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Gifford Pinchot State Park
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| State Park Overview: |
 | Gifford Pinchot State Park, a 2,338-acre full service park, is in northern York County along PA 177 between the towns of Rossville and Lewisberry. The park consists of reverting farm fields and wooded hillsides with the 340-acre Pinchot Lake serving as a prime attraction. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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NO Geese
This is a great park. Kids loved swimming in the lake. The best part was no geese. There was a small 1 foot gate around the part of the lake that they were swimmning in and apparently it works to keep the geese out. Just wish we had more time, but we will be back.
Written by PA Mom
10-Jul-2009
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| Camping: |
| Camping: modern sites, some with electricity
With 339 campsites at the southern end of the lake, this park provides one of the largest state park campgrounds in the Commonwealth. The campground opens on the second Friday in April and closes by the end of October. All of the sites have macadam pads and can accommodate virtually any piece of camping equipment from a large motor home to the smallest tent. The campground has an accessible swimming beach, outdoor amphitheater, some accessible campsites, hiking trails, boat launching and mooring area, sanitary dumping stations, staffed campground office, and modern bathhouses with flush toilets and showers. Pets are not permitted in overnight areas.
Organized Group Tenting:
The 50 sites, which can hold up to 250 people, are in the campground. This modern area is for scout, church or other organized groups that wish to camp together. Advance reservations are required. |
| Trails: |
| Bicycling:
The trails between the campground and the Conewago Day Use Area are for joint-use by hikers, cross-country skiers and bicycles. The Multipurpose Trail network consists of a 3.5-mile outer loop with a number of internal connectors. The trail surface is packed gravel and the terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle hills. The trail is suitable for family use and most bicycles. Please be considerate of other trail users; ride to the right and signal when passing. The trail winds through woodlands and along the lakeshore and is designed for a slow, leisurely ride. Fast and reckless riding is prohibited. Trail access for the general public is from the Conewago Day Use Area. Campers can access the trails directly from the campground.
Cross-country Skiing:
When adequate snow cover is available, many of the hiking trails provide an excellent opportunity for cross-country skiing. The best trails are accessed from the Conewago Day Use Area or the special parking area at the campground entrance. These trails are marked for bicycling and include portions of Lakeside, Alpine, Oak and Gravel trails. Other good trails are the network of spur roads and trails in the interior of the park campground, which are closed to camping and vehicle use during the winter season. |
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| Area Activities |
| Horseback Riding | |  | Old Forge Hill Farm - Street, MD
We are family owned and operated and offer a beautiful, relaxed family oriented atmosphere. Emphasizing personalized attention and individualized quality care for all, we are proud to say that our farm offers something for everyone.
Web Site: http://oldforgehillfarm.tripod.com/ |
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| Picnicking: |
| The accessible Quaker Race Day Use Area is on the west side of the lake and the Conewago Day Use Area is on the east side of the lake. Picnic tables, charcoal grills, convenient parking lots, drinking water, modern restrooms and horseshoe pits are throughout the areas. The Quaker Race area has a volleyball court. The Conewago area has a softball field. Four accessible picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. |
| Boating: |
| Boating: electric motors only
The 340-acre Pinchot Lake has three launch areas available 24 hours a day. There are 286 shoreline mooring and canoe rack spaces that may be rented from April 1st to November 1st. Mooring areas include a number of larger spaces designed to accommodate the increasingly popular day sailors and catamarans, while rack spaces accommodate sailboards and smaller sailboats. There are several types of boats and electric trolling motors for rent at the boat rental from late spring through early autumn each year.
Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. |
| Swimming: |
| Horseback Riding:
In the northeast section of the park is an area set aside for horseback riding. This area includes several miles of wide, mowed, interconnecting trails that wind through reverting farm fields, pine plantations and deciduous woodlands. There is a large, gravel parking area off of Alpine Road, a short distance south of the intersection with PA 177. There are no horse rentals. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Fishing:
The 340-acre Pinchot Lake has largemouth bass, hybrid stripped bass, muskellunge, catfish, carp, walleye, crappie and sunfish. Pinchot Lake is designated a big bass lake. Special regulations cover the minimum size and creel limits for all species of bass. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply.
