The Trindle Road Parking Lot

Since 1993, the Appalachian Trail has crossed Trindle Road, also known at Pennsylvania Route 641, midway between Mechanicsburg and Carlisle.  But, there was no formal parking lot at this very popular spot to access the trail.  An informal lot there was very unsatisfactory, since it frequently became a mud pit after rains.

Club leadership began to work on a parking lot in early 2011.  Club member Tom Scully designed the lot and helped supervise the construction.  Grant money came from the South Mountain Partnership and Mountain Club of Maryland’s Miles Fund.  The Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau provided funding for the sign kiosk and other displays.  Many, many volunteers helped with the construction under the supervision of Trailmaster Craig Dunn.  Sign builder extraordinaire Vern Graham built several signs for the parking lot.  It features eight parking spaces, including one space with handicap access and a rustic sign kiosk.

But, the biggest contribution came from the Club's friends at Middlesex Township.  When we spoke to them in early 2011 to let them know of our plans, they surprised us by saying they could provide some in-kind services, such as hauling gravel from the quarry at no cost.  What they actually did was much, much more.  Using their road building equipment, they removed the topsoil, hauled in the stone, installed the base stone and surface gravel, and compacted the completed lot.  Later, they helped us plant trees and perennials using their heavy equipment.  In addition to the elected Middlesex Township Supervisors Steven Larsen, Don Geistwhite and William H. Goodheart, special thanks goes to the following Township employees:  Zoning Officer Mark Carpenter, Parks and Rec. Supervisor Denise Jumper and, especially, Road Supervisor and Police Chief Barry Sherman.  CVATC is extremely grateful for their help.

​CVATC dedicated the parking lot on Saturday, May 26, 2012.  In addition to Club officials, participants included representatives from Middlesex Township, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, Mountain Club of Maryland, and Appalachian Trail Conservancy.  State Representative Stephen Bloom led a hike immediately after the lot dedication.