Borough of Duncannon

March 25th, 2024


Situated at the junction of the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers in Perry County, is the Borough of Duncannon. Established in 1865, Duncannon is located on part of the Appalachian Trail as the trail following several streets throughout the borough.

The area is well-known for its views from Hawk Rock as well as the friendliness, hospitality, and generosity of its residents. The 2.2-mile Hawk Rock Trail, quite popular for birding and hiking, is near Duncannon and takes an average of 90 minutes to complete.

Duncannon was originally called Petersburg, and under the latter name was laid out in 1792. The present name is derived from Duncan's Island in the Susquehanna River.

The Puritan missionary David Brainerd visited the area in the 1740s. In his journal he describes his trip on the Susquehanna and his brief stay with an Indian tribe on Duncan's Island, across the river from present-day Duncannon.

During the winter season while in your youth, chances are you sledded down a snow-packed hill on a “Lightning Guider” sled, which was manufactured in the borough of Duncannon until 1990. The 30,000-foot factory started manufacturing in 1904, producing "Lightning Guiders" and "Challengers," and operated for 86 years. In the 1920s and 1930s, when American children made “Balto the Sled Dog” a veritable hero, the company produced up to 1,800 sleds per day, more than any other American manufacturer.