“Between every two pines there is a doorway to a new world.” –John Muir
Exhibit Details
The HSR Trail system is approximately 11 miles of trails over various types of terrain across both camps. While not all trails are currently maintained, they allow Scouts and Scouters to experience the beautiful landscapes of Horseshoe Scout Reservation all while working towards earning the coveted trail segments.
The Yellow trail is a circular trail at Camp Horseshoe that starts at Browning Lodge, heads South along the old camp road next to the Octoraro Creek, heads Northeast towards the Lane House, across the hay field, and then along the New Camp Road towards the Schlaanstine Chapel then past the C.O.P.E. course back down to Browning.
The Incinerator
2020 – Contributed by Evan Ellwanger
As one walks along the Yellow Trail heading out towards the Blue Bridge on the old camp road, the incinerator from the old Mill appears.
Jim Goudie Taking Picture
2025 – Contributed by Anonymous
Rev. Jim Goudie taking pic of old typewriter in the block house on the yellow trail.
Chipping Away
2013 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Jake Segal and others on the OA Trail Crew feed fallen limbs into a chipper along the Yellow / Red Trail.
Work Crew
2022 – Contributed by Evan Ellwanger
OA members work on the Yellow Trail during the March 19th, 2022 work day.
Trail Work
2022 – Contributed by Evan Ellwanger
OA members work on the Yellow Trail during the March 19th, 2022 work day.
Old Camp Road
2008 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
Today the Yellow Trial follows the path of the Old Camp Road along the Octoraro. Sections of the macadam road are still in place while other sections have reverted to a more natural state.
Red Trail
Display Details
The Red trail is situated on Camp Horseshoe property. It starts on the old Boat Docks road and continues along the Octoraro Creek separating Horseshoe and Ware, and then heads South East towards Buzzard’s Rock where it meets the Yellow trail.
See Also
Click HERE to see an exhibit about Buzzard’s Rock.
The Red Trail
2009 – Contributed by Nick Leusky
Scouts in 2009 sitting on a rock found on the Red Trail at Camp Horseshoe.
Red Trail – Buzzard’s Rock
2009 – Contributed by Nick Leusky
A Scout hiking the HSR Red Trail takes time out to explore Buzzard’s Rock.
Red Trail – Buzzard's Rock
2009 – Contributed by Nick Leusky
Buzzard’s Rock is a popular point of interest along the HSR Red Trail.
Red Trail Scouting
2009 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Camp Ranger Ray Hayden checks out the trail before the crew gets started.
Red Trail Work
2009 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Tom Murphy and Johnny Boldin work on clearing logs and other debris on the red trail in April 2009.
Cutting up the Trees
2010 – Contributed by Scott R. Salvatore
Paul Bowling works on removing a fallen tree on the red trail.
Hiking the Red Trail
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Some adults from Devon Troop 50 hike the Red Trail.
Green Trail
Display Details
The Green trail is situated at Camp Ware and encircles the entire camp.
Walking the Trail
2017 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Members of the OA Trail Crew walk the Green Trail during the April 8th, 2017 Trail Crew event.
Clearing Brush
2017 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Members of the OA Trail Crew clear brush on the Green Trail during the April 8th, 2017 Trail Crew event.
Brief Pause
2015 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
While the hedge trimmer and weed whacker are at full tilt, the trail crew members use fire rakes behind them to clear the remaining green briar. Here we see a brief pause as they get caught up to the trimmers.
Team Work
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
More than a dozen trail crew workers came down to volunteer on this Saturday to clear out brush, cut logs and trim back briar to clean up the Camp Ware Green Trail.
Raking it Up
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The OA Trail Crew raked and widened the Green Trail near the Octoraro Creek.
Blue Trail
Display Details
The Blue trail starts near the Blue Bridge and winds itself along the south side of the Octoraro Creek passing by “New Farm” and heading back cross the OA bridge.
Blue Trail Marker
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The blue trail as seen terminating at “New Farm” on HSR property. Though the trail is usually overgrown, the blue trail markers can still be seen at the end of the trail.
Blue Trail
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The blue trail as seen terminating at “New Farm” on HSR property.
Nature Trail
Display Details
The Nature Trail starts at the path connecting the Nature Lodge to the old Boat docks trail, then winding behind Achgeketum Fire Circle and then south to Taylor Beach – about 0.9 miles.
Nature Trail – First Marker
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The “first” marker for the Nature Trail is currently at the start of the old boat docks trail, leading you to the start.
Nature Trail – Marker 1
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Marker #1 for the Nature Trail is where it starts – at the bottom of the trail leading from the Nature Lodge to the Boat Docks trail.
Nature Trail – Marker 2
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Shortly beyond the turn off for Achgeketum Circle, markers 2 and 3 of the nature trail await.
Nature Trail – First Left Turn
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Shortly after marker 3 of the Nature Trail, you are instructed to take a left turn.
Nature Trail – Long Stretch
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
After the first left turn, there is a long pretty stretch on the Nature Trail.
Nature Trail – Right Turn
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Here is the first right turn on the Nature Trail.
Nature Trail – Marker 4
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Marker #4 and #5 are found near each other on the Nature Trail.
Nature Trail – Trail and Mud
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Here was a low-lying area on the Nature Trail that captured some mud.
Nature Trail – Leaning Tree
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Along the Nature Trail there are diamond tree markers for both the Nature Trail and the Red Trail.
Nature Trail – Hiking
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Continuing along the Nature Trail in this stretch.
Nature Trail – Marker 6
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Marker #6 on the Nature Trail.
Nature Trail – Marked Trees
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
This little area on the Nature Trail almost looks like a nice spot to pitch a tent for the night.
Nature Trail Hiking
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Continuing along the nature trail.
