York County Walks
Walking Groups & Resources
There are many great places to walk in York County. Hopefully your neighborhood and/or your workplace is a good place for a daily walk. But when you are looking for a special walking experience, consider these great options:
Gifford Pinchot State Park: Gifford Pinchot State Park is hosting fall and winter walks during the 2018-2019 season. Experience Pinchot Park during the cold weather months with these easy to moderate walks led by the park naturalist. The walks will last about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on weather conditions. Meet at the main day use building in the Conewago Day Use area, off of Alpine Road. All walks will begin promptly at 1:00 pm: Friday, December 7, Tuesday, January 1, Friday, January 18, Saturday, February 2, and Friday, February 22. Please be sure to dress for the weather, with layers for comfort, warmth, and to stay dry! Bring your own water bottle and/or snacks as desired. If you have questions, please contact the park office at (717) 432-5011.
WellSpan Health: Walk 'n Talk with a Doc - Exercise is healing to the mind and body. Cardiologist Dr. Peter Barclay wants to facilitate your wellness journey by joining you on a free fitness walk. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to gain inspiration from others, as you walk and talk about your heart-related questions with Dr. Barclay. The outings are free of charge and refreshments will be available to registered participants. Register by calling Lisa Gemmill at (717) 741-8267. Fall 2019 & Winter 2020 dates:
- Wed., December 18, 9:00-10:00 a.m., Apple Hill (25 Monument Road, Apple Cart Area)
- Thur., January 23rd, 9:30-10:30a.m., York Galleria (Boscov’s entrance, lower level)
- Mon., February 24th 6pm-6:30pm Apple Hill (25 Monument Road, Apple Cart Area)
- Tues., March 10th, 9:30-10:30a.m., York Galleria (Boscov’s entrance, lower level
York County Parks: The York County Department of Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of programming throughout the year highlighting the area’s cultural, historical and natural history. Programs range from Family Camp-Out Night, Fox Story Times, Reptile Week, Rock and Mineral Weekend, Porch Talks at the train stations to citizen science programs such as the Butterfly Count.
York Hiking Club: Weekly hikes of various lengths and degrees of difficulty in York County and beyond (carpool opportunities available). Monthly schedules posted on website.
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/yorkhikingclub/
Website: www.yorkhikingclub.com
Contact: David Lukes, (717) 818-4751, captainskit@gmail.com
York White Rose Wanderers: Offers walking opportunities that are non-competitive and free to the public. New Walker Packets are available to introduce you to Volksmarching (“walk of the people”).
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/yorkwhiterosewanderers/home/the-wanderer
Contact: Pam Copenhaver (717) 817-9724, ywrw@hotmail.com
YORK COUNTY PARKS
York county has eleven beautiful county parks to visit -- check out your options on-line (link above). Each park offers different hiking and multi-purpose trails.
Here are a few great walks for individuals just getting started:
- Heritage Rail Trail: This relatively flat crushed gravel trail runs 21 miles north from the Mason Dixon line.
- John C. Rudy Park: There is an approximately a 2 mile paved loop open for hiking, wheel-chair and stroller friendly in the Park. The 4 mile trail heading south to Route 30 is paved with a slight grade. (400 Mundis Race Road, York)
- Rocky Ridge Park: “Sue’s Trail” is not paved, but it is ADA compliant and considered a “Level 1” trail. (3699 Deininger Road, York)
STATE PARKS IN YORK COUNTY
Walk at Codorus State Park: The 3,500-acre Codorus State Park is in the rolling hills of southern York County. The 1,275-acre Lake Marburg has 26 miles of shoreline and is a rest stop for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Anglers love the lake for warm-water fishing and can also fish Codorus Creek for trout. Picnicking, swimming in the pool, and camping are popular activities. The park’s naturalist leads ecological and historical walks and talks May to October. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR); Codorus State Park, 2600 Smith Station Road, Hanover, PA. Check our the DCNR's website for details on upcoming walks.
Codorus State Park: Located just south of Hanover, the park has 19 miles of hiking trails. Codorus State Park Map (PDF)
Walk at Gifford Pinchot State Park: Gifford Pinchot State Park, a 2,338-acre full service park, is in northern York County along PA 177 between the towns of Rossville and Lewisberry. The park consists of reverting farm fields and wooded hillsides with the 340-acre Pinchot Lake serving as a prime attraction. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR); Gifford Pinchot State Park (2200 Rosstown Road, Lewisberry, PA. Check our the DCNR's website for details on upcoming walks.
Gifford Pinchot State Park: Located in northern York County along PA 177 between the towns of Rossville and Lewisberry, the park has 18 miles of hiking trails. Gifford Pinchot State Park Map (PDF) Upcoming walks include:
- WALK THIRD WEDNESDAYS 10:00-11:30 (starting April 18) - Join us for 3rd Wednesday Walks at Pinchot. Led by park volunteer Glen Dunbar, explore the trails in the Conewago Day Use area on an approximately 1.5 hour, easy walk. Held on the third Wednesday of every month through October, this is a free program, and is retiree-friendly and family-friendly. Meet the group at the main day use building in the Conewago Day Use area, off of Alpine Road, in time to begin promptly at 10:00 am. Be sure to dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring your own bottled water.
Samuel S. Lewis State Park: Located just west of Wrightsville with a view of the Susquehanna River, the park has two miles of hiking trails.
PENNSYLVANIA'S OTHER PARKS AND TRAILS
Pennsylvania's Greenways and Trails