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

Beautiful Park, quiet and peaceful surroundings-had a nice picnic with my husband. Exercise walking…read moreup steps to get a beautiful view of the lake. Will enjoy visiting again.

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.

This was an amazing free event posted in December 2025. I spent over an hour from the trains…read moredisplay, to the cooking classes, and the fort couture such a beautiful festive time at Fort Hunter.

This is my beautiful, peaceful view of the Susquehanna River at Fort Hunter Mansion on the first…read moreday of May while eating my BonBon Tea lunch. Fort Hunter is a relaxing place to walk, sit, and enjoy the beautiful, serene views of the Susquehanna River.

Nice park with some benches along the way. There's a path you can walk alongside the river. Haven't…read moregotten to explore it yet but the bridge in the background connects Harrisburg downtown to City Island.

10/10 would recommend getting engaged here. Quiet, quaint. People don't judge you if you're sobbing.read more

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.

Cute little campsites. Has everything you need. With tall tall tall tall trees. Very green. We…read morereally enjoyed it here. It's perfect for families with kids and there are little playground areas to enjoy. The bathrooms were overrun and dirty so a head's up on that. The lakes and beach areas were cute and very kidsy for the little ones. I found the waters way too murky for my preference but if you love bullfrogs and lily pads in black water then this is the spot for you. I just can't do too much algae overload.

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.

it was very nice and peaceful, I just thought I'd be seeing more & that there would be a longer…read moretrail or something to walk on , other wise no complaints.

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