Hiking Tours

HIKE & HOT LUNCH SERIES

Our goal at Shank’s Mare is to continue to give you many opportunities to GO PLAY OUTSIDE, no matter what the season. Our fall, winter and spring hiking series will take you on some invigorating treks in the river hills…and we hope will give you new information on this special place we call home. Spend a morning outdoors hiking, and end your adventure back at Shank’s Mare with a hearty hot soup and sandwich lunch.

Wind Cave Exploration, Hike & Lunch

Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011, 11am-2:30pm – Moderate Difficulty

Did you know that the Lower Susquehanna is the site of a tectonic cave –

a cavern formed by layers of shifting rock versus the typical limestone

and water formation? Following a hike to the entrance, enter the cave

and explore the twists and turns of this unique formation located on the

Conestoga Trail in LancasterCounty. You will also stop at Lock 12

Historic Area on the Susquehanna in YorkCounty to view the footprint

of the canal and lock. Following your spelunking adventure you will enjoy

a hearty hot lunch back at Shank’s Mare.

Fee - includes shuttle, guide and lunch –Members $35/Person, Non-Members $39/Person

To the Dogs Hike

Saturday, January 28, 2012, 10:30am-1:30pm – Moderate Difficulty

Our four-legged friends are welcome on this approximately 6.5 mile Mason-Dixon Trail hike. This is great terrain for the dogs, and full of beautiful scenery for hikers. Please have your dogs on a leash. Following the hike, we’ll not only have a hot lunch for the hikers, but we will have treats for the dogs as well.

Program Fee –Includes Hike & Lunch – Members $10/Person, Non-Members $12/Person;

Children 12 & Under – Members $6/Person, Non-Members $7/Person.

Winter Waterfowl on the Susquehanna

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 1-3pm

With the help of representatives from York County Parks, join us for an

afternoon hike along the Susquehanna. Before the hike, we’ll get a preview

of the winter waterfowl that inhabit our area, as well as descriptive

information on how to spot these birds. Then we’ll head outside for a

leisurely hike along the river looking for glimpses of these winter visitors.

Who knows what we’ll see. Bring binoculars and field guides.

Please note that this FREE program does not include lunch.

SusquehannaIndianVillage Hike with Jan Klinedinst

Sat., February 25, 2012, 10:30-1:30 – Easy to Moderate Difficulty

Local resident and archaeologist Jan Klinedinst has long been studying the numerous Native American sites along the Lower Susquehanna. She will help us lead our Indian hike on the Native Lands Trail portion of the Mason-Dixon Trail. We will visit the sites of our “Andastes” villages and other prehistoric and historic settlements along the Susquehanna. This will be a fascinating hike retracing the steps of those who occupied the river hills centuries before us.

Program Fee – Includes Hike & Lunch – Members $20/Person, Non-Members $22/Person;

Children 12 Yrs. & Under – Members $10/Person, Non-Members $12/Person

Civil War Comes to Wrightsville Hike with Scott Mingus Sr.

Sat., March 3, 2012, 10:30-1:30 – Easy to Moderate Difficulty

Area Civil War historian Scott Mingus, Sr. will expand on his Feb. 17^th Evening Rendezvous program at Shank’s Mare, with a guided hike through the borough of Wrightsville. We will re-trace the movements of the Confederate troops as they approach the borough along with the placements of the Union soldiers as they guard the strategic bridge over the Susquehanna River. This hike will give you first hand glimpses on the activities just prior to the burning of the WrightsvilleBridge and the Battle of Gettysburg. What a great opportunity to appreciate the history that lies right in our own backyard!

Program Fee – Includes Hike & Lunch – Members $20/Person, Non-Members $22/Person;

Children 12 Yrs. & Under – Members $10/Person, Non-Members $12/Person

Hike, Vittles & Hops with Greg Bentley

Sat., March 31, 2012, 10:30-1:30 – Moderate Difficulty

Tackle the Mason Dixon Trail with a Shank’s Mare guide and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the river hills. Then finish your adventure with a tasting tour of some fine craft brewed beers with guest brewer Greg Bentley. Greg has extensive knowledge in not only home-brewed beers, but has toured many of the well-know craft breweries around the Mid-Atlantic. It will be a great hike outdoors, and a delicious adventure indoors with hiking, vittles and hops.

Program Fee – Includes Hike, Lunch & Beer Tasting – Members $23/Person, Non-Members $26/Person