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The park is near the metropolitan areas of York and Harrisburg. It is reached from Harrisburg via the Lewisberry Exit (35) of I-83 south then PA 177 south; or by US 15 south to Dillsburg, then to PA 74 south. From York, take PA 74 north or I-83 north. From I-83, take the Newberrytown Exit (32), PA 382 west to PA 177 south. Trail access at the Conewago Day Use Area.
General Description: The park encompasses a landscape of reverting farm fields, wooded hillsides and the 340-acre Pinchot Lake. It has all the ingredients for a great family biking day trip and/or camping weekend. The Park offers more than one beach for swimming, boating and fishing on beautiful Pinchot Lake and a multi-use trail system for mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing. The 200 mile Mason-Dixon Trail, a challenging foot trail, also passes through the park. Recreational facilities include an 18-hole disk golf course, a softball field, volleyball court and horshoe pits. Picnic tables and pavillions, charcoal grills, convenient parking lots, drinking water and modern restrooms are also available throughout the various use areas. A park-operated nature center provides a variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Vistors can enjoy guided walks, evening programs and pontoon boat tours of the lake during the summer. Pinchot Lake and it's shoreline wetlands lure waterfowl by the thousands during spring and fall Migration. It is an ideal spot for birdwatching. In the spring, watch for spotted fawns in the fields. The 339 site campground is the largest in the Commonwealth. Amongst other things, it offers an accessible swimming beach, outdoor amphitheater, hiking trails, boat launching and mooring area and modern bathhouses.
The Trails: Mountain biking is permitted only on the multi-use trail system located on the southern side of Pinchot Lake. Trail access for the general public is from the Conewago Day Use Area. Campers can access the trails directly from the campground. The trail surface is packed gravel and the terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle hills and consists of a 3.5-mile outer loop with a number of internal connectors. The trail winds through woodlands and along the lakeshore for a stretch and is designed for a slow, leisurely ride. It is suitable for family use and most bicycles. The trails are also used by hikers and cross-country skiers. Please be considerate of other trail users; ride to the right and signal when passing.
Historical Note: Born in 1865, Gifford was one of the founders of the conservation movement. After graduating from Yale University, Pinchot went to France and became the first American trained in forestry. A good friend of President Theodore Roosevelt, Pinchot was named Chief Forester of the U. S. Division of Forestry and served from 1898 to 1910. With the guidance of Roosevelt and Pinchot, over 200 million acres of national forest came under scientific land management. Policies developed by Pinchot still help guide most national and state forests
For more information: Gifford Pinchot State Park Phone: (717) 432-5011
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