Bordner's Cabin — Attraction in Bethel Township

This is another story of out-of-control government ‘doing’ first and ‘thinking’ later – stealing this home thru eminent domain for a reservoir that never materialized. Fortunately, the home has survived by the efforts of private groups and individuals. Following is some history of the home and its builder, an excerpt from Ellen Litz: “Armar J. Bordner was a retired woodshop and drafting teacher in the Northern Lebanon School District. He and Margaret (Peg), his wife, were the parents of one daughter, Linda. Reportedly, in 1939 he and his students finished the Bordner Cabin by hand using materials found on the site. So Pennsylvania timber products were used to build this sustainable cabin with a large overhang to protect it from the elements. Original horse hair chinking, beveled oak logs, and perfectly cut stone remain. Armar grew up in millionaire Deborah Norris Coleman Brock's mansion where his mother was Deborah's personal cook. While there, Armar learned from the best craftsmen and a master gardener. He used his skills and his love of Falling Water to build his Rustic Cabin along Rattling Run and Aycrigg's Falls in what is now Swatara State Park. It was in the 1970’s that he resisted, when the homes were taken by DER through eminent domain, and was awarded a lease to stay in the cabin for a nominal annual rent until he died in the cabin, gazing up at Aycrigg's Falls. Upon his death, the Boy Scouts rented the cabin for $1 per year. They eventually turned the lease back to the State Park, which is now run by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. In 2006, Swatara Watershed Association successfully petitioned DCNR for a 10-year lease. “ACRIGGS” inscribed on the large rock by the falls is in memory of Colonel Benjamin, chief engineer of the old Union Canal.” Aycrigg once owned the land on which the cabin sits. Inside is a raftered ceiling. The Bordner Cabin is a "Destination," a "point of interest" on the Swatara Water Trail, which is recognized by PA and the nation as a link to the Captain John Smith Water Trail. It is a place for education; artists to paint nature; a rest stop; a picnic pavilion; a platform for people to sit and gaze at the falls; and an interpretive site. Using the criteria of workmanship, engineering, location, and age, in 2009, this site qualified for the National Register of Historic Places. Local history is important to us. All State and National historic registers start with local history. Therefore, SWA is pleased to have played a small part in preserving this cabin, and eventually hopes to attain...

We hike or bike here at least twice a year. The trail on the way is easy for anybody whether pushing a stroller, walking, or riding bike, however the hill from the trail to the cabin could be steep for some people. There is a porta potty there at the cabin, at least during the summer I've noticed. The waterfall behind the cabin is a huge hit for my kids. My 7 and 9 year old had no problem climbing all the way up! Be careful as they saw at least 3 black snakes as they climbed. They observed them and then kept climbing. My little guy enjoyed playing at the base of the waterfall in the water and finding cool rocks. Inside the cabin there is a picnic table so you can eat a snack or when you get there, or pack a lunch to eat while there. The cabin has lots of pictures and descriptions all around telling you all about the place. It's a popular place that my family loves to go all year round(however would not go when there is snow on the ground). Also if you have little explorer's like I do, make sure to check out the creek after you cross the bridge (if you are parked and coming from sand siding road). The creek has lots of wildlife for curious minds to observe. My kids were intrigued by the crayfish and mudskippers. All in all definitely a fun place to take all ages both...

Hiker or walker this seems to me (73 year old fairly fit lady) nicely accessible. Thursday 11 2 chilly morning only met one other couple. Gorgeous shaded walk about 3 miles round trip. The cabin is incredible when considering the time it was built by one man over 2 years. Take a picnic or stop at Miller's diner on 72 after before 2pm close. A perfect morning! 11/14 came in from Swopes Valley traihead - nice clean bathrooms - trail longer (4.43 rd trip) and more hills and mostly a gravel road nearer to noise of 81 but nice. Liked the Sand Siding trail better. Of course then a brunch stop...