Cumberland County, Pennsylvania stretches for forty-two miles through the picturesque Cumberland Valley.  Bordered on the east by the winding Susquehanna River and on the west by the Borough of Shippensburg, this scenic region has been a crossroads for travel throughout its existence.  The Indians and fur traders used it as a major thoroughfare, as the Valley runs through the North and South Pennsylvania Mountains.  Today's tourists and travelers use the same route, utilizing the three major highways that intersect the county: Interstates 83 and 81, as well as the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  With today's transportation system, Cumberland County lies minutes from Hershey and Lancaster in the famous Pennsylvania Dutch Region.  Historic Gettysburg and Harrisburg are equally close.

There is much more to do in Cumberland County than just pass through it, though.  Outdoor enthusiasts delight in the gently rolling hills that make for wonderful golf courses.   Three beautiful state parks provide camping and miles of hiking trails.  Water flows everywhere in Cumberland County.  Besides the Susquehanna River, Conodoguinet Creek, LeTort and Yellow Breeches Streams are all nationally recognized trout fishing waterways and Opossum Lake provides some of the best bass fishing around.  Cumberland County is located at the exact mid-point of the famous Appalachian Trail.  Thru-hikers from the Trail stop off to refill supplies, while residents and visitors can do day hiking along the rocky pathway.

All four seasons in Cumberland County delight the senses with individual wonders.     Winter blankets the hills and neighboring mountains with snow, bringing out the skiers and snowmobilers.  Spring bursts forth with blooming color in this beautiful landscape, and bike enthusiasts cycle the miles of trails.  Being a largely agricultural area, Cumberland County residents work hard through the summer months, while canoes and kayaks float the many waterways.  The fall foliage is spectacular, and hunters roam the many acres of state game-lands while the farmers gather crops to bring to the numerous fall festival celebrations.  New Cumberland's Apple Festival is not to be missed, nor the flavors of the apple dumpling and apple pie bake-off contests.  Pumpkin-fests and arts and crafts shows abound at this time of year, drawing visitors from all over.  Antique shows and car shows are year-round events, in this festival-minded region.

The history of Cumberland County is rich and well preserved in its many museums and well-restored downtown districts of its villages and towns. The two oldest towns are Shippensburg and the county seat of Carlisle. Twenty-eight historical sites are scattered through the County as well as ten museums, keeping the legacies left behind from both the Revolutionary and Civil wars.    

The 2000 census numbered Cumberland County's population at more than 213,000.  Residents are scattered through forty-nine different boroughs, towns and quaint villages with names like Boiling Springs, Doubling Gap and Winding Hill.  Local leaders formed the Cumberland County Economic Development Plan, intending to utilize the wonderful transportation infrastructure through the area to attract new industries.  Philadelphia, Washington DC and Baltimore lie two hours from the County border, making the area a prime sight for business relocation.