The South Mountain Trail Summit convened a focused conversation on greenways and trails in the South Mountain landscape. Held in Carlisle, PA and drawing more than 120 participants, the summit was designed to engage, educate, and solicit support on efforts to advance the quality and connectivity of current and proposed trails. Following a “state of trails” overview of trails within the South Mountain region, the Summit highlighted the demonstrable benefit of trails to communities, explained the nuts and bolts of trail development for communities, helped communities better understand trail needs, and showcased successful case studies from the region.

The afternoon session was dedicated to a Trail Mapping Session facilitated by Bob Thomas of Campbell Thomas & Co. This exercise enabled an inventory of existing trails, as well as trails proposed or in development. The exercise also identified the key regional links (existing and/or proposed) within the South Mountain landscape. Finally, the exercise promoted discussion about major challenges facing the proposed trail projects, and concluded by prioritizing key projects throughout the region.

The South Mountain Trail Summit was made possible by the support of the following entities:

Platinum Sponsor: Rettew

Gold Sponsor: C.S. Davidson, Inc.

Silver Sponsor: Carlisle Area Health & Wellness Foundation

Additional Sponsors: PA DCNR, Appalachian Trail Conservnacy, Cumberland County Planning Department, Penn Trails, Inc., Campbell Thomas & Co., Healthy Adams Bicycle and Pedestrian, Inc. Franklin County Planning Commission, Adams County Office of Planning & Department

The following presentations from the South Mountain Trail Summit are available

Cindy Dunn –The State of the Region’s Trails (keynote address)

Robert Thomas – Planning: Trail Feasibility Studies and Issues to Think About

Jim Caldwell – Municipal Planning Tools for Trail Development

Mike Piaskowski and Alex MacDonald – Finding Funding for Your Trail Project

Chris Houston – Carlisle Case Study: Urban Greenway Plan

Steve Hietsch – Carlisle Case Study: The Road Diet

Andrea Crouse – Cumberland Valley Trail Connections Case Study

Susan Naugle – The Gettysburg Inner Loop Case Study