A few weeks ago I announced the 52 Pennsylvania State Park 2021 Challenge in which I plan to hike in up to 52 state parks this year. I’m happy to update the tally after visiting a few more parks over the past few weeks. Colonel Denning State Park, Susquehannock State Park, and Samuel S Lewis State Park, bringing my total to 11 parks hiked of 52. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do!

I’ve recently booked a camping trip up to Cherry Springs State Park so I’m excited to add that, and a few others in the coming weeks.

Colonel Denning State Park

Hiking at Colonel Denning near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was an adventure and I ended up getting to this state park twice! The first trip I hiked Flat Rock Trail, which was pretty challenging for me since I’m out of shape and just getting back into hiking after being off for the winter months.

The second visit I enjoyed the nature trail which combined some challenging hills with flat, shaded paths with places to sit and rest along the way. I also hiked Rattlesnake Trail, which I thought from the description and map was a loop trail but I ended up at a roadway and didn’t see the loop, so I went back the way I came, but it was a more challenging but enjoyable hike.

Samuel S Lewis State Park

Samuel S Lewis State Park, near York, Pennsylvania offers a fantastic view with easy access for all without the challenging hike! Parking in a nearby lot and picnic tables offer visitors of all levels to take in this view. I enjoyed hiking over the hill and down into the park trail system, catching Hilltop Trail along the way.

Susquehannock State Park

Susquehannock State Park lies right next to the Susquehanna River in south-central Pennsylvania. I hiked the Rhododendron Trail, the park’s longest and most difficult trail but offers a spectacular view. I also picked up Overlook Trail which offers a scenic view of the Susquehanna River.

Stay tuned for my next hiking adventures!

Do you want to join me?

If you are in Central PA I have a Facebook group in which I share these and the upcoming hikes I do.