Nature Trail – Double Diamond Leaning
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
A double diamond section of the Nature Trail handing on a leaning tree.
Nature Trail – Marker 7
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Marker #7 on the Nature Trail.
Nature Trail
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Nature Trail in all its glory.
Nature Trail – Sun Peeking Through
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The sun was peeking through the tree cover in this section of the Nature Trail.
Nature Trail Walking
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Continuing to walk along the Nature Trail.
Nature Trail – Double Diamonds Closeup
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Here is a closeup of the diamond markers on the Nature Trail.
Nature Trail – Double Diamonds
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
More double diamond markers on the Nature Trail.
Nature Trail – Left Turn
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Another left turn on the Nature Trail.
Nature Trail – Marker 8
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Marker #8 on the Nature Trail.
Nature Trail – Marker 9
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Marker #9 on the Nature Trail. Beyond here there were too many weeds to continue.
Quarry Vista
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
You can see the rock quarry through some peeks in the trees on the Nature Trail.
Murphy Trail
Display Details
The Murphy Trail was constructed in 2008 and connects the pool trail to the Athletic Field. It was created as a replacement for the discontinued “Heart Attack Hill” which was situated next to the Octoraro Memorial Lodge Building.
Sweating it Out
2008 – Contributed by Thomas Murphy
Sean Bealer (left) and Scott Salvatore take a break for a few minutes before continuing with the grueling trail work to build the Murphy Trail.
Bridge Builders
2008 – Contributed by Thomas Murphy
The OA trail crew lays the planks across telephone poles for what will be the new trail’s bridge. The trail would later be named the “Murphy Trail”.
Preparing the Bridge
2008 – Contributed by Thomas Murphy
The trail crew works to ready the area before laying the telephone poles on the new Murphy Trail.
Non-Manual Labor
2008 – Contributed by Thomas Murphy
Though fifteen or more heavy lifters can get a lot done, there are some mechanized requirements for building an entirely new trail in a day.
Completed Bridge
2008 – Contributed by Thomas Murphy
The new bridge, completed.
Anchoring the Poles
2008 – Contributed by Thomas Murphy
The crew works to anchor the telephone poles in the soil before adding planks to the Murphy Trail bridge.
Murphy Trail Sign
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Murphy Trail sign which includes the new “Boat Docks” signage as of 2024.
Horseshoe Pool Trail
Display Details
The Camp Horseshoe pool trail runs from near the Allen Memorial Dining Hall all the way to Heistand Pool, with a steep set of stairs at the end. Campers for generations have winded their way down the path to cool off from the summer heat.
Working on the Trail
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
John McCabe (left) works with ordeal candidates and members in building the pool trail during the 2026 June Service Weekend.
Working on the Pool Trail
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
During the 2026 June Service Weekend, members and candidates start raking out the dirt on the pool trail.
The Downward Slope
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Here is a picture of the steepest part of the pool trail which was rehabilitated at the 2026 June Service Weekend.
Setting the Water Bar
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
This adult member works with you to install a water bar on the pool trail during the 2026 June Service Weekend.
Raking Out the Trail
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Youth members and candidates work to rake out the dirt on the pool trail during the 2026 June Service Weekend.
Putting in Gravel
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Gravel is raked out on the pool trail during the 2026 June Service Weekend.
Pool Trail
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
At the 2026 June Service Weekend, a long stretch of the pool trail is complete with new water bars and gravel.
Examing the Water Bars
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Near the bottom of the pool trail, those working on it discuss the runoff location around the water bar on the steepest part of the trail.
Discussing the Water Flow
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Workers discuss how to divert water on the pool trail during the 2026 June Service Weekend.
Pool Trail Work
2026 – Contributed by Sammy Roworth
Amongst others, Billy Blankmeyer came down for a day in late May 2026 to work on the Camp Horseshoe Pool trail, which was in dire need of repair.
Pool Trail Workers
2026 – Contributed by Sammy Roworth
Amongst others, Sammy R. (left) and Billy Blankmeyer came down for a day in late May 2026 to work on the Camp Horseshoe Pool trail, which was in dire need of repair.
Pool Trail Work
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
OA members and ordeal candidates work on the Horseshoe pool trail at the 2026 September Fellowship weekend.
Videos
Display Details
Here are a few videos of Scouts and Scouters working or hiking trails throughout the years.
Clearing the Brush Members of the OA Trail Crew clear brush to widen the Green Trail during the April 8th, 2017 event at Camp Ware. 2017 – Contributed by Andrew CoeRemoving Briar and Weeds The OA Trial Crew goes high and low to clean up the Green Trail in July 2011. 2011 – Contributed by Andrew CoeMurphy Trail This new trail at Camp Horseshoe is a an addition to the trail system of HSR and is named after the former HSR ranger Tom Murphy. 2013 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Trail Maps
Display Details
There has only been one map that shows with color coding each of the HSR trails, though other maps in the past have shown all the trails without any labels.
HSR Trail Map
2008 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
This map shows all of the trails on the reservation.
Memorabilia
Display Details
Scouts or Scouters who hike certain trails can get uniform segments as a reward.
Yellow Trail Segment
2008 – Contributed by Anonymous
A Scout or Scouter can earn this award by hiking Camp Horseshoe’s yellow trail.
Red Trail Segment
2008 – Contributed by Anonymous
A Scout or Scouter can earn this award by hiking Camp Horseshoe’s red trail.
Blue Trail Segment
2008 – Contributed by Anonymous
A Scout or Scouter can earn this award by hiking Camp Horseshoe’s blue trail, which winds around the Southern portion of the Octoraro Creek.
Nature Trail Segment
2008 – Contributed by Anonymous
A Scout or Scouter can earn this award by hiking Camp Horseshoe’s Nature trail, which winds around the Octoraro Creek on the West side of the property.
