Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Swatara State Park

    3.7 (6 reviews)

    Swatara State Park Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Swatara State Park

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Lauren S.

    Came here via an article in Backpacker magazine and it wasn't worth the drive. Did a 12.7 mile loop through the park it was probably better for biking than hiking. The fossils areas didn't seem exciting. It was cool the see the highway be taken back by the earth. Over all if your in local it's with swinging by but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit this state park.

    Kinda on the AT
    Jennifer Z.

    Well, we drove up and down Rt 443 several times looking for the address that is listed on here, however we never found it. I suggest you look for Trout Run and park there. Hiking is ok, maybe cause I was already frustrated with trying to find the place. We finally parked at Trout Run trailhead. There is parking lot, one picnic table and two bathrooms (port a potty). The bridge was out of service due to flood damage. The Appalachian Trail runs here, but overgrown most of the way -which is understandable since most hikers won't hike in middle of summer. Walked out of there with no ticks! Touchdown!!!

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan R.
    197
    998
    4569

    18 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Swatara State Park

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hiking 183 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Sweet Arrow Lake County Park

    Sweet Arrow Lake County Park

    5.0(6 reviews)
    5.5 mi

    While scrolling social media, I saw someone casually mention Sweet Arrow Lake as a place to find a…read morewaterfall in Central PA. A waterfall? Within 45 minutes of my house? Excuse me?! That was all I needed. Immediately added to the Sunday adventure list. I planned my visit for a mid-March Sunday, right after a hearty pre-St. Patrick's Day brunch (and cocktail), because if I was going to go chasing waterfalls, I might as well do it properly fueled and slightly festive. Getting there was super easy with Google Maps, and parking was plentiful all around the lake. Since it was my first visit, I parked near the clubhouse and set out to explore. Bathrooms were locked for the season, but there were portajohns available...which I respectfully chose to ignore and simply hoped for the best. It was about 50°, cloudy, and windy, but that didn't stop people from being out and about. There were families, walkers, and a surprisingly intense group of disc golfers launching discs through the air like they had something to prove. I heard multiple rounds of "HEAD'S UP!" and just accepted that at any moment I could become part of the game. Even with the number of people there, it never felt crowded. The park is big enough that you can easily find your own little peaceful corner and pretend you're out in nature alone...minus the occasional flying disc. This is definitely more of a walk than a hike, which honestly matched my post-brunch energy level perfectly. The paths are a mix of paved trails and well-worn walking routes, with plenty of options to wander depending on how far you feel like going. The lake itself was gorgeous in that moody, dramatic way that makes you feel like you're in a very calm, slightly emotional movie scene. There was someone fishing from a kayak, a few people along the shoreline, and just enough quiet to make it feel relaxing despite the wind. I came for the waterfall, though. And I heard it before I saw it. "I can hear water!" I announced (again, to no one in particular) as I followed the Waterfall Trail like I was on some sort of mission. And when I finally got there...totally worth it. The waterfall was beautiful. It might be partially man-made, but honestly, I do not care. It's water. It's falling. It's peaceful. It's a win! As I walked around, I kept thinking how perfect this place would be for a picnic once the weather warms up. There are so many great spots to throw down a blanket, snack, and pretend you're the kind of person who has their life together enough to plan outdoor picnics. Sweet Arrow Lake is easy to get to, easy to park, easy to walk, and very family-friendly. There's nothing wildly over-the-top here beyond the waterfall, but that's kind of the point. It's a solid, peaceful place to get outside, get some steps in, and enjoy a view that you don't come across every day in Central PA. And honestly? For a spontaneous "there's a waterfall 45 minutes away" adventure...I'd say that's a pretty great return on investment!

