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 hosts themed walks throughout the year. Experience Pinchot Park 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. 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 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 on May 7th from 6-7pm.  Take advantage of this unique opportunity to gain inspiration from others, as you walk and talk about your heart-related questions with Dr. Barclay.  This outing is free of charge and refreshments will be available to registered participants. Register HERE. 

A Walk with The Doc 2024 Spring Event will also take place on May 25th at 9:45am. Walk and talk about your heart-related questions with Edmond Obeng-Gyimah, MD, from WellSpan Cardiology. You will enjoy a brief conversation on the importance of heart health, have an opportunity to ask questions and then enjoy an informational walk on the beautiful grounds of Farquhar Park while encountering heart health facts along the trails. Register HERE. 

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 non-competitive walking opportunities free to the public. New Walker Packets are available to introduce you to "volksmarching" for fun, fitness, and friendship. Website: https://sites.google.com/site/yorkwhiterosewanderers
Contact: Bill Lore (717) 683-3496, yorkwhiterose236@gmail.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)   

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 State Parks

Pennsylvania's Greenways and Trails