Autumn is one of the best times to go out for a hike and appreciate nature. One great place to hike is Chickies’ Rock County Park in Columbia, Pa. This park is just a short 15-minute drive away from campus, with views well worth the trip. Resting right between the boroughs of Marietta and Columbia, it is surrounded by many excellent walking trails and parks by the river, but it stands out from the rest.
Chickies’ Rock County Park is Lancaster county’s second largest regional park. The property was acquired by the county in 1977 but has had a rich history long before that. The park’s name is derived from the Native American word Chiquesalunga, the language of the Susquehannock people, meaning “place of the crayfish.” Chickies’ Rock is named after Chiques’ Creek, which feeds into the Susquehanna which flows through the park.
The most notable part of the park is the overlook. The trail on the roughly 400-acre park is a short, half-mile hike to the overlook that towers above the river. The massive formation of quartzite rock sits nearly 100 feet over the river, and also looks down on the old railroad trail below. It offers extensive views both upstream and downstream, perfect for viewing the sunset. The overlook isn’t the only part to check out, however.
Chickies’ Rock also includes various trails to the overlook and through the woods. It has numerous vistas, varied natural and geological features for visitors to explore. The park also provides access to the Northwest Lancaster River Trail, a 14-mile paved trail that follows the Susquehanna River. It is one of several different parks that make up the trail.
Chickies’ Rock is home to several historical locations as well. In the park, visitors can find the foundations and remnants of several iron furnaces and rolling mills, a canal and a local trolley line, which are still visible on the property. Throughout the park, there are educational boards which explain the historical and geological aspect of the location.
The entrance for the overlook has a decent parking lot which leads to the main trail. Many visitors are known for taking their dogs on the trail, so you’ll be sure to see plenty of adorable hiking buddies in the park. Chickies’ Rock is pet friendly, but since the property sits in the woods, wild animals still frequent the area. Be sure to keep your pet on a leash and remember to clean up after them, as indicated by the signs at the entrance. The overlook is also very rocky and has railings to keep people away from the cliff face. Unfortunately, this trail is likely not accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment or strollers due to some parts of the trail being too steep or too rocky.
Chickies’ Rock is considered an easy route, perfect for new hikers, families and pet owners. The entire trail takes roughly 26 minutes to complete. It is a very popular spot, so you’ll be likely to encounter plenty of other people while exploring. The best times of the year to visit the trail are February through November. You could visit in autumn when the leaves are changing or in the winter, when the bare trees provide a better view of the river below.
