McCalls Ferry Nature Preserve in York County, PA is a rocky ravine hike featuring a multitude of cascades, waterfalls, and secluded dells waiting to be explored.
The lower Susquehanna flows through a deep wide gorge between York and Lancaster counties on its journey to the Chesapeake Bay. As such, many tributaries in this area flow through deep ravines from the plateaus above, creating multitudes of successive cascades and waterfalls. Join us in this part 3 of our 3-part adventure on the York County side of the Susquehanna near Holtwood, PA as we explore the secluded McCalls Ferry Trail.
The McCalls Ferry Trail is part of the Mason-Dixon Trail and there are multiple starting points from which to choose. You can park at the southeastern trailhead on McCalls Ferry Rd. along the Susquehanna at 39.82852, -76.34411. Alternatively, you can park in the State Game Lands 181 lot at 39.83847, -76.37470. Because we combined this adventure with the exploring the historic Lock 12 ruins and the waterfalls of the Mill Creek Trail, we parked at the spacious multi-lot Lock 12 Historic Area located at 39.81249, -76.32896. In any case, follow the light blue-blazed Mason-Dixon Trail along the Susquehanna River until you reach the mouth of Oakland Run. This wide section of the Susquehanna above the Holtwood Dam is known as Lake Aldred. If you look across the lake, you can see a dip in the hills on the opposite shore. This is Kelly’s Run, another deep ravine and hot spot for hiking along an abundance of crystal cascades.
We passed over the large rock at the mouth of Oakland Run with a stone fire ring and headed inland. We were immediately met with the tantalizing sound of rushing water.
The lower part of the trail along Oakland Run is a mix of old grade, massive boulders, and rock outcroppings. This rough, rocky terrain creates a long series of cascades and small waterfalls. Getting close to some waterfalls requires climbing down the rocky and potentially slick bank, so be careful.
The trail undulates from the bank of Oakland Run to the top of cliffs, as dictated by the terrain. The stream is generally narrow, rocky, and rough, but periodically forms wider pools punctuated with craggy formations.
The multitude of seemingly strewn boulders and outcroppings create channels causing an array of unique cascades throughout the ravine.
After about 0.4 miles from the mouth of Oakland Run, the trail makes a rocky ascent and runs near the rim of the ravine, passing through rhododendron tunnels and over rocky cliffs. Although some of the cliffs were prominent, there weren’t any scenic views on account of the foliage. The trail is generally easier once you climb away from the stream. Oakland Run becomes less rocky and slower as you proceed. In the higher elevation portions of the trail, you can hear but not see the water deep in the ravine below.
At 39.83242, -76.36229 the landscape widens into a dell among the rock formations, where an idyllic secluded streamside campsite is located.
After the campsite, the terrain becomes significantly tamer, ultimately giving way to a grassy road that ascends the ravine to the State Game Lands 181 trailhead and parking lot. But there are still a few more cascades along the way, so keep your eyes open, particularly just before the trail departs from the stream.
The distance between the trailheads on McCalls Ferry Rd. and State Game Lands 181 is 2.6 miles, making for a 5.2-mile round trip. However, since the McCalls Ferry Trail is part of the Mason-Dixon Trail, with multiple side trails in the area, you can extend your adventure as much as you like.
Parking:
McCalls Ferry Rd.: 39.82852, -76.34411.
State Game Lands 181: 39.83847, -76.37470
On this three-part adventure, we started at Lock 12 Historic Area: 39.81249, -76.32896
McCalls Ferry is a showcase of copious cascades, one after another. The deep ravine and picturesque dells gives the trail a sense of seclusion. The variety of terrain heightens to the excitement of the adventure. Be aware; however, that parts of the McCalls Ferry Trail especially the 0.4 mile stretch along Oakland Run nearest the Susquehanna are quite rocky. This is the section of the trail with the waterfalls and highest concentration of cascades, and it is the most difficult. Along with sturdy footwear, be sure to wear long pants since parts of the trail are rife with poison ivy, particularly along the Susquehanna River.
Join us on parts one and three of our adventure along this historic and beautiful region of the lower Susquehanna:
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
