After months of marathon training, then running a very wam Boston Marathon, I’ve taken the month of May to kick back with some easy running and hiking. Lately, I’ve found myself drawn to the soft meadows and moderate climb in Detweiler Park.

Detweiler Park is new as park goes, open to the public for about seven years. Located on the way up Peter’s Mountain, it is serene and quiet, and yet only a few miles out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This is a carry-out park, minimal in its amenities but very well cared for. Most of the trails have the occasional bench or adirondack chair to offer rest and a peaceful moment.

The wildlife here scurries across the trail in front of you and the variety of wildflowers, plants, and trees give the wildlife plenty of cover. When hiking the open fields or the heavily shaded trails of this park, although it is never crowded, I do see the occasional solo hiker or hiking group, trail runner, dog walker, and families out for a walk together. The paths are wide and open and there is plenty of breathing space.

With around 7 miles of hiking trails, most of them easy and a single trail that is a moderate climb, there are plenty of loops to add distance if you choose. The wide trails that circle around high grass meadows are soft underfoot and can be run or jogged , a beneficial alternative after too many miles on asphalt and concrete.

With Memorial Day activities underway to honor those fallen in wars fought defending our country, you may be attending or participating in, parades and cookouts. If you then need a quiet place to walk and contemplate the depth of sacrifice given, a walk through one of the trails at Detweiler Park can offer that quiet moment.

Where will you be commenorating this Memorial Day and do you have a place for quiet contemplation?