SUSQUEHANNA RIVERLANDS STATE PARK
Think York County is just farmland Think again, because Susquehanna Riverlands State Park packs over a thousand acres of raw, green canopy right where Codorus Creek empties into the main river. It is wild. You won't find paved bike paths or concession stands selling cheap hot dogs here, but you will find rugged trails that connect directly to the 200-mile Mason-Dixon Trail. Actually, the steep climb up to the Schulls Rock overlook will sweat-test your stamina.
Bring your binoculars. Bald eagles routinely patrol the park's 1.4 miles of rocky river shoreline, hunting for catfish in the shallows. You can fish, too. Anglers wade right into the rushing water to snag smallmouth bass, especially during the humid summer months. It's noisy, muddy, and perfect. If you prefer dry land, those steep climbs up the river hills will redline your heart rate while teaching you a quick lesson about Pennsylvania's rugged geology.
There are no entrance fees or day use fees for any state park in Pennsylvania.
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Susquehanna Riverlands State Park is located near Camp Hill, Columbia and Dallastown
It is wonderfully low-key. Throw a patchwork blanket down under a massive oak tree and unpack some turkey sandwiches while the breeze comes off the river. Watch for bald eagles. They love to hunt fish right along this stretch of the water, especially near the rocky banks where the shade keeps things cool.
Since the state just acquired these 1,044 acres recently, the amenities remain pretty rustic. No trash cans here. That means you must pack out every single piece of plastic wrap, apple core, and empty soda can you bring in. Keep it clean. If you want a view with your lunch, hike up a section of the Mason-Dixon Trail first to find a flat rock overlooking the river. It is worth the sweat.
- T Walker
Mason-Dixon Trail - A section of this 200-mile, blue-blazed trail traverses the state park, offering scenic views of the Susquehanna River and connecting to broader regional trails. Length 1.0 mile (within park).
Multi-Use Trails - Various unpaved paths and woods roads throughout the park property open for hiking, nature observation, and exploring the forested river hills. Length Multiple miles.
Kinsey's Outdoors
1658 Steel Way
Mount Joy, PA
(717) 653-5524
Yorkanna Game & Gunning Club
468 Smyser Rd
Yorkana, PA
(717) 244-4289
James Tackle
1003 Huntington Ln
Elizabethtown, PA
(717) 361-7733
Susie Dombach's Rod & Reel
2637 Ironville Pike
Columbia, PA
(717) 684-7619
Bullrun Bait & Tackle
Bullrun Rd 1
Wrightsville, PA
(717) 252-4446
Fishing Creek Enterprises
1741 Snyder Corner Rd
Windsor, PA
(717) 246-8735
Bullrun Bait & Tackle: Fax Line
Wrightsville, PA
(717) 252-0466
James' Tackle
209 N Market St
Elizabethtown, PA
(717) 361-7743
Trop Gun Shop Inc
709 Cloverleaf Rd
Elizabethtown, PA
(717) 367-5585
Snow Time Inc
100 Boxwood LN
York, PA
(717) 757-1508