The Muddy Creek trail in York County features an unusual curving waterfall, raging rapids, and towering cliffs set in a deep gorge to the mighty Susquehanna
Muddy Creek is a tributary to the lower Susquehanna River in York County, PA. At this point on its course to the Chesapeake Bay, the Susquehanna sets in a deep basin, where tributaries often create gorges tucked in in the cliffs. Exploring the secluded pockets can feel like delving into another world.
The Muddy Creek trail is a segment of the light blue blazed Mason Dixion Trail. This adventure begins at Cold Cabin Park on the Susquehanna River. Be sure to take in the view at the river before embarking north on the gravel Cold Cabin Road.
After about 0.9 miles on Cold Cabin Road, the trail turns left (southwest) just before the road ends where Muddy Creek flows into the Susquehanna. Follow the light blue blazes up the hill. After an invigorating climb for about a quarter of a mile, the trail levels off near the rim of the gorge. The trail curves north through holly trees, and by the time the trail begins to descend slightly into the hemlock stand shown below you should hear water.
Turn off the main trail to the path through the rhododendron, following the call of the water, to the rock precipice. Across Muddy Creek below, you can catch a glimpse of the silver thread-like waterfall sliding through the rock chute. Carefully make your way down the path to the water at the bottom of the rock cliff.
Exquisite! See how the water curves through the narrow chute and spouts up like a fountain at the bottom.
How did that get there?! See if you can find the remains of a vehicle on the bank of Muddy Creek.
A glorious view of the rock cliffs and golden sun-lit canopy above. This is what we climbed down to get to the waterfall.
Return to the top of the cliffs by the same way you came. When you rejoin the main trail, continue onward (south). The character of the trail changes to a mostly level old road grade. You can see Muddy Creek through the foliage at the bottom of the gorge. The trail passes through a verdant section of rhododendron as it temporarily diverges from Muddy Creek and loops up and back a tributary. Shortly after rejoining Muddy Creek, the trail descends to a slow part of the creek with spots that look deep enough for swimming.
The current picks up at the “Muddy Creek Gorge,” a section with a large rock formation and rapids. We encountered a group of kayakers who were having a great time.
After the rapids, trail is mostly level as it follows Muddy Creek. But there’s another surprise left at about 0.8 miles after Muddy Creek Gorge – a rock formation creating a scenic pool between two low waterfalls.
What a beautiful day with blue skies, trees catching golden sunlight, and the sound of the small waterfalls.
Note the fascinating potholes carved throughout the rocks.
After about 5 miles we reached our turnaround point where the Paper Mill Road bridge crosses Muddy Creek.
Overall, the out and back hike was 10 miles. Park at Cold Cabin Park, located at 39.77949, -76.28829.
There are narrow pull-offs on the shoulder of the road on the east side of the bridge where Paper Mill Road crosses Muddy Creek (our turnaround point). There are also flat sections along the road on the west side of the bridge that are clearly marked as private property. Do not park on either side of the bridge. There are numerous reports of cars parked along Paper Milll Road being towed. The rest of Paper Mill Road is narrow and curvy with no good parking. Park at Cold Cabin Park. The pull-offs are used for dropping off kayaks/canoes, but not for parking.
We loved the variety of terrain and scenery on the Muddy Creek Trail, highlighted by the waterfalls, rapids, and seclusion of the gorge. Since this is a segment of the Mason Dixon Trail, you can extend the adventure as desired. But in any case, the Muddy Creek Trail is a half-day day hike well worth the visit.
Also, be sure to check out our other adventures.