Hunting and Firearms:
About 1,780 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs from fall archery season through the end of the traditional winter seasons. Common game species are deer, rabbit, squirrel and waterfowl. Because of the adjacent residential development and the many non-hunting visitors, special regulations apply to all hunting in the park. Hunting weapons are restricted to bows and arrows until the general small game season in late fall when shotgun and muzzleloader use are also permitted. Center fire rifles and handguns cannot be used in the park at any time. Hunting is prohibited during spring and summer and dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas.
To help protect the safety of hunters, non-hunting visitors and nearby residents, signs designating hunting areas, no hunting areas and safety zones are posted throughout the park. Hunters should be especially alert for other park visitors who may not be familiar with hunting and for safety zones near park buildings and private residences in and around the park. The Bureau of State Parks reserves the right to participate in or conduct special hunts at other times if necessary to adequately control specific wildlife populations or to conserve park resources. Please contact the park office if you have any questions or need more specific information.
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for accessible hunting information.
Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or camp. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| | | B&Bs / Inns | | Gelinas Manor Victorian Bed & Breakfast - Reasonably priced B&B midway between Hershey and Gettysburg, short drive to Pennsylvania Amish. Four trout fishing streams in the area. | | | | Maytown Manor Bed and Breakfast - Relax in our cozy retreat near Lancaster, PA. Full breakfast served. Three rooms with private baths and air conditioning. Read by the fire, play piano, or enjoy our porch swing. 2003 Best Breakfast! | | Cameron Estate Inn - The Inn features 18 guest rooms with in-room private baths. Prices include a full breakfast and range from $119 to $199 per night. Rooms are available with working fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. | | Vogt Farm Bed and Breakfast - A quiet farm overlooking the spacious farmlands. Our rooms are decorated to give you wonderful memories for another time. A delicious breakfast is served and Kathy will to give touring/dining tips. | | The Olde Square Inn - The Olde Square Inn is located on Mount Joy's historic square. The town is 150 years old and has a great deal of small town charm. Visit and you may walk to antique shops, restaurants, and parks. | |  | Beechmont Inn Bed & Breakfast - Hanover, PA
Located on a tree-lined street of stately historic homes, The Beechmont has welcomed business and leisure travelers since 1986 with exceptional hospitality and thoughtful extras designed to exceed travelers needs and desires.
Web Site: http://www.thebeechmont.com |
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| |  | The Brickhouse Inn - Gettysburg, PA
Gracious accommodations and in-town convenience are the perfect combination for your stay in Gettysbug. 1898 brick Victorian in historic district. Walk to battlefield, restaurants, shops.
Web Site: http://www.brickhouseinn.com |
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| | Mt. Gretna Inn - This Arts & Crafts Inn is sited in the historic community of Mt. Gretna, PA. Each of the 7 guest rooms are unique and include private baths while some offer fireplaces, whirlpool, or private porches. | | Hotels/Motels | |  | Waynebrook Inn - Honey Brook, PA
Come experience the rich history and refined hospitality of the Waynebrook Inn, Est. 1865. Our charming full service hotel has been splendidly refurbished and is nestled in the midst of beautiful Amish farm country near Lancaster in historic Chester County. At the Waynebrook you can experience that rarity among country inns along with the amenities of a full service hotel...the elegance and beguiling charm of American Inns of yesteryear coupled with the modern conveniences today's travelers demand.
Web Site: www.WaynebrookInn.com |
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| Area Places to Eat |
| Restaurant | | | Waynebrook Inn - Honey Brook, PA
Come experience the rich history and refined hospitality of the Waynebrook Inn, Est. 1865. Our charming full service hotel has been splendidly refurbished and is nestled in the midst of beautiful Amish farm country near Lancaster in historic Chester County. At the Waynebrook you can experience that rarity among country inns along with the amenities of a full service hotel...the elegance and beguiling charm of American Inns of yesteryear coupled with the modern conveniences today's travelers demand.
