Susquehannock State Park

Hiking

5.6 miles of trails

Scenic hiking trails offer a variety of interesting habitats and evidence of past use of the area. Native holly, rhododendron, spring and summer wildflowers, and a variety of other plant life await discovery.

 

Sit quietly or walk along a trail to observe deer, songbirds, lizards, and many other forms of wildlife.

 

From the overlooks, watch for vultures, hawks, osprey, and even bald eagles. Several trails also feature remnants of old homestead sites.

Trail Definitions

Difficulty Ratings

Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.

Trail Route Type

Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.

Chimney Trail

0.35 mile  |  More difficult hiking  |  Connector trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

This wooded trail is great for birding and viewing spring wildflowers.

Five Points Trail

0.7 mile  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Connector trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

This short, steep trail follows along the northern most ridge of Susquehannock State Park. Hike among rhododendron and see views of the creek valleys.

Holly Trail

0.2 mile  |  More difficult hiking  |  Connector trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

Native holly and Christmas fern line this trail.

Landis Trail

0.6 mile  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Connector trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

Named for Lester Landis, a former owner of the historic Long Home near the park office, this trail features a fine stand of Virginia bluebells that bloom in late April and early May.

Overlook Trail

0.75 mile  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

This trail leads to Hawk Point and Wisslers Run overlooks, which offer memorable views of the Susquehanna River.

Pine Tree Trail

0.4 mile  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Connector trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: picnic tables

This short, steep and rocky hike winds its way down to Wisslers Run, connecting Five Points and Rhododendron trails.

Pipeline Trail

0.3 mile  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: picnic tables, benches

This leisurely stroll follows an old, abandoned pipeline right-of-way that crosses the park.

Rhododendron Trail

1.3 miles  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Connector trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

The park’s longest and most difficult trail crosses steep and rocky terrain and rewards the hiker with spectacular rhododendron blooms during late June and early July. Remnants of the homestead of Thomas Neel and an impressive beech tree can be seen along this trail.

Spring Trail

0.5 mile  |  More difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

Pawpaw trees, with their banana-like fruits, can be found along this trail.