For families with mobility issues or physical disabilities please do your research with certain…read morepavilion picnic areas. I was very disappointed with how our accessibility concerns were initially handled at Little Buffalo State Park. Pavilions 1 and 2 are extremely difficult, and for some people with disabilities, practically impossible to access from the parking area. I called the Little Buffalo State Park office on 7/9/26 two days prior to our family gathering to simply request to have the gate at the end of the access road to be opened temporarily (as we had the last several years), so family members with serious mobility limitations could be dropped off closer to our Pavilion 1. We were not asking to park there permanently. When I was told they would not temporarily open gate for us I asked to speak to Park Manager Jim Eckert to discuss this but he never called me back. There were 2 office employees I spoke to 7/9 and 7/10. One office employee named Tracy, who showed little empathy or willingness to help and ultimately hung up on me when I suggested going above their head and call DCNR (Department of conservation and natural resources.) Thankfully, Ryan Donavan at DCNR apologized and stepped in immediately and resolved the issue by making sure the gate was opened for drop-off. DCNR was wonderful, responsive, empathetic, and helpful--and the park rangers were also wonderful. We also found that a wheelchair could not even get through the bathroom stall entrance serving Pavilions 1 and 2. And not even a grab bar near the urinal. People with disabilities should not have to fight for basic access. The Americans With Disabilities Act is the law, not a suggestion! Little Buffalo State Park needs to seriously address accessibility at Pavilions 1 and 2 and how accommodation requests are handled by park manager Jim Eckart and staff. They were not at all empathetic or willing to help us find a solution. I would not want this to happen to another family. Thank you DCNR for stepping in.

Easily marked hiking trails, clean restrooms. Nice mix of easy and difficult trails. Plenty of…read morepicnic tables and grills.

Living only about 30 minutes away, I had always assumed Boyd Big Tree Preserve was simply a tree…read moresapling area used by DCNR. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it's actually a 1,025-acre conservation and recreation area that straddles Blue Mountain and serves as habitat for large trees of many species and deep-forest birds, especially warblers. The preserve offers a peaceful, natural setting for passive recreation like birding, nature walks, and hiking, with an extensive 12-mile trail system ranging from easy to difficult. Every trail connects to at least one other, making it easy to customize a hike based on skill level. From wildflowers at your feet to the towering canopy created by the "big trees" that give the preserve its name, the scenery feels beautifully unaltered. While the trails are best used from March through October, the area is open year-round, including winter recreation and cross-country skiing. I visited on the first Saturday in January on an overcast but beautiful 32-degree day. With no recent rain, snow, or ice, it felt like the perfect opportunity to explore. Upon arrival, I found a paved parking lot with just a handful of cars. Parking was plentiful that day, though I imagine it could get tight during peak seasons since there's only one relatively small lot. PRO TIP: Grab a printed trail map before heading out. Cell service was spotty, and my online map wouldn't load once I arrived--but printed maps were readily available at the parking area. Boyd Big Tree Preserve features seven well-marked trails, clearly blazed and varying in difficulty. For easier hikes, the Lower Spring Trail (1.1-mile loop, lavender blazes) and Pond Loop Trail (1.2-mile loop, pink blazes) are great choices. Moderate options include the Coach Trail, Creek Trail, and Upper Spring Trail, while the most challenging hikes are the Janie Trail and East Loop Trail. After some advance research, I chose the 1.2-mile Pond Loop Trail, which offers opportunities to spot wildlife near a popular watering hole. The pink blazes didn't hurt either. The trail was an easy, leisurely one-hour walk with minor elevation changes along a small gravel path. Aside from one set of fast-approaching footsteps behind me (a runner who briefly made my heart skip a beat), the trail was completely empty--perfect for quiet reflection. I spent some time sitting on a bench near the fully frozen pond hoping to spot wildlife, but the only visitor was a lone squirrel. On my way out, I stopped at Stroh's Cemetery, located near the entrance to the preserve. This historic cemetery dates back to 1819 and was originally a family graveyard before becoming a community burial ground. Though many headstones are missing, more than 130 graves remain. Recent DCNR restoration efforts are clearly visible, with cleaned and repaired gravestones and thoughtful landscaping that respectfully honors those buried there. Overall, I'd absolutely recommend Boyd Big Tree Preserve for a peaceful walk in the woods. Is this the place for extreme hiking? Probably not. But if you're looking for a quiet, scenic spot to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, and unplug for a bit--this is a solid choice close to home.

