One of my favorite parts about hiking is talking to other hikers! A few weeks ago, while wrapping…read moreup a different trail, another hiker asked where else I liked to hike. When I admitted I'd never been to Opossum Lake, she looked at me like I was missing out and told me I needed to check it out. Well...challenge accepted! When I got home, I looked it up and discovered it was only about 25 minutes from my house. Somehow, yet again, I had managed to overlook another great outdoor spot practically in my own backyard. A beautiful four-mile trail around a lake? Count me in! I headed out early on a mid-July Sunday morning, hoping to beat both the heat and the crowds. GPS brought me right to the parking area without any trouble, and even though there were already quite a few people there fishing, I had no problem finding a parking spot. The trail itself was fantastic! One of the things I appreciated most was how much the terrain changed throughout the loop. Parts of the trail were covered with crushed stone, others with pine needles, tanbark or natural dirt. It kept the hike interesting without ever becoming difficult. The entire four-mile loop is well-marked, easy to follow and beautifully shaded, making it an excellent summer hike even when temperatures start creeping up. The recent rain left a few muddy spots along the trail, but nothing that slowed me down. PRO TIP: If you're hiking after a rainstorm, use a little extra caution on the wooden footbridges. They can get a bit slick. The trail offered plenty to see along the way. I spotted birds, turtles and beautiful views across the lake and I found myself stopping more than once simply to enjoy the peaceful scenery. One unexpected highlight came when I crossed the spillway bridge. The interpretive signs explaining the history of the dam, the high-water markers and why the bridge was built so high above the creek added a neat educational element to the hike that I wasn't expecting. I always appreciate when a place teaches me something while I'm out exploring. Beyond hiking, it's easy to see why Opossum Lake has become such a popular recreation area. Throughout my visit I saw anglers casting from the shoreline, boats out enjoying the water and families making use of the many picnic areas scattered around the lake. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, paddle or simply enjoy a peaceful picnic, there's plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the scenery. I can already tell Opossum Lake is going to earn a permanent spot on my short list of local hikes. It's close to home. It's easy enough to enjoy without needing to mentally prepare for a mountain expedition. And it's beautiful enough that it never feels like "just another walk." Sometimes you want a huge adventure. Sometimes you just want to lace up your hiking boots, get a few peaceful miles under your belt and spend some time outside. Opossum Lake is absolutely perfect for those days!

'Possum Lake is a great place to go for a quick hike or paddle. My favorite thing is to hike…read morearound the lake in the evening then head out in the kayak. The distance around the lake is, I think, about 3 or 3 1/2 miles and there are some small hills, steps, and mostly dirt or pine-needle-covered terrain. In terms of kayaking, I can paddle around all areas in about an hour. It's a convenient, easy-to-get-to location and it's open until 10pm.

I didn't know this 54-acre park existed until I went searching for parks around Lancaster…read moreyesterday. I'm so glad I decided to visit on my day off: a beautiful oasis close to where I live. Lake Grubb (13-acre) is a manmade lake in the ore pit of the old iron mine excavated on the site in the 1800s. At one time, it was used as a water supply but that stopped around 2000, and in July 2003, it was turned into Lake Grubb Nature Park (LGNP). Here are some amenities: * There is a one-mile trail around the lake. It is well-maintained but I've read that it can be muddy at times. The trail is almost all shaded and a fairly, easy hike. There are a couple of spots where there is an incline. * Lots of benches * 2 Pavilions with electrical outlets and can hold up to 100 people for events * Restrooms * Fishing is allowed. * No dogs/pets allowed, swimming or boating. * Lake Grubb has some spots as deep as 180-feet deep. * The website says there is a playground but I didn't see one? For me, I rate places based on solitude. LGNP was perfect for me. I was there on a Monday morning and I did see people while I was hiking but most of the time, I was alone. It was quiet except for the birds tweeting and the cicadas chirping. I was delighted to see a Green Heron at the water's edge. It let me take several photos. I also saw an American Goldfinch on the trail. At one point, there was a "butterfly bush" and lots of butterflies flying around. Great for photographers. I will definitely be back. :)

I like this park. It is peaceful and there is plenty of parking. There is a monster hill. So beware…read moreif you are not in shape. My only issue with this park is that it prohibits dogs. It isn't just dogs not on leashes. I was so sad to read the signs for no dogs at all. I also read that there have been some geese that are very territorial at this park. That is a more recent situation.

