The hilltop Samuel S. Lewis State Park in York County offers highly accessible panoramic views of the Susquehanna River Valley and is a perfect picnic spot.
Samuel S. Lewis State Park is an 85-acre outdoor recreational space in York County, PA. Its perch atop a hill the Mt. Pisgah hill provides commanding panoramic views of the Susquehanna River Valley.
The whole of the park is highly accessible with a one-way road to the top that loops around the crown of the hill. You can drive to multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, a ball field, and a rock formation. The main attraction is the panoramic vista. It is just a minute’s walk on a paved path from the primary parking lot. At the top there is a playground, picnic areas, and a large reservable pavilion – a great setting for a party. Samuel S. Lewis is the only state park we’ve visited with a designated kite flying area, located in the large, mowed field near the summit. During our early autumn visit, the wind was intermittently whipping. As such, if you picnic here, come prepared to protect your plates settings from blowing away.
Although the top of Samuel S. Lewis is only 885 feet above sea level, it is the highest point in the area, giving the feel that you are at the top of the world. Looking to the northeast, you can see the Susquehanna River as it flows around the rocky anticline of Hellam Hills on the York side and past Chickies Rock on the Lancaster side. The conspicuous bridge in view is Route 30. Between the tree line and Route 30, you can see the current iteration of the historic Columbia – Wrightsville Bridge. Spanning over a mile and a quarter, it was the world’s longest multiple-arch concrete bridge when built in 1930.
Looking to the southeast, the Susquehanna River broadens upstream of Safe Harbor Dam, forming the boating playground, Lake Clark. The Susquehanna curves around the prominent windmill-topped mount, Turkey Hill. With binoculars or a telescope, you can explore the countryside and even see as far as Lancaster city.
Two points of interest are a climbable rock formation and the remaining specimen trees of the George E. Stein Arboretum, which you can find on the map below. There are two main trail loops totaling two miles: the larger Hillside Trail and smaller Back Trail. Apart from the scenic views neither is exceptional; they’re nice walks. We encountered a number of locals using the trails for walking and jogging. Picnic areas are and bathroom facilities are conveniently scattered throughout the park. However, none of the bathrooms have running water.
Who is Samuel S. Lewis? He lived from 1847 to 1959 and served in cabinet-level positions under several Pennsylvania Governors. After his term as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Forest and Waters from 1951-1954 he donated 35 acres of his farm to the state for the park that bears his name. You can read a summary of him and the park’s history at the DCNR website.
Samuel S. Lewis State Park’s highly accessible hilltop makes it a good outdoor option for families, adventurers with limited mobility, or if you’re in the mood for an inspiring vista without the hike. Remember to bring binoculars or a scope. There are numerous picnic areas and spaces to let the kids run and play. Be aware that because there is little cover on the exposed eastern half of the hill, you’ll want sun protection and winds can be high.
While you’re there, the panoramic view at High Point Scenic Vista is a five minute drive down the road.
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
