HOT-W stands for Hike of the Week.

Donna and I, old white people in our 60's, will be posting a hike (or, in many cases, more like a walk) each week. We will be walking in parks and trails here in or near central Pennsylvania, trying to walk a different one each week. We will include links to the venue, as well as some pictures and some data concerning the trail chosen. We have hiked in Wyoming, Alaska, Colorado, and many other places, but by no means are we "in shape." We like to take it slow and try to absorb our surroundings as best we can.







LANDIS WOODS PARK - NEFFSVILLE, PA.

This 69.9 acre, woodsy area is in Neffsville in central Lancaster County and much information about it can be reached here: http://www.manheimtownship.org/parks.htm#lwprk. We found a very good map prepared by the local Boy Scouts that is clear and easy to read: www.manheimtownship.org/documents/L.W.TrailMapColor.pdf .

The longest trail is about 1.6 miles, is surprisingly quiet and gives the feel of being in the woods despite brushing at one point within 100 yards or so of Vinyl-sided, Mannheim Township McMansion Monstrosities. Thankfully, the trail curves away from these and dives into some nice woods.


Temperature - 77 F
Weather - Sunny and dry.
Terrain - Not quite Flat
Trail Surface - Hard dirt with stones and occasional tree roots.
Flora - Mature White Oaks and Poplars with some white pine and at least two Larch trees. Some late-blooming wildflowers.
Fauna - A few squirrels, a chipmunk, Carolina Wren, Tufted Titmouse, Black Capped Chickadee, some crows. Mild to moderate mosquitoes.
Facilities - Many benches along the trail. At least 10 picnic tables near parking lot. NO bathrooms.
Other People Seen - We were out at about 4PM on a Monday Afternoon in mid-September and saw only about 20 members of the local high School cross-country team run by us at intervals, using this congenial trail for practice.




The trails are very well-marked and it is nearly impossible to get lost. Our total meandering time was about 35 minutes, making this a perfect spot for a working lunchtime break using the picnic tables and the trails whose length can be edited to suit your time.

There is a "Museum" on the property, but this is open only on week-ends. We have no idea what's inside.