From the multitude of charming cascades tumbling through the Kelly’s Run gorge to the craggy cliff ledge vistas of the majestic Susquehanna, this trail is remarkable for both its beauty and diversity.
Kelly’s Run is a tributary of the Susquehanna in Lancaster County, PA that tumbles through a rocky laurel-laden gorge on its course down to the river. As the Susquehanna River flows down through the Piedmont Plateau on its way to the Chesapeake Bay, it is walled by high cliffs on both sides. Deep, narrow tributary gorges that create a sense of serene isolation from the outside world are characteristic of this region.
Kelly’s Run is arguably the most beautiful of these natural treasures in the region. The Kelly’s Run Trail is part of the larger Conestoga Trail System so there are options to customize your Kelly’s Run adventure. In this trip we took an excursion on the Pinnacle Overlook Trail. In the course of a few miles, we experienced two worlds: the tranquil isolated pocket of the Kelly’s Run gorge and high rocky cliff ledges with panoramic views of the mighty Susquehanna River.
Journey to the Skeleton Bridge
The Kelly’s Run Trail is a loop with the northern side following Kelly’s Run through the gorge. We recommend traveling the loop clockwise, descending to the Susquehanna River via the southern leg of the trail first, then ascending through the gorge. You will experience Kelly’s Run hiking upstream, giving the best view of the flowing cascades. From the parking area, the trail opens to fields atop the plateau with inspiring views of the vaulted sky above.
After the fields, you will enter woods and begin descending to the Susquehanna. After about one and a half miles the trail turns at a small parking lot then follows the remains of an old abandoned paved road. Be sure to take in the views of the Susquehanna River and the Holtwood hydroelectric dam. Keep an eye out for wildflowers lacing the slopes around the trail.
At the bottom of the trail you will encounter the skeleton of an abandoned bridge across Kelly’s Run. The blue blazes before the bridge indicate that the trail turns right to a stream crossing that may be dry or wet depending on the height of Kelly’s Run. But why even consider it with a perfectly good bridge?!
When I first saw this bridge, I felt how a house dog looks when its owner returns home.
Join us crossing the bridge in the video at the end of this post.
As if the skeleton of the abandoned bridge wasn’t enough, just on the other side are these stacked stone ruins and an old foundation on Kelly’s Run.
Rocky Ledges and Breathtaking River Vistas on the Pinnacle Overlook Trail
As excited as we were to explore the tranquil gorge landscape of Kelly’s Run, first we turned aside to trek up the cliffs to the Pinnacle Overlook. In this case the journey was as much an adventure of the destination. Stone steps from the Kelly’s Run trail led up to the Pinnacle Overlook trail. After turning a curve we met rock outcroppings which portended good things ahead.
We encountered multiple trail branches and loops. We recommend keeping to the left, nearest the river, because this leads to rocky cliff ledges with exquisite views of the Susquehanna River. The trail to the top is steep but the terrain is easy.
After traversing the schist stone stacks and outcroppings (characteristic of the lower Susquehanna region) the trail meets up with a grassy area for a short distance then opens up to the meeting of earth, water, and sky at the scenic Pinnacle Overlook.
After pausing to experience the majesty of the Pinnacle Overlook we returned on a trail that ran parallel to the way we came up, then converged back at the rock formations near the beginning of the Pinnacle Overlook excursion.
The Crystal Cascades of Kelly’s Run
From the high plateau overlooking the broad Susquehanna, we entered what felt like another world, a narrowly carved crevasse secluded from the world above. Although the trees had not yet leafed out in this early April adventure, the gorge was a verdant inclusion of rhododendron, hemlock, fern, and moss-dressed stone complementing, the clear, white, and at times crystal-teal water. Although there are no drops that I would classify as a waterfall, the peculiar beauty and abundance of cascades sliding over the rocks make Kelly’s Run a remarkable destination. Here is a sampling:
After crossing over the two branches of Kelly’s Run, we were met by these sheer cliffs on the south side of the trail. They were a last hurrah of the gorge before the trail diverges from Kellys Run to gradually rejoin the world above.
As we phased back into the world above from the tranquil pocket of the Kelly’s Run gorge, the trail transitioned from schist slabs to packed earth. The landscape progressed from hardwood forest to pine then back to field at the top of the plateau.
Overall, the trail was 5.25 miles with multiple opportunities to extend or shorten the hike with side trails and shortcuts of the Conestoga Trail System.
Parking is at: 39.84071, -76.31657.
The Kelly’s Run and Pinnacle Overlook Trail is a five-star hike for quantity, quality and diversity, including the skeletal bridge, the rock formations, craggy cliffs, scenic overlooks of the Susquehanna River, and pristine cascades through the Kelly’s Run gorge. There is so much to explore in a short space. Although the pictures and video opportunities were amazing, they don’t do the trip justice. Get out and experience Kelly’s Run and the Pinnacle Overlook Trail for yourself.
Also, be sure to check out our other adventures.