A most enjoyable place to fish! You really do catch trout here! I usually spend a whole entire…read moreafternoon here fishing and usually walk out of here with around $100 worth of trout. On weekends it can get real busy. On a down note, sometimes on weekends groups of Spanish people come here and don't follow the traditional rules of fishing, they spread out, jumping into water splashing around trying to trap and corner the bigger trout that they try to catch by hand all while there kids run around uncontrolled going up to other honest fisherman and being a pest by throwing rocks in the water etc. Normally when the place is packed it's still peaceful and quiet with everyone focusing on angling, but when these Spanish families arrive all you hear is loud obnoxious babbling commotion spooking all the fish. I arrive early on weekends or arrive on weekdays to avoid them. Other than that, this place is a real peaceful and enjoyable experience. The Fish are kept Stocked Regularly. Its Fun for People of All Ages. They are Open All Year Round!!! (Excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day). Hours are 8 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Daily. Fish Cleaning Also Available All Year Round for a fee and No Fishing License Needed, Theres No Limit on Number of Trout Caught but, No Stringers are allowed. Corn, Worms, Hooks, are available for a fee and Free Ice is Available. Rod Rentals too. Theres a Picnic Area Available for Fishermen, Their Family and Guests. Admission is $2.00 per person. Military Service Personnel, Veterans & kids under 15 are Free The Trout costs $5.50 per lb Rod Rental: $5.00/day Trout Cleaning: $0.75 per fish Trout Filleting: $1.25 per fish Pavilion is Rental: $20/day Limestone Springs does asks that all fisherman abide by the 'Catch - Keep - & Eat' policy by not releasing any caught fish back into the water. They ask that you keep all trout that are caught, even if you caught a small one. Check-In Procedure is as follows, you Complete a registration form, get bait, or bring your own, then go fishing! Check-Out Procedure is, Bring your caught fish to the tackle shop for weighing and check-out. Your Fish will then be cleaned , if so desired for a fee, and bagged with ice. They accept cash, personal checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover for payment. No minnows permitted. PA State Fish and Game Laws require that the invoice supplied must be kept in your possession for transportation of fish from this facility.

It was easy to catch fish and they will clean it for you and you can bring it home and eat it. It…read morewas an awesome experience.

I'm not sure what to review here. But if I were to give my…read morehonest opinion I think it's great that they put in better smoke scrubbers. The old smoke stacks would cause ashes to float through the area causing damage to your vehicles paint if it played on there too long. There used to be access for fishing behind the plant that locals referred to as the warm waters. It was great fishing as the water was warm because it was discharge from the power plant. There was even a fish farm located in that area. All access has been removed.

From the owner: Boating, hiking, fishingread more

(This is for the Speedwell Forge Lake which is right next door to the actual park itself.)…read more If you are so inclined for a little light reading and/or mapery, see the below for all of the technical necessaries regarding the lake. pfbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c3a9b1eef46b4ebe85bf2c883fa7f73e&center=-76.30666700%2c40.20333300&level=13 co.lancaster.pa.us/DocumentCenter/View/521/Speedwell-Forge-Park-Location-Map?bidId= www.fishandboat.com/About-Us/PFBC-by-Region/PFBC-Lakes/Pages/SpeedwellForgeLake.aspx Looking for a new place put the kayaks in the water is what led us here. Why? To me, the lake is big enough to give you some interesting things to see and explore, but not too big that you can't see it all in a few hours. There are two docks you can launch from - one on either side of Brubaker Valley Road. It was mid-morning on a weekday and there were seven or eight other kayaks out there (mostly people fishing) and a few small boats that were also fishing. Plenty of wildlife with a Bald Eagle, a deer, a few Blue Heron and fish constantly jumping out of the water. At the far west end of the lake, where it gets shallow and you come to where it gets fed by the Hammer Creek, you expect to see a lot of ducks, turtles, frogs and since you're at the side of the Speedwell Forge Wolf Sanctuary - you can hear some barking & howling and even catch a few glimpses through the trees of a few of the residents running around. Fwiw, I can imagine that on weekends, this place getting very crowded and while it does have some size to it, compared to some other county/state parks, it's not that big. But for a weekday, it was more than fine. Beautiful. Peaceful. What more could you want?

This is a great place to go kayaking and fishing. Looks easy enough to navigate putting in even if…read moreyou are a beginner. First time here, apparently it's been recently drained and restocked. Lots of kayaks and canoes laying in the grassy areas, leading to a sense of serenity and safety, which is refreshing. Beautiful views & lots of wildlife all leading to a peaceful relaxing experience.

Kerns family out for fun day of fishing…read more https://abnb.me/PohNYpMmLV www.compound.gs3.us #compoundhistoricnaturepreserve

From the owner: The Compound: Historic Nature Preserve - is resort where you can enjoy golf swing, summer camp,…read moreAirB&B - Experience, camping Hollywood location & Film, Yoga class, wedding land rental and LARPing.

Big fish and a great experience I highly recommend coming…read morehere by yourself or with kids

Great place for catch and release! Quiet, relaxing…read more Especially Mon morning at 9:00! Bass, both large and small mouth, cat fish are plentiful.

This is one of my favorite zen places. Or when I feel artsy, I bring my sketch pad and just…read moreunwind... very scenic views especially at sunrise or sundown. I prefer sundown... There's a steep incline when you get here but its worth it... Its a good work out... Its also good for avid bird watchers!!

(4.5) ~ Very Good Park for Walking & Hiking. Note: For casual street walking, continue on the wide…read more"paved" path towards the Right once you get to the Lake from the Parking lot -or- If you prefer "hiking" type trails, then take the dirt path on the Left once you get to the Lake. As others have noted the "paved" path is currently under construction at the midway point, & expects to be completed in 2027. Either way it's a fun short walk around 1/3 of Lake Frank:)