Samuel S. Lewis State Park wilderness guide
State Park · PA

Samuel S. Lewis State Park

Samuel S. Lewis State Park offers panoramic hilltop views, peaceful picnic areas, and a variety of trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and scenic enjoyment in south-central Pennsylvania.

State Park854+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

85

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Samuel S. Lewis State Park

Samuel S. Lewis State Park offers panoramic hilltop views, peaceful picnic areas, and a variety of trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and scenic enjoyment in south-central Pennsylvania.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Samuel S. Lewis State Park is located in York County, Pennsylvania, and spans approximately 85 acres atop a prominent ridge known as Mt. Pisgah. The park features open farmland, wooded areas, and well-maintained trails that provide visitors with scenic views of the Susquehanna River and the rolling Susquehanna Valley below. Established in 1954, the park is named after Samuel S. Lewis, a local businessman and conservation advocate who donated the land to the state. The park is well known for its iconic covered bridge, known as Mount Pisgah Covered Bridge, which dates back to 1871 and is a favored photo subject. Popular activities include hiking, picnicking, bird watching, and kite flying, thanks to the frequently breezy hilltop location. Wildlife in the park includes songbirds, rabbits, squirrels, and occasional deer. Visitors appreciate the family-friendly picnic facilities, open grassy spaces for recreation, and the scenic trails that loop through both woods and meadow. Samuel S. Lewis State Park offers a quiet, affordable retreat close to urban centers, and it is a favored spot for local residents seeking a quick nature getaway or a peaceful spot for photography and relaxation.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Samuel S. Lewis State Park

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Mount Pisgah Covered Bridge, a historic 1871 wooden covered bridge✦ Panoramic vistas overlooking the Susquehanna River and valley✦ Family-friendly picnic areas with open grassy fields✦ Moderate hilltop trails offering scenic views and wildlife sightings
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Samuel S. Lewis State Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Park Recreation

Kite Flying

Available in Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Park Recreation

Nature Walks

Available in Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Samuel S. Lewis State 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 Samuel S. Lewis State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fees; parking is free.

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 Samuel S. Lewis State Park

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

Dillsburg, Pennsylvania
⌖ 6.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dillsburg, Pennsylvania

Dillsburg is a peaceful small town surrounded by rolling farmland and quiet creeks, perfect for hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing. Its friendly trails and scenic landscapes make it a great low-key outdoors basecamp.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Heidlersburg, Pennsylvania
⌖ 10.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Heidlersburg, Pennsylvania

Heidlersburg is a peaceful rural town in Pennsylvania’s Adams County offering gentle hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities among farmland and creeks. It’s a great spot for travelers seeking quiet outdoor adventures not far from historic sites.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania
⌖ 11.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania

Boiling Springs is a peaceful town centered around a natural artesian spring and lake, ideal for hiking the nearby Appalachian Trail, paddling Yellow Breeches Creek, and enjoying quiet outdoor adventures.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Gardners, Pennsylvania
⌖ 12.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gardners, Pennsylvania

Gardners, PA offers a peaceful rural basecamp with access to hiking, mountain and road biking, and winter cross-country skiing amid rolling hills and state parks. Perfect for travelers seeking low-key outdoor escapes in south-central Pennsylvania.

Spring through Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
⌖ 12.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Mechanicsburg offers easy access to creek paddling, scenic bike trails, and nearby forest trails. This quiet Pennsylvania town is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a nature break close to small-town charm.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania
⌖ 12.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania

Mount Holly Springs, PA offers a perfect mix of hiking, paddling, biking, and fishing in a quiet, small-town setting. Whether winding along Yellow Breeches Creek or cycling scenic trails, adventure awaits here year-round.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Samuel S. Lewis State Park

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

Bitty Ballet: Tiny Toes, First Steps on a Little Stage
ADVEXPEDITION
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
WorkshopADV Bookable

Bitty Ballet: Tiny Toes, First Steps on a Little Stage

A set of age-tiered ballet workshops in Camp Hill that teach basic positions through weekly themed sessions and finish with a small performance—this guide explains levels, schedule, attire, and what caregivers should expect.

WorkshopPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip