Susquehannock State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Susquehannock State Park |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
|
|
The view of the Susquehanna River from Susquehannock State Park
|
|
 Susquehannock State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
|
|
| Location | Drumore, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 224 acres (91 ha) |
| Elevation | 463 ft (141 m) |
| Established | 1965 |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Susquehannock State Park |
Susquehannock State Park is a beautiful Pennsylvania state park covering 224 acres (91 ha) in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It sits on a high area that offers amazing views of the Susquehanna River and the Conowingo Reservoir. The park is named after the Susquehannock people, a Native American tribe who once lived in this region.
The park was created in 1965. It is a great place to visit for outdoor fun. You can find it a few miles south of Pennsylvania Route 372 and west of Pennsylvania Route 272. The closest town is Quarryville, Pennsylvania, about 12 miles (19 km) to the east.
Contents
Fun Things to Do at Susquehannock State Park
Susquehannock State Park is a perfect spot for many outdoor activities. You can enjoy picnics, go hiking, or even ride horses on special trails. The park also has places for groups to camp overnight in tents.
Exploring Hiking Trails
The park has 5 miles (8.0 km) of hiking trails. These trails go through different kinds of natural areas. You can see many native plants like holly bushes, rhododendrons, and various wildflowers.
Wildlife You Might See
As you explore, keep an eye out for woodland animals. You might spot white-tailed deer and many different songbirds. Lizards are also common. Look up to see Osprey, vultures, hawks, and even bald eagles flying high above the river and park.
Trail Descriptions
Most trails, except the Rhododendron Trail, are open for horseback riding. Here are some of the trails you can explore:
- Overlook Trail: This trail is about 0.55 miles (890 m) long. It leads to two amazing viewpoints called Hawk Point and Wissler's Run.
- Rhododendron Trail: At 1.2 miles (1.9 km), this is the longest and steepest trail. It goes past beautiful rhododendron plants. You can also see the old home of Thomas Neel, a soldier from the American Revolutionary War.
- Pine Tree Trail: This is a short, steep trail that takes you down to Wissler's Run.
- Five Point Trail: This 0.7 miles (1.1 km) trail offers views of creek valleys and lots of rhododendrons.
- Holly Trail: About 0.5 miles (800 m) long, this trail goes by native holly bushes and Christmas ferns.
- Fire Trail: This short trail used to be a logging road. It goes through a group of poplar trees.
- Spring Trail: This 0.4 miles (640 m) trail is known for its pawpaw trees.
- Nature Trail: This trail is about 0.3 miles (480 m) long. It goes through an old forest with large hardwood trees.
- Phites Eddy Trail: This short trail runs along the river where an old inn used to be.
- Landis Trail: Named after Lester Landis, who owned a historic house nearby, this 0.6 miles (970 m) trail is special. In late April and early May, you can see beautiful Virginia bluebell flowers blooming here.
- Pipeline Trail: This 0.24 miles (390 m) trail follows the path of an old, unused pipeline.
Amazing Scenic Overlooks
Susquehannock State Park has two main viewpoints. They both offer stunning views of the Susquehanna River and the Conowingo Reservoir.
Hawk Point Overlook
Hawk Point gives you a great view of the reservoir. This large body of water was created by the Conowingo Dam in northern Maryland. The reservoir helps make electricity and cools a nearby nuclear power plant. It's also a popular spot for boating and fishing. Many types of fish live here, which attract bald eagles and osprey. You can also see hawks, turkey vultures, and black vultures flying high above.
Wissler's Run Overlook
Just down the hill from Hawk Point is Wissler's Run overlook. From here, you can see the natural, rocky riverbed of the Susquehanna River.
The Susquehannock People
The Susquehannocks were a Native American tribe who spoke a language similar to the Iroquois. They first met Europeans in 1608 when Captain John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay. The name "Susquehannock" comes from Captain Smith and his interpreter. It means "roily water people," referring to the river.
The Susquehannocks lived by the river. They had one main village called Conestoga. They were a strong tribe and controlled important trade routes along the river.
Changes and Challenges
The Susquehannocks lived along the river until 1675. They faced a big defeat from the Iroquois tribe. After this, they began to move around and their numbers sadly decreased. Five of their chiefs were unfairly killed in Maryland during a meeting to discuss a peace agreement.
In 1677, some Susquehannocks moved to New York and lived with the Iroquois. They returned to Conestoga in 1697 but left again in the early 1700s, moving to Ohio.
The End of a Tribe
A small group of Susquehannocks stayed behind in Pennsylvania and became known as the Conestogas. They lived peacefully until 1763. At that time, a group of six were attacked and killed by a group called the Paxton Boys, who were against Native Americans.
The remaining tribe members sought safety with the colonial governor. They were taken to a building in Lancaster. However, the Paxton Boys broke in and killed fourteen more people. Only two Susquehannocks were left in Pennsylvania. They spent the rest of their lives working on a farm, where they eventually passed away. This marked the end of the Susquehannock people in Pennsylvania.
Nearby Parks to Explore
If you enjoy Susquehannock State Park, here are other state parks within 30 miles (48 km) that you might like to visit:
- Elk Neck State Park (Maryland)
- Gunpowder Falls State Park (Maryland)
- Rocks State Park (Maryland)
- Samuel S. Lewis State Park (York County)
- Susquehanna State Park (Maryland)
- White Clay Creek Preserve (Chester County)
- White Clay Creek State Park (Delaware)
(448.2 KB)
