The Heritage Rail Trail County Park opens up York with a route that connects historic sites and landscapes along a clear path. The 27-mile trail runs from the Mason-Dixon Line south of the Borough of New Freedom through Glen Rock, Hanover Junction and Seven Valleys to the Colonial Courthouse in the City of York. It connects to Maryland’s 20-mile Torrey C. Brown Trail. The Howard Tunnel, one of the historic structures along the route, is also on the Heritage Rail Trail.
Trails, Forests and Lakes
In southern York County, the rolling hills of Codorus State Park cover 3,500 acres. The park includes Lake Marburg, which spans 1,275 acres and has 26 miles of shoreline. Boating and warm-water fishing are among the lake’s popular activities. Here, both the scale of the lake and recreation on the water take center stage.
Rocky Ridge Park offers a different landscape focus. Covering 750 acres, it is 90 percent mature oak forest. More than 12 miles of multi-use trails are designated for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. Those interested in views beyond the park will find an observation deck in its northern section, with panoramic views of the Susquehanna Valley. It is accessible in accordance with ADA standards.
William H. Kain County Park also combines parkland and lakes, but on a different scale: Its 1,637 acres include 220-acre Lake Williams and 290-acre Lake Redman. Both lakes are designated Big Bass Lakes by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Rocky Ridge Park, by contrast, focuses more on forest and trails; the figures for the parkland and lakes help put these different natural attractions into perspective.
In Springfield Township, Richard Nixon Park covers 213 acres of meadow, forest and aquatic habitats. Its facilities include a 14,000-square-foot nature center, as well as more than six miles of hiking trails. The Nixon Nature Center has reopened following renovations and improvements. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; it is closed on Mondays and holidays. Check the opening hours before your visit.
History in Museums and Historic Buildings
A visit to the History Center Museum begins with the History Makers Tower, a state-of-the-art interactive touchscreen exhibit. The museum explores York County’s important role in Pennsylvania’s early expansion and its long-overlooked contributions to the Underground Railroad. The reconstructed Colonial Courthouse is historically connected to the Second Continental Congress and its members’ debates over the Articles of Confederation.
The Golden Plough Tavern is another historic landmark: It has stood since 1741 and offers visitors a glimpse into colonial life. Visits to the Colonial Complex are available seasonally from April through November and require a scheduled tour. Check the official calendar if you are planning a visit.
The history of firefighting takes center stage at the York County Fire Museum, housed in the historic Royal Fire House, built in 1903. Its collection preserves more than 225 years of firefighting history, with equipment from 72 York County fire companies. The third floor features a recreated firefighters’ sleeping quarters. This brings the history to life not only through equipment, but also through a specific space within the museum.
The York County History Center offers guided historic walking tours every month in summer and fall. The York walking tours begin and end at the History Center Museum and last 60 to 90 minutes; details may vary by tour. Check the current calendar to help plan your timing.
A Market with Local Offerings
Central Market York brings together a wide variety of goods and food. More than 50 vendors offer locally grown fruit and vegetables, baked goods, seafood, meat, deli items, specialties and prepared foods. The selection and mix of vendors may change.
Discover more destinations: Shrewsbury, York, Red Lion, Brogue, Stewartstown, Glen Rock, Hanover, Dillsburg, New Freedom.
For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.
