Susquehannock State Park

This 224-acre park in Lancaster County provides a variety of activities and an amazing view over the Lower Susquehanna River. The park is home to 11 hiking trails varying in difficulty. Totaling over 5 miles, the trails showcase a variety of flowers and trees, as well as opportunities for birdwatching. You might see birds including osprey, vultures, hawks, and bald eagles. Wildlife such as deer or salamanders can also be observed while exploring the park. Several trails lead to the overlooks, which offer stunning views of the Susquehanna River. These overlooks feature observation decks where, from 380 feet, you can see a panoramic view of the Susquehanna River, as well as the Conowingo Reservoir, and Mount Johnson Island. Other recreational opportunities available within the park include 80 picnic tables and 20 grills, a playground, the state record beech tree, a volleyball court, and two softball fields.

About the Park

County: Lancaster

Size: 224 acres

Collective Trail Length: Over 5 miles

Activities: Walking, Hiking, Picnicking, Horseback Riding, Volleyball

Map: Susquehannock State Park

Chimney Trail [see map]

Length: 0.35 mile
Activities: Walking, hiking, horseback riding
Difficulty: Moderate

Wooded trail that has great opportunities for bird watching as well as viewing spring wildflowers.

Fire Trail [see map]

Length: 0.33 mile
Activities: Walking, hiking, horseback riding
Difficulty: Moderate

Short logging road that features a nice stand of poplar trees.

Five Points Trail [see map]

Length: 0.7 mile
Activities: Hiking, horseback riding
Difficulty: Difficult

Trail features rhododendron as well as vews of creek valleys.

Holly Trail [see map]

Length: 0.5 mile
Activities: Walking, hiking, horseback riding
Difficulty: Easy

This trail is notable for featuring native holly and Christmas fern, and is suitalble for those looking for an easier hike.

Landis Trail [see map]

Length: 0.6 mile
Activities: Walking, hiking, horseback riding
Difficulty: Moderate

Virginia bluebells that bloom in late April and early May can be seen on this trail. Named for Lester Landis who was a former owner of the historic Long Home near the park office.

Nature Trail [see map]

Length: 0.3 mile
Activities: Walking, hiking, horseback riding
Difficulty: Easy

Calm trail in the park that features mature hardwood trees, ferns, and wildflowers.

Overlook Trail [see map]

Length: 0.55 mile
Activities: Walking, hiking
Difficulty: Moderate

One of the more popular trails in the park, the Overlook trail leads to Hawk Point and Wisslers Run overlooks, which offer stunning views of the Susquehanna River. Horseback riding is prohibited at the overlooks.

Pine Tree Trail [see map]

Length: 0.31 mile
Activities: Hiking
Difficulty: Difficult

Short, yet steepy and rocky hike is one of the more difficult in the park, and winds its way down to Wisslers Run.

Pipeline Trail [see map]

Length: 0.24 mile
Activities: Walking, hiking, horseback riding
Difficulty: Easy

Perfect for those looking for a leisurely trail, the Pipeline Trail follows and old, abandoned pipeline right-of-way that crosses the park.

Rhododendron Trail [see map]

Length: 1.2 miles
Activities: Hiking
Difficulty: Difficult

The longest and most difficult trail within the park, hikers must be prepared to cross steep and rocky terrain. Views of rhododendron flowers that bloom during late June and early July are a sweet reward to those who hike the trail. Additionally, renmants of the homestead of Thomas Neel and one of the state's largest beech trees can be seen. Horseback riding is prohibited on the trail.

Spring Trail [see map]

Length: 0.4 mile
Activities: Walking, hiking
Difficulty: Easy

Easy trail that features pawpaw trees with their banana-like fruits.

Trail information provided by PA DCNR.

Trail photos courtesy: WGAL.com.

Access and Parking:

To access the park office, from Lancaster and PA 372, turn left on Susquehannock Drive then take a right onto Park Road.

From York and PA 372, turn right on River Road, then make a right on Furniss Road. Take a hard right on Susquehannock Road, and another right onto Park Road.

Information and maps courtesy: dcnr.pa.gov and mappery.com.