Long's Park wilderness guide
Municipal Park · PA

Long's Park

Long's Park is a large, family-friendly municipal park in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offering extensive walking trails, a beautiful pond, and seasonal events, making it a popular outdoor recreation site for locals and visitors alike.

Municipal Park804+ Trails

Designation

Municipal Park

Total Wilderness Area

80

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Long's Park

Long's Park is a large, family-friendly municipal park in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offering extensive walking trails, a beautiful pond, and seasonal events, making it a popular outdoor recreation site for locals and visitors alike.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Long's Park spans over 80 acres in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, serving as a prominent urban green space for residents and visitors. The park features a diverse landscape of open fields, wooded areas, rolling hills, and a central pond that provides habitat for various local wildlife. Established in the 1950s and donated by William Long, the park was designed to offer recreational opportunities close to the city while preserving natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as walking, jogging, picnicking, and birdwatching on multiple paved and unpaved trails that wind through the park’s serene environments. The park is also a hub for cultural events and festivals, including the popular Long’s Park Summer Music Series, drawing audiences to its outdoor amphitheater. Notable landmarks include the amphitheater itself, a playground area for children, well-maintained picnic shelters, and a charming rose garden. The pond supports fishing activities and attracts waterfowl, enhancing the park’s wildlife viewing appeal. Facilities include restrooms, ample parking, and accessibility features, making Long’s Park inviting to visitors of all ages and abilities. Its location near Lancaster city allows for easy access while offering a natural retreat within an urban setting. Long's Park combines recreational facilities with natural scenery, providing opportunities to appreciate eastern Pennsylvania’s flora and fauna while participating in community-driven events.

Field Guide · Municipal Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Long's Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Long's Park Amphitheater – venue for popular summer music concerts✦ Central park pond – a peaceful spot for fishing and waterfowl observation✦ Long's Park rose garden – well-tended floral displays attracting pollinators✦ Extensive paved and natural surface trails suitable for walking and jogging
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Long's Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Walking

Available in Long's Park
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Long's Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Long's Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Long's Park
Park Recreation

Running

Available in Long's Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Long's Park
Park Recreation

Community Events

Available in Long's Park
Park Recreation

Nature Observation

Available in Long's Park
Park Recreation

Concert Attendance

Available in Long's Park
Park Recreation

Playground Activities

Available in Long's Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Long's Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with no permits or entrance fees required

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Long's Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania
⌖ 0.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster offers a unique blend of rural charm and outdoor adventure. From biking through Amish Country to paddling the Susquehanna, there's something for everyone in every season.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Lampeter, Pennsylvania
⌖ 5.55 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lampeter, Pennsylvania

Lampeter, PA is a peaceful rural town perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to bike scenic country roads, hike gentle trails, and paddle calm nearby waters. It’s a quiet spot to explore Lancaster County’s farmland and natural beauty.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Smoketown, Pennsylvania
⌖ 5.87 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Smoketown, Pennsylvania

Smoketown, Pennsylvania offers quiet hiking, paddling on the Conestoga River, and rural cycling through Lancaster’s countryside. Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed natural escape with rich birding and fishing opportunities.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Landisville, Pennsylvania
⌖ 6.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Landisville, Pennsylvania

Landisville, PA offers outdoor lovers a peaceful rural escape with hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing in gentle landscapes. Explore Amish country roads, local parks, and nearby rivers for a laid-back adventure.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Bird in Hand, Pennsylvania
⌖ 6.50 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bird in Hand, Pennsylvania

Bird in Hand, Pennsylvania offers gentle hiking, cycling on serene Amish country roads, kayaking peaceful waters, and immersive farm tours. Perfect for travelers seeking tranquil outdoor adventures paired with rich cultural encounters in Lancaster County.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Brownstown, Pennsylvania
⌖ 6.95 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Brownstown, Pennsylvania

Brownstown, PA offers quiet outdoor adventures with peaceful trails, paddling on the Susquehanna River, and cycling through scenic farmland. Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed pace in nature-rich Lancaster County.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Long's Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.