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.

This was stop #2 on a beautiful late-September Sunday adventure. I'd done my homework ahead of time…read moreand planned to tackle the Chickie's Rock Overlook Trail first, then swing by the nearby Breezyview Overlook (just a 4-minute drive away). Chickie's Rock Overlook Trail: Parking was plentiful, and I appreciated the history sign at the trailhead--it turns out this path was once a trolley line leading to an amusement park near Chickie's Rock. So you're not just walking, you're walking through history. The trail itself is wide, relatively flat, and about a 20-minute walk to the overlook if you're taking your time (we were chatting the whole way--it was Sunday morning, not a cardio day). Pro Tip: Not far from the parking lot, the trail forks. Go LEFT for the easy stroll. Go RIGHT if you want a steeper climb and some cardio. Either way, the two trails meet up again before the overlook. When you arrive, the payoff is worth it: a panoramic view of the Susquehanna River and classic Central PA scenery--rolling hills, farmland, distant ridges, train tracks running at the base, and acorns plinking down around you. Pure magic. Just note: the overlook itself requires scrambling over some big rocks to get to the railing. Sneakers or boots are a must, and it's not super friendly for little kids or anyone with mobility challenges. Bonus history fact: Chickie's Rock was actually used as a Union lookout post during the Civil War in 1863, when Confederate troops invaded PA. That blew my mind. Breezyview Overlook: From Chickie's Rock, it's a quick 4-minute drive to Breezyview Overlook. This one's a lot easier--park, take a few steps on grass, and you're there. You even get the fun perspective of looking back at Chickie's Rock and seeing where you'd just been. Parking was easy, and they had a port-a-john if needed. The view is nice, but not nearly as epic as Chickie's Rock. Then again, the best things usually require a little extra effort. Overall, this was the perfect low-impact Sunday adventure. Bring water, pack out your trash, and don't forget to smile and say hi to fellow hikers along the way. If you're looking for an accessible trail with a stunning payoff, Chickie's Rock is a must.

This is a straightforward hiking path - pretty much straight and up to be rewarded with a beautiful…read moreview of the Susquehanna River. If you are lucky, like we were, you will see a low flying plane from the nearby military base. We stopped during the week, but I could imagine the parking at this area could get filled and you may have to wait for a spot. I'm seeing from other reviews that there are other parking spots and entrances, but the one we were at seemed fairly direct to the overlook. It was a beautiful quick hike to see some impressive views.

Love coming to Longs Park. This was part of their summer free concert series. We came to see Low…read moreCut Connie. I've followed them since they got their start in South Philly. Gave an excellent show for about an hour and a half. Nice large park not a bad seat anywhere. Very family friendly. A lot of families with from babies on up to preteens. Couple of the dads were playing catch with their toddlers off to the side. Great place to have the kids and get up and run around. They're not bothering anybody. You can bring in your own snacks and nonalcoholic beverages. It's all free. Bathrooms are easily accessible. They had two extra porta-johns as well as the already established restroom building, which was very clean by the way. Lots of parking, handicap accessible. They had closer parking for those that needed it. It's relatively easy to get in and out of the park there is a traffic light. Traffic does back up a bit but it's not too bad. We had a great time just sitting and listening to music and enjoying the weather. If you have a chance, check out Longs Park for their free summer concert series.

This is an 80 acre park located in Lancaster featuring an amphitheater that has been playing music…read morefor 60 years. Park also features a playground, tennis court, water and more. It's a great place to linger on a nice day. We got to enjoy their summer concert series on a Sunday. This is a very busy park so come early to grab a parking spot. During concerts you can grab food from mobile venues to enjoy throughout the concert. So bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a relaxing night of music. Worth a visit!

Beautiful property! They have a pavilion along the creek for…read moreevents & reunions. They have lots of events for the community. A true asset to our area!

Really nice, small park with some beautiful architecture. The stream was pretty and there was a…read morebench to relax and look at the nature. I would like to see the peace garden during the summer/spring.

Lancaster is full of history and gives off a quaint little town vibe if you find the right spot to…read moreenjoy it. Musser Park fits that bill and you can spend some time here just losing yourself. It sits in what feels like the middle of town, right next to a museum. The park comes complete with a playground and somewhat of a circular path if you want to get some laps in. For the most part it is fenced. I came here to do some laps since what I had wanted to do was not available at that time. It was a nice distraction and gave me something to do until I figured out where I was going after that.

Sweet little park nestled between busy city streets and gorgeous city homes. Active neighborhood…read moreassociation holds several events throughout the seasons--markets, May Day, live music concerts, etc. Definitely worth the stroll.

Look Im not going to lie, this has never been my favorite place to be. That being said, its not a…read morebad park. it is pretty big and its not all bad for sitting down for some eats. In the same area its got the community pool, the playhouse in the park, and the eicher indian museum. It is generally clean, has a nice walking trail with wood bridges, kiddie park stuff, baseball diamonds and the police pass thru reguarly. So whats my problem with it? Teens. The cops dont pass thru there because they want a nice detour. The area is a big collection point for bored kids. Here it is a monday, and they are already beating on stuff, jumping on tables and scaring off families. Wait till friday night. Theres also a skate park at the pool which is honestly too noisy.. Once a month the park hosts a motorcycle gathering in the park. I visit my parents 2 miles away and its horrible. Can you imagine living next door? Oh and yes, when i was a teen I was there and got chased off by the cops. However as an adult, I find the teens doing the same thing not as cool. Go figure.

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.

Nice trail to take your dog for a walk or even to just get out and enjoy nature. Plenty of…read moredifferent spots to park along the trail.