Yesterday was the “one-day-a-year” that people were able to drive the old railway track bed north of Harrisburg. The 17 mile trip took travelers along the Stony Creek trail. Last week Columbia news, views & reviews said this about the trip: “Your one chance: ‘One-day-a-year drive on railroad bed through Stony Creek wilderness has flaming foliage, history, scenic stream and wildlife’ – Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era.” Outdoor writer Ad Crable must have done one heck of a job, because it seemed like every four-wheel-drive vehicle from here to there showed up “to do the trail.”

While we tried to enjoy the scenery in a leisurely manner,  it was tough when a veritable convoy of trucks, SUVs and cross-over vehicles were hugging our bumper. Traffic kinda’ reminded us of Centerville Road at rush hour! Trouble is, it’s a one way trail and there’s not a lot of space for error or shaking off the trail of Sunday drivers.

Nearing Indiantown Gap, we asked one of the Game Commissioners if it would be OK to take the normally closed Cold Springs Road trail over the hill to Ft. Indiantown Gap.

He said, “It’ll be a bit rough, but go ahead.”

Taking the “less beaten” path, over the hill we went and saw more interesting views. Cold Springs Road passes by several of “the Gap’s” impact areas, training areas and along the tank trails.

Here is an article about the trek in today’s Harrisburg Patriot-News and here (below) are the brochures and “take-aways” from the ride.