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    York County Rail Trail Authority

    4.5 (2 reviews)

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    Samuel S. Lewis State Park

    Samuel S. Lewis State Park

    4.9(7 reviews)
    15.1 mi

    Let me tell you something. During this time of Covidiousness, we've certainly done our fair share…read moreof outdoorsy types of things. While coming to a state park like this in York County may not seem like an obvious choice, it's actually been the perfect place. I'm not going to go in to any history or backstory (I covered that in my initial musings several years ago) but what sets this park apart from most PA state parks is its size. While the park is only 85 acres (PA has 121 state parks and some of them clock in at north of 15K acres just for a sense of scope) it's layout allows for things to feel more spread out than you would assume. The main road that wraps around the park is great for walking but there are also two miles of trails which if done in a clockwise direction are actually somewhat challenging with how it'll be mostly uphill. There is also a disc gold course, a rock formation that kids will love to climb on, a few small swing sets placed at different spots and a large open field at the top of hill with one hell of a view towards the Susquehanna River, Wrightsville and Columbia. The best part about this place is that it's rural enough so that it's never too busy. We've made trips to some state parks closer to us (Jacobsburg-Nockamixon-Lehigh Gorge) recently and they have been consistently packed. Here, not so much. The drive here is easy. There is an amazing view. There is usually more than enough space for everyone to spread out and do whatever they want. Sounds perfect to me and we'll be back this weekend.

    Samuel S. Lewis State Park does not offer you a bunch of amenities. There's no amazing new…read moreplayground for the kiddies (although there are some swings and such throughout). There's very few short trails around the park (but enough to satisfy my dogs and if you go the "right" way, you get quite a workout hiking uphill). However, what you DO get is gorgeous views of the river and landscape from atop Mt. Pisgah. You also get open space to roam and run around. And my son's favorite part are the rocks! He loves to climb and explore. It's almost possible for me to give any park less than five stars--especially one with such a beautiful view. You won't regret the trip to visit this park. I'm just lucky that it's only 15 minutes from home. P.S. Go read Christopher C.'s review--it's very thorough and well-written.

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    Samuel S. Lewis State Park
    Samuel S. Lewis State Park
    Samuel S. Lewis State Park

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    Northwest Lancaster County River Trail

    Northwest Lancaster County River Trail

    4.4(8 reviews)
    16.6 mi

    We biked from Koser Park to the Decatur Street Access in Marietta. It's a very well maintained and…read morepaved trail.  Great condition good enough for skates though we only saw mostly bikers and one skateboarder during our visit.  The trail must be relatively new because the donated benches are still in mint condition.  There are placards along the trail providing background on various subjects.  The trail offers many nice amenities. Among others, Porta-Johns are available at 4 locations and bike repairing stations at 2. The 6.5 mile trail offers good variety in terms of views and terrains. Though mostly flat and straight, there are short sections that are windy or sloppy.  There are open fields and woody areas. The trail is near the Susquehanna River and you can see the water in many sections of the trail which is great. There are even a few spots where you can gain access to the river. We crossed 2-3 small bridges and had a great view of the Shocks Mills Bridge. Around the midpoint is the River Front Park which offers a great view of the river and well maintained picnic area for large groups, and 2 vending machines! We were surprised to see a sign to Columbia when we reached Decatur Street access, our destination.  Per Google Maps the trail ended right there.  We asked a couple who just came from that direction and they said the trail doesn't go all the way and riding on public roads would be required to make the connections.   So we stuck with our plan and did not continue. Overall I'm absolutely impressed with how well the trail is maintained, all the amenities it offers, and its vicinity to the river. UPDATE: Google Maps is not to be trusted! I have since found out the trail continues 3 miles north of Koser Park access, and 4.5 miles south of the Decatur Street access. From the Decatur Street access, you can continue 2 miles of nice windy trail before having to venture out onto S Bank St in Marietta. At this point you can either cross the railroad and turn right to eventually get to Furnace Rd where the off-road trail resumes, or if you're adventurous, you can continue with the unpaved trail which will end up in the parking lot of the Chickies Rock County Park and when you come out through the tunnel you will end up with the same Furnace Rd connection to the River Trail. This gap is well worth it because the next 1.5 mile towards Columbia is such a delight to ride through. Once in Columbia, you can head back, unless you want to visit the Columbia Crossings Trails Center, in which case, you'll have to ride the sidewalks and cross busy Rt 441 twice.

    Fun day on this trail today, then we hopped off the trail and did some boulder hopping. The trail…read moreeventually becomes to complicated since you can't tell where it stops and begins the closer you get to TMI. The 'hunger rocks' were exposed today due to low river levels. Yahoo!!

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    Northwest Lancaster County River Trail
    Northwest Lancaster County River Trail
    Northwest Lancaster County River Trail

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    Highpoint Scenic Vista & Recreation Area - Sumit view of the Susquehanna River

    Highpoint Scenic Vista & Recreation Area

    4.2(6 reviews)
    16.7 mi

    After my Yelp friend David H. posted about this small gem last month, I had to take a look myself…read moreas I have been in the area numerous times but had honestly never heard about this place. Just to keep the history lesson short, it was built by York County in 2007 and it is one of a series of ten overlooks that are at different points in the county all of which give views of the Susquehanna River. susquehannariverlands.com/the-great-outdoors/scenic-overlooks/highpoint-scenic-vista-rec-area/ The set up is fairly simple. There is a small parking lot at the base of the overlook on Hilt Road. At the base there is a picnic bench and a port-a-blaster along with some literature about York County parks/area trails. From there it's up and around the trail which is a 1/2 mile loop with five way point stops that I guess are made to have you appreciate the view from different angles? At the top the view is very nice. It's literally the same as if you were over at Samuel S. Lewis State Park except that now you're two-ish miles closer to the river. The overlook from Samuel S. Lewis is higher and is visible from here and the top of the vista here is very visible from Sam Lewis. We were here around 35 minutes and the parking lot was packed but people were at different point of the incline and on other trails nearby so things never felt cramped or rushed. While I'm not necessarily sure that this place needs a return visit, I'm glad we came and I appreciate David putting this one on my/everyone's Yelp radar as it is a unique spot worth a brief stop.

    An absolute and positive must! It's an inclined walk but beautifully and impeccably paved -…read morecouldn't be easier. And it literally feels like you're in the clouds. Truth be told we went on a cloudy day, but if it's sunny I would avoid since there is absolutely no shade. There are rocks positioned to take a break during the five points.

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    Highpoint Scenic Vista & Recreation Area - Beautiful view.

    Beautiful view.

    Highpoint Scenic Vista & Recreation Area - Same one

    Same one

    Highpoint Scenic Vista & Recreation Area - View of York county

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    View of York county

    York County Rail Trail Authority - hiking - Updated September 2026

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