How to spend 1 Hour, 1 Afternoon, or 1 Weekend in the Susquehanna NHA

What to visit if you have 1 Hour, 1 Afternoon, or 1 Weekend in the Susquehanna National Heritage Area

Planning a visit to the Susquehanna NHA? The lower Susquehanna is full of popular sites and attractions including museums, historic sites, recreation opportunities, shopping centers, charming small towns and hip urban neighborhoods all located within the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. Whether you are visiting for the weekend, a single afternoon or passing through on your lunch hour, we’ve got some premade plans to help get your adventure started!

If you have One hour:

Ready for a break or you just have some extra time between meetings? An hour may not seem like a lot of time for a quick burst of fun, but there are actually plenty of things to do that provide a memorable visit in just 60 minutes!

For the Nature Lover

• Take a quick walk to one of many scenic overlooks.
• Explore Chickies Rock County Park. (Score the scenic view triple crown! Breezy View, Chickies Rock, Clayton B. Shenk Trail) or hike through the park’s Point Rock Tunnel on the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail.

For the History Buff

• Visit the Columbia River Park to view and learn about the bridges connecting Columbia and Wrightsville, Pa. Go inside the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center to view all the bridges that have spanned the river here.
• Explore art and other exhibits at Zimmerman Center for Heritage. Enjoy the riverside pavilion and marvel at Latrobe’s Map on the dock while you are there to see what the river looked like over 200 years ago.

For the Wanderer

• Watch the sunrise or sunset over the river. Use the River Access Areas to find the perfect spot.
• Find the railroad car on the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail.
• Don’t forget to stop at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center to pick up trail maps and other resources that are available to help plan future adventures.

 

If you have One Afternoon:

Only one day? No problem. There are many ways for visitors to experience the river. You may have limited time, but there are still sights to see on short notice. Spend a fun-filled day enjoying some popular activities!

For the Nature Lover

• Hike at a variety of unique Nature Preserves. A favorite of many people is Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve. Our new favorite is the Wilton Meadows Preserve which you can hike into from Highpoint Scenic Vista.
• Take a bike ride on the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail or the NW LC  River Trail.
• Explore the Wind Caves at the Pequea Nature Preserve.
• Rent a Kayak from Chiques Rock Outfitters and try one of our favorite paddles.

For the History Buff

• Tour the Zimmerman Center for Heritage & Hike Native Lands County Park to learn about the Susquehannock culture.
• Explore the industrial history by visiting the Shocks Mill RR bridge, White Cliffs of Conoy, & Billmeyer in Conoy Township on the NWLCRT.
• Enjoy a walking Iron Furnace Tour. Pick up a self guided tour brochure at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center.
• Visit the Indian Steps Museum.

For the Wanderer

• Explore the Potholes and Sculpted Rocks at the bottom of Conewago falls in Falmouth.
• Discover the Falmouth forest garden along the NW Lancaster County River Trail.
• Explore Lock 12 Historic Area.

 

If you have One Weekend:

Why try to pack all this fun into one day? If you have more time to spare, there are endless adventures and one-of-a-kind experiences to fill your weekend getaway! With proper planning and an early start, the ultimate itinerary will help make the most out of your weekend trip. Try these places for an exciting time in the Susquehanna NHAs!

For the Nature Lover

• Make a reservation and stay at a local campground.
• Get on your way to joining the 444 club, Paddle the lower section of the Susquehanna!
• Bring your whitewater gear and plan an exciting adventure at Holtwood White Water Park!
• Hike the Mason-Dixon Trail. Pick from the suggested hikes listings to river sections of this 200+ mile trail.
• Paddle and bird watch at the Conejohela Flats.

For the History Buff

• Visit one of our many Heritage Sites and Local Museums.
• Find your Chesapeake Geotour if you like geocaching! Grab only the local caches or explore more of the Chesapeake region.
• Enjoy a scenic ride while taking a Covered Bridge Driving Tour through Lancaster County.
• Discover the preserved Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal Lock at Lock 15 Historic Area.
• Take a guided paddle tour on the Lower Susquehanna River on your favorite heritage topic from Shank’s Mare Outfitters.

For the Wanderer

• Explore the local river towns of Columbia, Marietta, and Wrightsville. Use the River Town Bucket List to explore the best local spots.
• Indulge in a geology tour with The Geologic Guide of the NW River Trail, available in Susquehanna NHA’s store.
• Rent a boat from Long Level Marina to enjoy or swimming or fishing on Lake Clarke.