With the Appalachian Mountains on one side and the beautiful Susquehanna on the other, York County is full of gorgeous natural getaways where you can experience nature. Here are our top three spots for going on a scenic hike through nature without leaving York County.
Heritage Rail Trail County Park
Heritage Rail Trail County Park in Glen Rock spans 21 miles of scenic southern Pennsylvania, connecting York’s historic district with the Northern Central Rail Trail in Maryland. Created along the historic train route of the Northern Central Railway, Heritage Rail Trail County Park provides visitors with a blend of peaceful natural views and exciting glimpses into the past. This mellow trail is wheelchair accessible, and you can expect to see young families, cyclists, and even horseback riders as you explore.
Historic structures are stationed throughout the park, including the Hanover Junction, one of the places Abraham Lincoln stopped on his way to give the Gettysburg Address. The trail crosses over four unique railroad bridges and passes through the Howard Tunnel, a rustic 370-foot brick tunnel that welcomed its first train in 1883.
Gifford Pinchot State Park
At Gifford Pinchot State Park, you can explore 18 miles of well-maintained trails as you weave through forested hillsides and picturesque fields. Spanning 2,338 acres, Gifford Pinchot State Park has trails for every experience level, starting with their half-mile Alpine Trail, which boasts beautiful marigolds, bluebells, and other wildflowers in the springtime. You can often spot butterflies flitting through breaks in the trees on summer days, and in the winter hikers can see seven species of woodpeckers.
For a rigorous day hike, head to the Lakeside Trail, an 8.5-mile loop that takes you through groves of oak and hickory while traversing the shoreline of Pinchot Lake. The park is well-equipped for camping, so you can spend a night in a tent or rent a lakeside cabin after a day of hiking, swimming, and fishing. Hit the trails again in the morning and climb across steep rock outcroppings on the Pinchot Trail, or travel through part of the Mason-Dixon Trail, a National Recreation Trail that connects Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area
For incredible panoramic views of the Susquehanna River, head to Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area, which boasts 79 peaceful acres of green meadows that overlook the water. The park has four trails with interspersed benches and picnic areas. A short half-mile hike along a trail will take you to the top of a hill where you can relax and enjoy watching the sun set over the Susquehanna Basin. This trail is paved and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but you can also follow a grass trail to experience the native landscape.
Next time you need a breath of fresh air, explore the natural beauty all around you by visiting one of these local parks. Get your heart rate up on one of the more challenging trails, or take a leisurely stroll on the scenic route while soaking in our state’s rich history.
Image via pexels.com
Connect with us