Crafted on the north side of a mountain and optimized for taking walks in the woods, Boyd Big Tree…read morePreserve Conservation Area has some nicely varied terrain and the trails are well marked. Tip: If you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded by an impressive view of the Susquehanna valley :-) While dogs are allowed in Boyd, the wilderness is largely unspoiled by facilities. About the only thing that's been built here is a bathroom at the trail head. Note that you'll need to bring water when you come, and it's wise to wear something blaze orange if you're there in season.

What a great way to enjoy Fort Hunter Mansion & Park by attending a free Sunset Music series…read moresponsored by the Dauphin County Commissioners. The evening event, Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz, featuring the unforgettable performance by the Steve Rudolph Quartet, was rescheduled from Friday to Sunday due to Canadian wildfire smoke affecting air quality in the Harrisburg area. The Steve Rudolph Quartet (Steve Rudolph, piano; Hassan Shakur, bass; Larry Marshall, drums; and multi-instrumentalist Thom Strohman, sax, piccolo, flute, and clarinet) did a tremendous job featuring Jazz compositions by Benny Golson, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and Charlie Parker. All that was needed was a blanket, chairs, and picnic treats on this perfect smokeless, not hot or humid evening. There is always plenty of parking, and restrooms are located in the Centennial Barn.

My friend had her wedding here, it was so pretty. Lots of…read moreparking & the park was very well cared for.

One of my favorite trails in the Harrisburg area! Riverfront Park is a beautiful, well-kept place…read moreto get outside and enjoy some time along the river. The trail is paved and easy to walk or bike A great way to bike uptown or downtown while enjoying the river views A great spot to watch the sunset Plenty of benches along the way to sit and relax The park and trail are well maintained It's a great place for a walk, bike ride, a relaxing evening, or simply enjoying the views. Definitely one of my favorite places in the area to get some fresh air.

For the Stage at Riverfront Park 1 out of 5 for my…read moreexperience because I want something done bc words can't do justice for how poorly handled it was... 5 out of 5 for venue experience I am incredibly disappointed by what I witnessed at the Riverfront Park Stage. This wasn't even about my own experience--it was about a front row experience to watching a patron being treated with a complete lack of professionalism and compassion. A man approached security to ask about a family member who is disabled, uses a cane, and cannot stand for long periods of time. The security line stretched for what appeared to be hundreds of yards, so he politely asked if there was an ADA entrance or any accommodations available. He also explained that they had tried calling earlier in the day--twice--but never received an answer. The security manager (he was wearing a red polo that said such), Mitch, is what I was told his name was by another employee, immediately dismissed him, raised his voice and stating there was nothing they could do, and got verbally aggressive. The patron calmly suggested that, if no accommodations were available, that information should at least be posted on the website so disabled guests know what to expect before arriving. Mitch said that the man was raising his voice, he was not. At no point did I witness this man become aggressive, raise his voice, or act disrespectfully. In fact, many people standing in line around me commented that he remained calm throughout the interaction. Despite this, the security manager accused him of "mouthing off" and being aggressive, which simply was not what happened. It was the manager who escalated the situation while refusing to take any responsibility or show any empathy. Whether or not accommodations were available isn't even the biggest issue. The way this patron was treated for asking a reasonable question about accessibility was unacceptable. A manager, especially one representing guest SAFETY and customer service, should know how to de-escalate situations, communicate respectfully, and treat every guest with dignity--particularly when the concern involves someone with a disability. I sincerely hope Riverfront Park reviews how its security management interacts with the public and ensures staff are better trained in professionalism, customer service, and handling accessibility concerns. What I witnessed left a very negative impression and is not how anyone should be treated. Please place information on the website about ADA accessibility, please consider adding an ADA gate, and please address your "security's" behavior.