    A wonderful place to go walking hiking trails are for beginners the small damn was cool must come…read moreearly parking are limited so get your parking spot early boat rental fun for the little one

    Photos
    Sweet Arrow Lake County Park
    Sweet Arrow Lake County Park
    Sweet Arrow Lake County Park

    See all

    100 Mile View Overlook

    100 Mile View Overlook

    4.3(3 reviews)
    43.3 mi

    After 3 years of bi annual visits to Jim Thorpe, my boyfriend and I finally went to visit the…read moreoverlook (and it was finally opened - we had a great luck of it being closed the first 2-3 times we drove by it). You have to take a short detour off of either W Broadway or Beaver Run Dr. to Flagstaff Rd. There are signs you can follow all the way up there, on a one way dirt path 1,000 feet above the town, and only 3 miles away from it. We went around 4pm in November, when the sun was blending beautifully with the clouds. The panoramic view is insanely stunning! According to discovernepa.com : "Facing south, you'll take in a breathtaking look at the expansive Mahoning Valley and the rolling Pocono foothills. To the north, the overlook offers a stunning bird's-eye view of Jim Thorpe itself, nestled at the base of the mountains and bordered by the scenic curves of the Lehigh River." We took some pictures, walked around to take the views in. We noticed there is a development in process, so depending how long the construction will take place - I imagine the overlook might get more crowded, or the area more restricted. There is a picnic bench you can sit down at. And apparently there is also a camp site. Just imagine drinking your morning coffee with this view! Definitely will be visiting again when we're in the neighborhood.

    Take in stunning, panoramic views of the rolling hilltops of Carbon County at this overlook in Jim…read moreThorpe. 100 Mile View offers a southern survey of the Mahoning Valley and beyond. To the north, you can capture a bird's eye view of Jim Thorpe, the Lehigh Gorge State Park, and the snaking Lehigh River. it is accessible via Flagstaff Road (or put google map) Parking: ample parking on the top.!! but when you are reaching, its one-way dirt road to the top, like hardly 200-300 meter.

    Photos
    100 Mile View Overlook
    100 Mile View Overlook
    100 Mile View Overlook

    See all

    Lehigh Park

    Lehigh Park

    4.1(8 reviews)
    47.3 mi

    WOW! WOW!! WOW!!! This hiking/walking/cycling/kayaking spot…read morealong the river is a breathtaking. I have hiked all over the country and this spot is definitely in my TOP FIVE! There's plenty of parking. There's actually a building for your personal needs - #1 & #2 that is incredibly clean. If you're cycling there's a bike pump and tire repair station. Bring your own patches, etc. If you want to dip your toes in the river there are quite a few stairs that lead you to the water. I have been here a few times - and it always surprises. At the parking area there's a bench you can sit at to relax and take in the sounds of the running river. When you walk to the left - over the bridge - you will come upon BUTTERMILK FALLS. Not sure why the name but it's beautiful and soothing. There are a few picnic tables if you should choose to bring some lunch. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take your trash with you!! Whenever possible, bring a bag with you and pick up whatever trash you come across while walking or hiking as not everyone respects nature. If you bring a dog - pick up after it. I attached a few pics & videos. Enjoy!!

    We went here in anticipation on a hike yesterday morning. Once we parked, we came across a short…read morecave and explored inside a bit. If you're afraid of spiderweb or if the water was knee high in mud- all was good! It's was a short walk, get ready to duck your head or slowly walk with your cellphone light to guide you. The cool air in the cave was refreshing before we stepped out to look for the trail. Once you drive past the cave, there was another parking lot a few minutes further abd we parked again. At that point we took a map from the information by the outside board and kept it with us. We walked on this one trail for more than a mile or two until we realized we saw more people riding on bicycles than walking. We found out the bicyclists were on your and individuals can rent bicycles and choose to be part if a tour or bring their own. The trail itself was a good trail for biking, but we didn't know because it was implied anywhere more bikers were on it than walkers. When we returned back to the parking lot after the walk back, you can also bring your own rafts too and large groups of people can bring it down by the water. The hiking trail at Lehigh Gorge State Park was nowhere to be found. On the map, it is shown there is a trail (the brown lines) once you park. There was no parking lot, no signs to indicate where this hiking trail was, and we moved forward to go elsewhere. The map should probably be updated for this hiking trail because we did try to drive slowly and look for it over three times. Please mark accordingly where the hiking trail is for Lehigh State Park on the roads. We would love to come back to bike! It was a steady trail for biking and a gradual incline you can barely notice, making it comfortable to ride slow or fast.

    Photos
    Lehigh Park
    Lehigh Park
    Lehigh Park

    See all

    Swatara State Park - hiking - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...