Four properties along the scenic Lower Susquehanna River comprise the Susquehannock State Park Complex. The 224-acre Susquehannock State Park is on a wooded plateau overlooking the Susquehanna River in southern Lancaster County. Besides the outstanding view, the park offers a variety of recreational opportunities for year-round fun. Scenic views of the river abound just north at Pinnacle Overlook, and northwest at Urey Overlook. Samuel S. Lewis State Park has picnicking, kite flying and a view of the river.
Open dawn to dusk.
(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)
None.
Scenic Views:
Picnicking: More than 80 picnic tables and 20 grills are spread throughout both sunny and shaded areas of Susquehannock State Park. Parking, water fountains, restrooms, a playground, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and two softball fields with backstops and benches are easily accessible. Two large picnic pavilions with grills, water, electric outlets and lights can accommodate larger groups and special events and may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee.
Horseback Riding: The trails of the park provide a beautiful setting for horseback riding, although it is prohibited at the overlooks and on Rhododendron Trail. Several shaded hitching rails for horses are located in the park to accommodate riding clubs and horse drawn wagons.
Hiking: 5.6 miles of trails
Cross-country Skiing: Visitors enjoy cross-country skiing on more than 2 miles of park trails including the Pipe Line, Chimney, Landis, and Overlook, as well as throughout open fields.
Stay the Night
Organized Group Tenting: The four organized group campsites can accommodate various group sizes. Qualified adult and youth groups may reserve space in the organized group tenting area for overnight use. Call toll-free, 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) for reservations.
More than 80 picnic tables and 20 grills are spread throughout both sunny and shaded areas of Susquehannock State Park.
Parking, water fountains, restrooms, a playground, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and two softball fields with backstops and benches are easily accessible.
Two large picnic pavilions with grills, water, and electric outlets and lights can accommodate larger groups and special events; and may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee.
Ballfield and Hawk Point pavilions, upper and lower restrooms, Hawk Point Overlook and the park office are fully ADA accessible.
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.
While exploring the Chesapeake Bay in 1608, Captain John Smith first encountered the Susquehannocks. In his journal, Captain Smith described them as “seemed like Giants to the English” but archeological research shows the Susquehannocks to have been of average size for the time.
It is unknown what the Iroquoian-speaking Susquehannocks called themselves, but the name that graces the river, the people and the state park is derived from the name, Sasquesahanough, given to Captain Smith by his Algonquian-speaking American Indian interpreter. The word has been translated “people at the falls” or “roily water people” referring to the Susquehannock’s home by the river. This small but powerful tribe occupied only one or two major towns at a time, but controlled the important trade routes along the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay. Their last town was near present-day Conestoga and the Susquehannocks were sometimes referred to as Conestoga Indians.