The Horse-Shoe Trail is sponsored and maintained by the Horse-Shoe Trail Club (www.hstrail.org) for use by hikers and horses. Founded in 1935, it’s open from Valley Forge to its connection with the Appalachian Trail northeast of Harrisburg. Much of the trail is hosted by private landowners, through whose generosity those of us who hike or ride have the opportunity to enjoy some beautiful Pennsylvania countryside.

In Charlestown, it begins as it crosses Chautauqua Way off Howell Road and leaves the Township at Green Lane and Foster Road. The trail is well marked with yellow blazes and the occasional signpost.

Hikers and horseback riders can access the trail from the following locations:

Entrance to the Horse-Shoe Trail across from the Great Valley Nature Center parking lot off Hollow Road.

• On Rees Road near the power lines. Look for the Parking Signs. Cross Rees Road from the parking lot to access the trail.
• At the Charlestown Elementary School on Charlestown Road. Park toward the rear of the main parking lot. Look for trail blazes to the left of the drive, and behind the large play equipment.
• At the Great Valley Nature Center at the corner of Hollow Road and Route 29. Park in their lot off Hollow Road.
• At Brightside Farm on Yellow Springs Road. Park diagonally along the drive, and look for the Brightside trail signs to the right of the driveway. To access the Horse-Shoe Trail, cross Yellow Springs Road and proceed along Valley Hill Road. Look for the Yellow Blazes on the left.