncannon at 9:00 am. Call 834-9216 or email dtakach@duncannonatc.org to register. Parking SymbolWhere to park.
  • Audubon PA LogoVery Easy 9:30 to 10:30Birding Walk along Shermans Creek – Sponsored by Audubon Pennsylvania, this is a leisurely stroll along Shermans Creek on Duncannon Borough’s Watershed Road.  We’ll meet at the parking lot near the recycling center and then walk along the level gravel road for half an hour then turn around and head back the same way.  This hike is suitable for all ages and everyone is welcome.  We have some binoculars to lend out but please bring your own if you have them.  E-mail pzeph@duncannonatc.org for more information.  Parking SymbolWhere to park.
  • Susquehanna Rovers LogoModerate 8:00 to 1:00 StartWalk Duncannon – Sponsored by the Susquehanna Rovers Volksmarch Club of Harrisburg, both the 5k (3.1 miles) and 10k (6.2 miles) are walk-your-own-pace hikes starting with registration at Christ Lutheran Church located at the High and Plum Streets intersection. Both walks follow a portion of the Appalachian Trail through Duncannon highlighting some of Duncannon’s history and points of interest. Then, depending upon trail chosen, will lead you along the beauty of Sherman’s Creek or take you both the Juniata River Bridge and the Clark’s Ferry Bridge. Both walks return to the Christ Lutheran Church for completion.  Walks are stroller accessible; however, due to street construction wheelchair accessibility may be limited. All walks must be completed by 4:00 p.m. These are self-guided walks using directions provided upon registration. Walks are free to the public. Bottles of water and snacks will be available for purchase at the starting location. E-mail cjohnson@duncannonatc.org if you have any questions.  Parking SymbolWhere to park.
  • YHC LogoChallenging 10:00 to 12:15 Peters Mountain to Clarks Ferry Shelter – Sponsored by the York Hiking Club, this is a moderately paced 4.3 mile hike with a semi-strenuous 900 foot climb up the end of Peters Mountain. We’ll meet at the Park-n-Ride lot near the Clarks Ferry Bridge on Rt. 147, head up the Appalachian Trail to the Clarks Ferry Shelter for a nice break, go back down the mountain on the blue-blazed Susquehanna Trail and then head back to our cars. As we hike this trail we’ll stop to take in picturesque views of Duncannon, the valley surrounding Dauphin, and the Juniata and Susquehanna river junction. You must contact the hike leader (kdunleavy@duncannonatc.org) to register for this hike. Parking SymbolWhere to park.
  • MCoM LogoChallenging 10:00 to 2:00Cove Mountain Shelter Hike – Sponsored by the Mountain Club of Maryland, this moderately paced 5.5 mile hike will start at Tubby’s Nightclub, climb about 700 feet to Hawk Rock, follow the AT along the ridge of Cove mountain, stop at the Cove Mountain Shelter for lunch and then turn around and head back the same way we came in.  Bring a lunch and at least 2 bottles of water.  You must contact the hike leader (pjohnson@duncannonatc.org) to sign up for this hike. Parking SymbolWhere to park.
  • Difficult (new time) 8:00 to 1:00Hawk Rock & Duncannon Tower Loop – Sponsored by the Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club, this is a brisk paced 11 mile hike over strenuous terrain with a 700 foot climb in the first mile. We will start and finish the hike at Tubby’s Nightclub and hike on the AT to Hawk Rock. Then we will go down a steep descent and visit the ruins of a lumber mill in the Duncannon Watershed that features a magnificent 50-foot high stone and brick tower (“The Stack”) that is still standing. Hiking poles will be helpful. You must contact the hike leader (dennis-hike@duncannonatc.org) at least two days before this hike to register. Parking SymbolWhere to park.

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

Live MusicLive-Music

  • 1:00 to 1:45CrossCountry – The “Makes You Feel Good Music” group was the result of a chance meeting of long-time Pennsylvania musicians Dave Snyder, Carl Weidenhof, and, music newbie (with the voice of an angel) Rebecca Lewis. The harmonies emitted that day and throughout the next year formed the beginning of CrossCountry. They quickly gathered a substantial following whenever they performed.
  • 2:00 to 4:00Walt Crider and the Old Time Way – A five-piece band playing old time bluegrass blended with some old country sung from the heart. They play a great mix of traditional bluegrass, which any true fan of music would enjoy and they are entrenched in playing music that reflects their love of heartfelt lyrics, solid patriotism and gratitude for sacrifices made by those who have valiantly served this country.  Don’t miss out on this great band!

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

PresentationsPresentations

There will be a variety of presentations taking place throughout the afternoon between 12:00 and 4:00.  There is an indoor presentation area and an outdoor presentation area.  The indoor presentation area will be in the Duncannon Fire Company Fire Hall, located at the corner of Cumberland and High streets, and the outdoor presentation area will be in the Quick-Mart parking lot across the street.  Don’t miss these great, informational, educational, fun, and entertaining presentation events!

Outdoor Presentation Schedule:

  • 12:00 to 12:30Warrior Hikers “Walk off the War” – Veterans raise awareness of wounded warriors by walking the entire Appalachian Trail.  Come hear their story.
  • 12:30 to 1:45Shaver’s Creek “Birds of Prey” – Showcases live raptors to teach natural history and the challenges facing eagles, falcons, hawks and owls.
  • 2:00 to 3:25Introduction to Backpacking – Veteran backpacker Tom Morley of York Hiking Club teaches the basics of this family-friendly recreational sport.
  • 3:25 to 3:45Raffle Prize Drawings – All of the prizes donated by participating vendors will be distributed to their lucky winners!
  • 3:45 to 4:00Closing Ceremonies.

