Hess Fields/ J. Manley Robbins Trail

 

Ball fieldsWalking trail complex

  1. ๏Earth Day, April 20, 2008

  2. Come join us for a day full of fun and the celebration of nature. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

  3. ๏HessFest Mountain bike festival

  4. This festival of biking, music, swimming, and fun happens in conjunction with the Tour de Tykes race.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

  5. ๏Walking tours

  6. Check out the podcast page from time to time for downloadable podcasts you can listen to as you walk around Robbins trail.  Topics range from history to nature to exercise.  Download one that fits your needs.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

  7. ๏Athletic field schedules

  8. Hess Field has three fields that can be scheduled.  One softball field, one baseball field and one full size soccer field.   Although there are costs to scheduling fields, these costs are calculated at break even levels.  For example, a team of 12 average people from around the area could play on one of the fields for a full season for as low as $85.00 pr season.

  9. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

 See the map Take a look at the overall layout of the park. The J. Manley Robbins trail and other features are identified as color overlays on the map Click here for www.apple.commap. http://web.mac.com/earthscapes66/iWeb/Earth%20day/Map%20%26%20directions.htmlhttp://web.mac.com/earthscapes66/iWeb/Earth%20day/Map%20&%20directions.htmlshapeimage_4_link_0



Events

Embracing and promoting outdoor activities is part of MARC’s mission.   Below are some of the year’s highlights!

 



The Hess Field / Robbins Trail park was the first property managed by MARC.  The park offers recreational opportunities to a wide range of users.  Everyone from organized teams to individuals of all ages, shapes and sizes can find something to do on the grounds.  The park offers a place for history, science, nature, athletics and just plain goofing off if that is was suits you; so come enjoy!

 



Amenities brief

Buildings:        20’ X 50’ Pavilion under roof w/ fire pit.

Sanitary:          BRAND NEW 15’ x 20’ stone bathrooms w/    

                        two outdoor shower stalls.

Playing fields:  One hardball field

                        One softball field

                        Two flexible use fields

On site Trails:  2.4 mile outer loop trail around the park        

                        boundry which includes a covered bridge        

                        and historic sections.

Connecting and associated trails:  Geisinger Stewardship

                        Forest trails are within 1/2 mile of the park. 

                        These trails offer top notch mountain

                        biking and hiking challenges.

            Montour Counties Greenways trail is also within    

                        walking distance.  Stroll along the beautiful

                        Susquehanna river on flat, level ADA

                        accessible ground.

Birding:            one 12’ X 15’ bird viewing blind in wetlands

Camping:          Rustic sites for nominal fees (call first)

Food:                Perkins resturaunt at the entrance to the    

                        park.  Town within walking distance (1/2

                        mile)

Water:              The park is bordered on 3 sides by the

                        Mahoning creek which offers cool scenic

                        beauty and fishing opportunities to anglers.

            The Susquehanna River is within 1/2 mile

 
 Robbins trail Railroad heritage As the OLDEST RAIL TO TRAIL IN AMERICA, Robbins trail and Hess field can’t deny their roots. The western trails used to be the line for THE “MONTOUR” a 10 ton narrow gauge (40”) locomotive built in the machine shop of the Montour Ironworks on Northumberland Street in Danville, PA. And the Lucile Roberts Bridge (shown above) is the current covered bridge and probably the third at that location. The first was built about 1853 or 1854 by the Catawissa, Williamsport & Erie Railroad Company, which started passenger and freight service over its entire line, 68 miles from near Tamaqua to Milton in September 1854. To read more about the history of the trail .PRESS HERE http://www.montourrec.com/Oldest%20Rail-trail%20in%20U.S..htmlhttp://www.montourrec.com/Oldest%20Rail-trail%20in%20U.S..htmlshapeimage_12_link_0
Fieldshttp://www.montourrec.com/MARC%20schedule.html
Racehttp://web.mac.com/earthscapes66/iWeb/Earth%20day/Welcome.html
Historyhttp://www.montourrec.com/Oldest%20Rail-trail%20in%20U.S..html
Lodging & Morehttp://www.itourcolumbiamontour.com/