Shippensburg Township Park

Shippensburg Township Park offers access to two primary trail systems: the Burd Run Nature Trail and the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail (CVRT). The Burd Run Nature Trail is an interpretive path designed for nature enjoyment and learning, featuring educational signage. The CVRT, accessible from the park at milepost 1, is a longer, paved, multi-use trail suitable for walking, cycling, and horseback riding, and is also ADA-accessible.

The trails within Shippensburg Township Park are generally considered easy and accessible. The Burd Run Nature Trail is a gentle nature walk, and the paved sections of the park, along with the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, offer flat terrain suitable for all ages and fitness levels. There are no significant elevation changes, making them ideal for leisurely strolls, family outings, or casual bike rides.

While the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail offers a linear experience, the park itself features paved walking paths that can be combined to create various loop configurations around the sports fields and facilities. The Burd Run Nature Trail is also designed for a relatively short, immersive loop experience within the natural area.

Absolutely! Shippensburg Township Park is very family-friendly. It features a dedicated playground/tot lot, a splash pad (available by reservation), and easy, paved walking paths perfect for strollers. The Burd Run Nature Trail offers an educational experience for kids, and the open grassy areas are great for play and picnics.

Shippensburg Township Park is very dog-friendly, featuring Bubba's Happy Tails Dog Park. This dedicated off-leash area is separated into sections for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe environment for pets to play. Dogs are also generally permitted on leashes on the park's trails and paved paths.

Yes, restroom facilities are available at Shippensburg Township Park for public convenience. These are typically located near the main activity areas and sports complexes.

Parking is readily available at Shippensburg Township Park. There are multiple entrances and parking lots, including specific access points for the ball complex (Hornbaker Drive) and the main entrance (Mowery Drive) off Britton Road. There is also a separate entrance and parking for the southern section, which includes the Burd Run Nature Trail. Horse trailer parking and hitching posts are also provided.

Shippensburg Township Park is located just outside the borough of Shippensburg, which offers a variety of dining and accommodation options. Within a short drive, visitors can find local restaurants, cafes, and pubs in downtown Shippensburg, as well as several hotels and motels for overnight stays.

Beyond the well-known sports facilities, a few unique features stand out. The Papa Jack's Disc Golf Course is a 9-hole course named after a world champion disc golfer. The park also hosts the Shippensburg University Campus Farm, a sustainability project in the southern section. Additionally, the interpretive signage along the Burd Run Nature Trail offers educational insights into the local ecosystem.

The natural areas of Shippensburg Township Park, particularly along the Burd Run Nature Trail and adjacent to the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. Visitors might spot various bird species, small mammals, and other native fauna, especially during quieter times of the day.

General use of the park's trails, playgrounds, and open spaces typically does not require a permit. However, specific facilities like the splash pad or pavilions often require advance reservations and may involve a fee. It's always best to check with the township for current regulations regarding organized events or specific facility usage.

Shippensburg Township Park stands out due to its exceptional diversity of facilities, combining extensive sports fields, a dedicated dog park, a disc golf course, a splash pad, and direct access to a major rail trail. While other local parks might offer some of these amenities, few provide such a comprehensive range of recreational opportunities in one location, making it a central hub for the community and visitors alike.