Hidden in a secluded gorge along the mighty Susquehanna River, Cuffs Run is an outdoor adventure gem and one of York County’s most ruggedly exciting hikes.
Cuffs Run is a hidden gem that is unique among the tributaries to the majestic lower Susquehanna River. Although many of the lower Susquehanna’s tributaries cascade through deep ravines on their journey to the river, the Cuffs Run landscape is remarkable for the height and ruggedness of the rocky cliffs surmounting both sides of the Y-shaped gorge. The rocky hike to Cuffs Run is generally a greater challenge than its more popular lower Susquehanna tributary counterparts, giving it a more remote and secluded feel.
Because the top of the cliffs are private property, Cuffs Run is accessible only by hiking in on the Mason-Dixon trail or by boat from the Susquehanna. The closest parking is a small gravel space off of Old Bridgeville Road that can accommodate 2 vehicles max at 39.93745, -76.45355. This designated hiker parking is about 1.3 miles north of Cuffs Run. However, because we wanted to experience the exquisitely rugged hike between Fishing Creek and the Susquehanna, we began our journey at the Lock 2 Recreation area at 39.956442, -76.481997.
From the huge parking lot at the Lock 2 Recreation Area boat launch, we headed south on Fishing Creek Road. There is another starting point from a decent-sized lot at the mouth of Fishing Creek, 39.952290, -76.477929. The trail passes by private properties into the peaceful, verdant (even in winter) Fishing Creek Gorge on the light blue-blazed Mason-Dixon Trail. We followed the trail up the side of the steep gorge at 39.95086, -76.47765.
The landscape here is exhilarating. The trail runs on a narrow rocky strip of land between the Fishing Creek Gorge on one side and the Susquehanna River Gorge on the other.
But wait; there’s more! The narrow ridge is crowned with jagged rock formations as it ascends the plateau.
The hike is steep in spots, climbing 425 feet in about a third of a mile over irregular, rocky terrain. This section is not for everyone, but if you are able to make it, the experience of the narrow land bridge, magnificent rocks, and broken views of the gorges on both sides make this an exceptionally rewarding hike.
Splits in the boulders on the narrow ridge form gates through which the trail passes. Gloriously forbidding in appearance, jagged tooth-like rocks protrude from the ground.
We call this intriguing formation “The Black Throne”. It looks like something out of a Tolkien fantasy. It is at 39.94946, -76.47669.
There is a strategically placed rest area at the top of the plateau. It has a wooden bench dedicated to Ron Gray, a stone fire ring, and a wooden cross on a tree. The cross is inscribed with the scripture: “For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” Be sure to check out the video at the bottom of the post to learn what that means.
From the rest area we continued south on the Mason-Dixon Trail. The trail generally ran on top of the ridge or on narrow ledges on the slope of the Susquehanna River Gorge. This made for much easier hiking. As typical for this area, the trail dipped at tributaries providing some elevation, but not nearly as challenging than the ridge between Fishing Creek and the Susquehanna. The two most significant tributaries are the Green Branch at 39.940287, -76.459002 and Mahala Run shortly after, at 39.937465, -76.453775. Along the way, we enjoyed more rocky cliffs and outcroppings, as well as some old dry stone walls.
After about 3.3 miles from the trailhead we encountered the edge of Cuffs Creek Gorge. The rocky precipice across the way towered impressively above the gorge. The trail into the gorge is narrow and rocky. The descent was not particularly steep on account of using switchbacks, but we had to be careful of potentially slippery conditions from the abundant leaves during our early winter visit.
There was a dilapidated shack at the mouth of Cuffs Creek, presumably used as a duck blind, and a frozen raft of driftwood. The impressive deep, narrow gorge forms a Y-shape as two tributaries from the plateau above converge.
We explored both arms of the extremely rocky gorge in search of waterfalls.
We heard reports of a waterfall on the southern branch. The closest we found was this eight or ten foot drop over a jumble of boulders at 39.92893, -76.43757. Not much to look at. Maybe it is better in high flow and without the ice.
We explored the southern branch as far as we could until we hit private property after a few hundred feet. The going was a rough hands-and feet boulder climb over slippery rocks. The only item of interest was a drop about six feet high, just beyond the rock jumble. The small waterfall was embellished by a delicate ice sheath.
The northern branch also had an eight or ten foot waterfall, more picturesque than the one on the southern branch. This one was easier to access. After exploring the Cuffs Run Gorge, we returned to the Lock 2 Recreation Area the same way we came.
Overall, the hike from the Lock 2 Recreation Area to Cuffs Run was 7.4 miles out and back.
Lock 12 Parking is at 39.956442, -76.481997.
Fishing Creek parking is at 39.952290, -76.477929.
Old Bridgeville Road (at Mahala Run) parking is at 39.93745, -76.45355
The adventure to Cuffs Run was a remarkable half day hike both for the gorge itself and the rugged journey there. The Cuffs Run Gorge is unique among the lower Susquehanna River tributaries due to its sheer size. And the high, narrow ridge between Fishing Creek and Susquehanna River with its exceptional rugged rock formations punctuates the excitement of this excursion. However, the trail is not for everyone. The ridge from Fishing Creek and the Cuffs Run Gorge itself are steep and rocky. Loose leaves and wet rocks in the gorge can cause slippery conditions. Even relatively flat sections of the trail that follow the contours of the Susquehanna Gorge tend to be narrow ledges. Therefore, this adventure should be enjoyed by at least moderately experienced and fit adventurers.
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
