Swatara State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swatara State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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The Appalachian Trail crosses Swatara Creek on the historic Waterville Bridge in the park
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 Swatara State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 3,515 acres (14.22 km2) |
| Elevation | 502 ft (153 m) |
| Established | 1987 |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Swatara State Park |
Swatara State Park is a large state park in Pennsylvania, United States. It covers about 3,515 acres (14.2 square kilometers). The park is located in Lebanon and Schuylkill Counties.
About 8 miles (13 kilometers) of Swatara Creek flow through the park. The park sits in a valley between two mountains, Second Mountain and Blue Mountain. Swatara State Park opened in 1987. It is still being developed to offer more ways for people to enjoy nature. The park is a great place for biking, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and picnicking. Recent improvements include new crushed stone trails and work on old roads.
Contents
Park History
Early Native American Life
The history of Swatara State Park begins with the Susquehannock people. They were Native Americans who lived in this mountainous area. The mountains are close together, with narrow valleys in between. Swatara Creek, which runs through the park, was an important travel route for them.
Coal, Canals, and Industry
Europeans began settling this part of Pennsylvania in the 1750s. Soon after, a type of coal called anthracite was found nearby. This led to many coal mines opening in the area. By the 1820s, there was a high demand for coal. To move the coal, a canal was built. This canal, called the Union Canal, connected the Susquehanna River and the Schuylkill River.
A large reservoir was built where Swatara State Park is now. It helped supply water to the main canal. Barges filled with coal traveled along the canal to cities. However, a big flood in 1862 washed away the dam that held the reservoir. The dam was never rebuilt. The Union Canal eventually closed in 1885. Canals could not compete with the faster railroads. Today, you can still see parts of the old dam and five canal locks in the park. They show how nature has reclaimed these old industrial sites.
From Railroads to Bike Trails
The popular Rail Trail in Swatara State Park follows an old railroad path. This was once part of the Reading Railroad. It carried coal from mines to the town of Lebanon.
Railroads were the main way to transport goods until the 1960s. That's when Interstate 81 was finished. The railroad line was closed in stages between 1965 and 1981. The land was then given to the state. This allowed the old railroad bed to become the bike trail we see today.
Fun Activities at Swatara State Park
Fishing in the Creek
For many years, the waters of Swatara Creek were polluted. This was due to runoff from coal mines and sewage. But over time, the water has become much cleaner. Now, different kinds of fish live in the creek. You can catch smallmouth bass and panfish in Swatara Creek. Irving's Pond has largemouth bass and other panfish. If you like cold-water fish, you might find rainbow trout and brown trout in smaller streams like Trout Run.
Hunting Opportunities
Hunting is allowed in most areas of Swatara State Park. Hunters must follow the rules set by the Pennsylvania State Game Commission. Some common animals hunted here include ruffed grouse, squirrels, turkey, and white-tailed deer. You might also see waterfowl and pheasant. The park is also home to black bears, opossum, muskrats, and raccoons.
Boating on the Water
Boating at Swatara State Park is perfect for canoes and kayaks. These types of boats are very popular here. There are several easy places to launch your boat along the banks of Swatara Creek.
Hiking and Exploring Trails
The famous Appalachian Trail runs through the southern part of Swatara State Park for about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers). This trail crosses Swatara Creek on the historic Waterville Bridge. This unique bridge was moved to the park in the 1980s. It was saved from being destroyed because it was too narrow for modern traffic. Instead, it found a new purpose on the Appalachian Trail. The bridge has a special curved shape called a lenticular truss.
For easier walks, the Swatara Rail Trail and Old State Route 443 form a 10-mile (16-kilometer) loop. This offers a less challenging way to explore the park.
Nature and Fossils
The land in Swatara State Park was once used by farmers, miners, and railroad workers. Now, forests are growing back and taking over these areas. Visitors can watch how nature slowly reclaims the land. If you enjoy looking for fossils, you can find ancient marine fossils at a special spot along Old State Route 443.
The Bordner Cabin
Inside the park, you can find a log cabin called the Bordner Cabin. It was built in 1939 by a local teacher, Armar Bordner, and his students. They used materials found right there by Acrigg's Falls. Mr. Bordner lived in the cabin for the rest of his life, even after the park was created. After he passed away, the cabin was used by the Boy Scouts of America for a few years. Now, a local group called the Swatara Watershed Association helps take care of the cabin. They have worked to preserve it, including putting on a new roof.
Nearby State Parks
If you want to explore more parks, here are some state parks close to Swatara State Park:
- Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area (Dauphin County)
- Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area (Dauphin County)
- Locust Lake State Park (Schuylkill County)
- Memorial Lake State Park (Lebanon County)
- Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center (Berks County)
- Shikellamy State Park (Northumberland and Union Counties)
- Tuscarora State Park (Schuylkill County)