I've now hiked Pine Grove Furnace twice -- once on a warm February Saturday morning just to get out…read moreand move, and once specifically to check out the Appalachian Trail Midway Point marker. Both visits delivered exactly what I was looking for: quiet, well-maintained woods and a chance to disappear for a bit. Parking was easy both times. I found spots right near the trailheads without circling or waiting, which immediately set the tone for a low-stress hike. Even better? Across both visits, I saw a grand total of three other people. Three. If you're looking for seclusion and space to think, this is a solid choice. The trails themselves are clearly cared for. They were well-maintained, free of trash and debris, and the recent tree work was evident in the best way -- cleaned up, safe, and thoughtfully handled. Blazes were easy to follow and intersections were clearly marked, so navigation on the ground wasn't an issue at all. One important heads-up: I had zero cell service with Verizon either time I was there. None. Plan ahead. Download your maps, save your trail info offline, and don't rely on pulling anything up once you're in the woods. It's peaceful... but it's disconnected. Beyond the trails themselves, there's a lot to appreciate in the area -- from Appalachian Trail landmarks like the Midway Point marker to the surrounding natural beauty that makes this part of Pennsylvania so special. It's one of those places that feels quietly significant without being overrun. If you're looking for a quiet hike, a reset, or just some time in well-kept woods without crowds, Pine Grove Furnace is an excellent option. Peaceful, scenic, and exactly what it should be.

Charged us $34 for Pine Grove group camping even though I said twice we didn't stay in the group…read morecamping area and that it was a Michaux site, the worker didn't believe me I guess. The physical sign next to my site said $10 per night for PA residents, $15 out of state, the employee told me "No none of our sites would be that cheap". No intentions on returning which is unfortunate because the site was very nice and spacious and had a small fire pit. Don't charge us for Pine Grove Furnace State Park Organized Group Camping when we stayed in the Michaux State Forest campground just a tad further down the exact same camping road.

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.

I lived in York from 1964 to 1974. I lived in Farguhar Estates from about 1966 to 1974, and snuck…read moreoff to this park as a child all the time. I wasn't allowed to but fortunately I stayed safe each time I went. The reservoir was uncovered but surrounded by a wall and an iron gate that, at least to my little self, seemed pretty impossible to climb. The water was clean but dead calm, it kind of scared me. At the top of the reservoir was a little brick house. It had a black and white tiled floor and a beautiful, clean, fish tank. Anyone could walk into that house - I loved it. The little house and the park was always very quiet - I'd rarely see other people. In my childhood memories, it was a very special place, and it took years before I stopped dreaming about it. It almost had an Alice-in-Wonderland feel to it.

Reservoir Park is a quaint, forested park that is also the home of the York Water Co's water…read morefiltration plant. If you grew up in York, you may remember when the reservoir here was uncovered and it looked like a big, beautiful lake. The reservoir has been covered now for probably 20+ years but the park is still a nice place to visit, if you're nearby, for its walking trails and scenic views of York. Tip: pee before you go. There were no restrooms that I could find.

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.

Grew up in the area and came back to visit family. It's been *years* since I've seen the lights at…read moreRocky Ridge, but the stars aligned and we were able to take our kids this year. I have to say, it's just as magical as I remember. I love that there is a bit of a drive through portion in addition to the lights you walk through. Everything seemed well organized, to include parking. There were several people directing traffic-- it was easy to get in and out. Tickets were to be purchased beforehand online-- adults are $12, age 6 to 14 are $7, and kids under 6 are free. There were different sections of lights where you could stop and take pictures, drink hot chocolate, and see the model trains. The only bummer is there was no Santa to take pictures with, which is something I specifically remember doing as a child. I'm not sure if this is the first year or not though. All in all, if you're in or near the York area and want to check out the lights, do it! It's well worth the money and memories

$15 for my daughter and I and we were done in 15 minutes for the Christmas Magic lights. $1 a…read moreminute is way too high. The website says a 30-60 minutes walking trail, but only if you stop and stare at every light. Now don't get me wrong the lights are beautiful and there are thousands of them to look at but they are bunched together. Little kids will love it