Most of the trail is in an agricultural region with gently rolling topography, where it generally follows rural roads and old country lanes, but the western end is much more mountainous and rugged.

The Horse-Shoe Trail was christened in 1947 and was routed to take users through farmlands and historic monuments throughout the southeastern portion of the state, particularly sites associated with the Revolutionary War.

[3] The Horse-Shoe Trail is under perennial threat due to the changing wishes of rural landowners, and encroaching development around its eastern end in the Philadelphia area.

It begins in Valley Forge National Park and heads west, traversing historic battlefields from the Revolutionary War.

After entering Dauphin County, the trail passes through a heavily developed suburban area just east of Hershey and crosses US 422.