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State Park · PA

Samuel S. Lewis State Park

Samuel S. Lewis State Park offers panoramic hilltop views, peaceful picnic areas, and a variety of trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and scenic enjoyment in south-central Pennsylvania.

State Park854+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

85

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Samuel S. Lewis State Park

Samuel S. Lewis State Park offers panoramic hilltop views, peaceful picnic areas, and a variety of trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and scenic enjoyment in south-central Pennsylvania.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Samuel S. Lewis State Park is located in York County, Pennsylvania, and spans approximately 85 acres atop a prominent ridge known as Mt. Pisgah. The park features open farmland, wooded areas, and well-maintained trails that provide visitors with scenic views of the Susquehanna River and the rolling Susquehanna Valley below. Established in 1954, the park is named after Samuel S. Lewis, a local businessman and conservation advocate who donated the land to the state. The park is well known for its iconic covered bridge, known as Mount Pisgah Covered Bridge, which dates back to 1871 and is a favored photo subject. Popular activities include hiking, picnicking, bird watching, and kite flying, thanks to the frequently breezy hilltop location. Wildlife in the park includes songbirds, rabbits, squirrels, and occasional deer. Visitors appreciate the family-friendly picnic facilities, open grassy spaces for recreation, and the scenic trails that loop through both woods and meadow. Samuel S. Lewis State Park offers a quiet, affordable retreat close to urban centers, and it is a favored spot for local residents seeking a quick nature getaway or a peaceful spot for photography and relaxation.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Samuel S. Lewis State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover the Majestic Appalachian Experience★ 9.3⌖ 31 miHiking
Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Discover the Majestic Appalachian Experience

The Appalachian Trail in Harpers Ferry offers moderate hiking through stunning landscapes, spanning 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. The trail features iconic views, abundant wildlife, and connects to historical sites. Ideal for adventure seekers, especially in fall.

Discover Historic Lancaster: Walking Tour⌖ 36 miWalking Tour
Historic Lancaster Walking Tour

Discover Historic Lancaster: Walking Tour

Explore the Historic Lancaster Walking Tour, a leisurely walk through Lancaster, PA. Enjoy Federal and Victorian architecture while visiting landmarks like the Lancaster Central Market and Fulton Theatre. Perfect for all ages and best visited year-round.

Walking TourView Details→
Discover Catoctin Mountain Park★ 7.8⌖ 37 miHiking
Catoctin Mountain Park

Discover Catoctin Mountain Park

Explore Catoctin Mountain Park near Thurmont, Maryland. With striking rock formations and lush forests, this family-friendly park offers great hiking and wildlife viewing. Visit Chimney Rock and Cunningham Falls for spectacular views. Best enjoyed in the fall.

Discovering Kilgore Falls: Nature's Gem in Pylesville★ 7.8⌖ 38 miHiking
Kilgore Falls

Discovering Kilgore Falls: Nature's Gem in Pylesville

Explore the serene Kilgore Falls in Rocks State Park. This easy 1.3-mile hike is popular for families and offers opportunities for picnicking and wildlife observation. Best visited in spring and fall to avoid crowds and enjoy the natural beauty.

Discover the Hidden Gem of Kilgore Falls★ 4.5⌖ 38 miHiking
Rocks State Park - Kilgore Falls/ Falling Branch Area

Discover the Hidden Gem of Kilgore Falls

Explore Kilgore Falls at Rocks State Park, a 1.3-mile trail near Pylesville, MD. A short, easy hike leading to Maryland's second-highest waterfall. Perfect for families, photography, and picnicking, it's best visited in spring or fall for fewer crowds.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Mount Pisgah Covered Bridge, a historic 1871 wooden covered bridge✦ Panoramic vistas overlooking the Susquehanna River and valley✦ Family-friendly picnic areas with open grassy fields✦ Moderate hilltop trails offering scenic views and wildlife sightings
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Samuel S. Lewis State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Park Recreation

Kite Flying

Available in Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Park Recreation

Nature Walks

Available in Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Samuel S. Lewis State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Samuel S. Lewis State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fees; parking is free.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Samuel S. Lewis State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Dillsburg
⌖ 6.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dillsburg, Pennsylvania

A charming rural town with easy access to rolling farmland trails, gentle creeks, and scenic parks, ideal for low-key outdoor recreation and family-friendly adventures.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Heidlersburg
⌖ 10.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Heidlersburg, Pennsylvania

A quiet rural community offering access to peaceful trails, farmland views, and nearby outdoor spots for paddling and biking.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Boiling Springs
⌖ 11.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania

A charming small town with serene natural springs and easy access to the Appalachian Trail and nearby state parks, perfect for hikers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking tranquility and scenic beauty.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Gardners
⌖ 12.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gardners, Pennsylvania

A quiet rural community offering easy access to hiking, biking, and seasonal outdoor activities amid Pennsylvania’s rolling foothills.

Spring through Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Mechanicsburg
⌖ 12.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

A charming small town offering easy access to diverse outdoor activities along the scenic Cumberland Valley and nearby waterways.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Mount Holly Springs
⌖ 12.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania

A charming small town gateway to rugged Appalachian outdoor adventures, offering access to diverse waterways, forest trails, and seasonal thrills.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Samuel S. Lewis State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.