Indoor Presentation Schedule:

  • 12:30 to 1:00Meet The Photographers – Have questions about one of the presentations? Confused about one of the settings on your camera? Want to learn how to take better pictures? This is a 30-minute open session designed to allow you to mingle with the Photographers and ask questions.
  • 1:00 to 1:30What Is Abstract Photography? – by Jason Langheine a freelance photographer specializing in Commercial Photography. Jason will give a brief explanation of abstract photography and then give a demonstration creating some fun abstract images as the crowd watches.
  • 1:30 to 2:00Birds of Duncannon – Paul Zeph of Audubon Pennsylvania talks about the birds you are most likely to see in Duncannon.
  • 2:00 to 2:45Perry County Heritage Collection Stories – Author Dennis J. Hocker examines Perry County’s past to provide insight to its current state.
  • 2:45 to 3:15Portraiture & Group Photography Gary Edmiston (hipfotoguy) a freelance photographer who enjoys portraiture and head shot photography will demonstrate simple lighting setups & techniques while using different types of soft boxes, color gel, barn doors, grids, etc.
  • 3:15 to 3:30Meet The Photographers – An open session encouraging you to mingle with the photographers and ask questions.
  • 3:30 to 4:00Photo-Walking: Exercising Your Creativity – by Michael Dunmire a freelance photographer & our Photography Event Coordinator. Mike will take a few minutes to discuss Photo Walking, followed by a mini-Photo Walk with attendees. We’ll discuss what it is, why should you do it, how to find other people to walk with, preparation and what to look for.

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

Raffle Prizes!Free Raffle Ticket

Everyone will be given a free ticket just for showing up at the DATC booth on High Street and getting their hand stamped (children must be accompanied by an adult).  The DATC will also be selling raffle tickets to help support the Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community so be sure to increase your odds of winning by purchasing extra tickets for $1.00 each.

Win These Great Prizes:

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

DATC Commemorative Wooden TokensDATC Commemorative Wood Token

Anyone who donates $5 or more to the Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community will receive a free two inch laser etched wooden token to commemorate the 2014 Duncannon Blast.  These high quality tokens were made by the Susquenita Middle School as part of a Trail to Every Classroom project.  Be sure to stop by the DATC booth to get yours.
[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

Parking and DirectionsParking

Since the Market Street bridge (near the Rt. 11-15 overpass at the south end of Duncannon) will be closed on the day of the festival, it will be best to come into town via Rt. 322.  If you are coming into town on Rt. 11-15:

  1. The Rt.322 East exit is 3.1 miles north of the Duncannon exit.
  2. Take the Rt.322 East exit.
  3. Drive 1.3 miles on Rt. 322 East.
  4. Take the Rt. 849 Duncannon exit.
  5. Cross the Juniata River.
  6. Go under the railroad bridge.
  7. Keep left on Market Street.
  8. Drive 1 mile through town.
  9. Turn right on Ann Street near “The Pub”.
  10. Drive 2 blocks to the festival on High Street.

On the day of the festival, you can park along the streets where it is permitted or you can park in one of the lots shown on the map below.

  • Presbyterian Church Lot
  • Methodist Church Lot
  • God’s Missionary Church Lot
  • Old Sled Works South Lot
  • Clark’s Ferry Commuter Lot (2 mile scenic hike to festival)
  • American Legion Back Lot (walk 330 yards to festival)
  • (AFTER 1PM) Blue Ridge Communications Lot



[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

Festival VendorsFestivalVendors

[contentblock id=2 img=html.png]

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

Festival Friends

The following organizations have made significant donations or contributions to help fund the 2014 Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community Festival and we greatly appreciate their help.

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

Join the FunFestival Fun

We’re looking for volunteers to help make this festival a great day for everyone.  Sign up on our Volunteer Page to enjoy a fun day outside with your fellow Duncannon enthusiasts.

If you’re interested in being a vendor at the festival, please go to our Vendor Registration Page for more information.
[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

Why We Do It

Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community LogoThe Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community (DATC) is dedicated to promoting, protecting and preserving our outdoor recreational resources for future generations. We implement projects and programs to enhance tourism opportunities for Duncannon as an outdoor recreation destination and we encourage everyone 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.

Come out and enjoy a fun day in Duncannon!   We hope to see you there!

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

 

Stay tuned for more information about this exciting event!

4 thoughts on “2014 Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community Festival

  1. Charlie Johnson

    The Susquehanna Rovers Volksmarch Club held a 5k and 10k walk for the initial Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community Festival. I have received an email requesting that we hold another for the June 21, 2014 festival. I have contacted the president of the club and we will put it to a vote at our club meeting on Tuesday, October 29th. The president, Amy Trommer, supports holding a club walk. The walk received many favorable comments from our members as well as other clubs’ members.

    I do not know who should be contacted about this, so please let me know who the contact is and how to reach that contact.

    Reply
  2. Charlie Johnson

    Sean…. Participation in the June 21, 2014 A.T. Festival has been approved by the Susquehanna Rovers Volksmarch Club. I would like to schedule a meeting with you at your earliest convenience so that I may begin organizing our club’s hike. I plan to be leaving the state for a couple of months beginning in January, and again in April. So….I have much to do to insure that all is correctly planned and organized.

    Reply
  3. Pingback: Meanderthals | Duncannon Appalachian Trail community to host annual trail festival

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *