Susquehannock State Park
Susquehannock State Park is a 224 acre park in southern Lancaster County overlooking the Susquehanna river. The park features several overlooks over the Susquehanna River. Additionally, nearby Pinnacle overlook in Lancaster County and Urey Overlook and York County are part of the park complex. The park is a lovely stop off for picnicking and hiking.
Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Samuel S. Lewis State park is an 85 acre state park located in York County about 12 miles east of York, PA. Mt. Pisgah, an 885 ft high ridge is the focus of Samuel S. Lewis State Park. The grassy peak is a favorite spot for flying kites and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding Susquehanna River Valley. The park has a 9 hole disc golf course. The George E. Stine arboretum may be found near Hilltop Pavilion. It is a great park for picnicking.
Little Buffalo State Park
Little Buffalo State Park is a 923 acre park just outside Newport, Pennsylvania. The park is site of Shoaff's mill, Clay's Covered bridge, and Blue Ball Tavern. Like many Pennsylvania state parks, Little Buffalo State Park was associated with a charcoal burning ironworks. Little Buffalo was the site of Juniata Iron Works (1808-1848) with the furnace site just south of the park. Shoaff's mill, a water powered gristmill, provided flour and cornmeal as part of the ironworks community. The mill was in operation from 1840 to 1940 and has one of the largest water wheels east of the Mississippi. Clay's covered Bridge originally crossed Little Buffalo Creek about 1 mile from its present location. Built in 1890, it was moved in 1971 due to construction of Holman Lake. Blue Ball tavern is a museum and library on the history of Perry County Pennsylvania. The current farmhouse was built on the original foundation of the tavern. The tavern offered food, drink, lodging, meeting space, and news for locals and travelers from 1811 to 1841. The 88 acre Holman Lake contains largemouth bass, catfish, panfish, trout, and muskellunge. A swimming pool is located at the West Day Use Area. The park educator is is great and can often be found on weekends at the mill.
Greenwood Furnace State Park
Greenwood Furnace State Park is a 423 acre historical park that was one the site of Greenwood Furnace. The park includes a six acre lake, campground, trails, and a museum. The park is located on the western edge of the Seven Mountains in Huntingdon County. The park is surrounded by Rothrock State Forest. Greenwood Lake is regularly stocked with trout. Greenwood lake has a 300ft sand beach and swimming area.
Codorus State Park
Codorus State Park is a 3500 acre park in southern York County. The park features a 1275 acre lake with 26 miles of shoreline. Lake Marburg is a popular boating and warmwater fishing lake.