The Susquehanna Greenway is a 500-mile corridor full of opportunities to explore the outdoors. Among this network are a great variety of trails with opportunities to see the local flora and fauna of our region.
Below is a list of family-friendly nature hikes that are perfect for getting immersed in the natural surroundings. As you embark on your trail excursions, look and listen for the native critters of the Susquehanna Greenway. You never know what you might see!
Iroquois Trail
This 3.6-mile (out-and-back) scenic trail follows the route of the old Lehigh Valley Railroad’s Montrose Branch through the Susquehanna Greenway River Town of Tunkhannock. The shaded gravel path passes through the forests of hemlocks and hardwoods alive with the sounds of birds, amidst moss and white lichen-covered rocks. It’s a fantastic easy trail, great for families with young children.
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J. Manley Robbins Trail
The J. Manley Robbins Trail is a short trail with a long history, known as being the oldest documented rail-trail in the country. The trail leads through a beautiful deciduous forest high above the Mahoning Creek. The original trail is barely one mile long, but combined with an old Reading Railroad line, the trail makes a 3.8-mile loop. It’s a lovely forested setting for a nature hike and also a popular fishing spot by the creek–a great spot for families with kids to explore!
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James P. Bressler Heritage Trail
The James P. Bressler Heritage Trail is short, 0.5-mile walking loop located on Canfield Island, accessible from Riverfront Park in Montoursville, PA. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature alongside the Susquehanna River, or explore the informational panels that document a Native American settlement where the trail and park now exist. It’s an easily accessible trail and park with plenty of room to ramble for families with children.
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Watsontown Towpath Trail
The Watsontown Canal Towpath is a 1.2-mile hiking trail that parallels the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. The trail also serves as a history lesson on the railroad and canal system that used to run through town. The walking path was originally used by horses which pulled canal boats along the canal. It’s a beautiful shaded route and a great spots for families with kids to get outdoors.
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Milton State Park Trails
The 3.5-mile trail network at Milton State Park offers a level path around the soccer fields and a level but more rugged trail around the perimeter of the island on which it is located. The park itself hosts the perfect area for walking, hiking, picnicking, soccer, fishing, and more. The trails are the perfect spot for families to explore with the kids and study nature.
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Dale’s Ridge Trail
Located on the 137-acre Dale-Engle-Walker property, this 2-mile trail has become one of Merill W. Linn Conservancy‘s best known and most popular. Taking hikers 160 feet above Buffalo Creek, the trail offers a stunning view of the Buffalo Valley. A wide variety of landscapes are seen along the trail, including the Buffalo Creek floodplain, a mature hardwoods forest, a pond, and open fields. It is also a great place for bird watching, as well as observing the many different kinds of wildflowers. A nature brochure is available at the trail head; perfect for families.
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Boyd Big Tree Preserve Trails
About 12 miles of trails form a network within the 1,025-acre Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area, which straddles Blue Mountain. Its habitat of various large tree species provides homes for deep forest birds, especially warblers. In the summer and fall, the old field is filled with blooming wildflowers like butterfly weed. In late-July and early-August, the flowers also attract field birds and many varieties of butterflies. It is a great trail network that allows you to choose your own adventure on your next nature hike.
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Trails of Wildwood Park
Located in Dauphin County, the trails of Wildwood Park are collectively 5.5 miles. This park provides a variety of trails to suit different difficulties, perfect for families with kids. Plus, it’s a great spot to catch sight of local wildlife, such as heron, egrets, snakes, turtles, and frogs who call the marsh home.
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Chickies Rock Overlook Trail
This short 0.5-mile trail follows an old trolley line route that once took tourists up to Chickies Rock in the early 1900s. Today, the trail leads hikers up to a stunning overlook of the Susquehanna River. The rock outcropping at the overlook is shaded by evergreen trees and opens up into a truly magnificent view. It is a nice, short hike that families will enjoy.
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Clark Nature Preserve Trails
Managed by the Lancaster County Conservancy, the preserve features a variety of forest and field habitats, as well as a small, 4.5-mile network of trails. The trails are great for a variety of hikes with a chance to see some beautiful wildflowers and wildlife along the way. You may even see some white-tailed deer and wild turkeys on the trail and around the preserve! Great for families with children.
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Mill Creek Falls Trail
Enjoy a quick jaunt to this unique York County waterfall. In all the walk is only about 5 minutes from the parking area, but visitors will be rewarded with a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. You can also hop on the nearby Mason-Dixon Trail to extend your nature hike. It’s a fantastic choose your adventure spot for families.
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Rhododendron Trail
The Rhododendron Trail is a 1.2-mile hiking trail within Susquehannock State Park. The trail is moderately difficult, but is great for families to blow off steam, enjoy an immersive forest experience, and views of the Susquehanna River.
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