Web Site: www.WaynebrookInn.com |
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...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Related Links: |
| Pennsylvania Triathalator ~ Triathlon and Multi-Sport CalendarTriFind.com - ... .6 miles, Run 3 miles Location: Gifford Pinchot State Park - Lewisberry Phone: (410) 593-9662, Fax ... .6 miles, Run 3 miles Location: Gifford Pinchot State Park - Lewisberry Phone: (410) 593-9662, Fax ... | | Some Of The Places We've Been - Some Of The Places We've Been. Our 1999 Travels! April, 1999 trip to Tom's Cove Park, Chincoteague, Virginia. April, 1999 trip to Cherrystone, Virginia. April, 1999 trip to First Landing State... | | Downey Diving - Gifford Pinchot State Park - Gifford Pinchot Park. Weather. How to Get There. Local Contacts. What To See. Rates. Contact Us. This picturesque park is situated among gently rolling farm fields and heavily wooded hillsides.... | | row2k 2002 Race Results - Paddle Around row2k ... Shopping. Results. Racing Calendar. Rowing Links. Bulletin Boards. Classifieds. Stories. Columns. Row2k Gallery. Random Photo Generator. Camps. Olympics. row2k's 2002... | | Gifford Pinchot State Park, Pennsylvania - Gifford Pinchot State Park, Lewisberry, PA. Just a few days after our August trip to Lake Fairfax Park, we loaded up the camper and van once again and journeyed to Gifford Pinchot State Park in... | | Gifford Pinchot State Park Mountain Biking : Fall in P.A. - The 8.5-mile multipurpose trail is located on the southern side of Pinchot Lake in the Conewago Day Use Area. This trail route is a combination of other trails and is useable by hikers, bikers,... | | Hiking and Biking : Fall in P.A. - Pennsylvania's changing foliage creates a breathtaking backdrop for hiking and biking in the fall. There are thousands of miles of trails throughout the state, ranging from easy to very... |
| Nature Programs: |
| The park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources. Pontoon boat tours of the lake are offered spring through fall. Programs are offered early spring through late fall. For more detailed information contact the park office.
A park-operated nature center in the Conewago Day Use Area is open during the summer. Wayside exhibits and informative brochures help visitors learn more about the park?s natural environment.
Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Teacher workshops are available. Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office. |
| Area Campgrounds | | Western Village RV Park Inc
200 Greenview Drive
Carlisle, PA
717-243-1179
| Walmar Manor Campground
125 Walmar Manor
Dillsburg, PA
717-432-4523
| Conewago Isle Campground
6220 Big Mount Road
Dover, PA
717-292-1461
| Outdoor World - Gettysburg Farm
6200 Big Mount Road
Dover, PA
717-292-7191
| Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA
1980 Turnpike Road
Elizabethtown, PA
| Cherokee Campground
200 Pine Grove Road
Gardners, PA
717-486-8000
| Deer Run Campground
111 Sheet Iron Roof Road
Gardners, PA
| Mountain Creek Campground
349 Pine Grove Road
Gardners, PA
717-486-7681
| Hershey Conewago Campground
PO Box 449
Hershey, PA
717-367-1179
| Hershey Highmeadow Campground
PO Box 866
Hershey, PA
717-534-8999
| Indian Rock Campground
436 Indian Rock Dam Road
York, PA
717-741-1764
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| | Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Slapp's Tire Service
301 Flower St
Chester, PA
(610) 874-7997
| Clevy & Sons Bait & Tackle
54 S 3rd St
Oxford, PA
(610) 932-7886
| Hawghead Baits
2215 Rosstown Rd
Wellsville, PA
(717) 432-4505
| Clouser's Fly Shop
101 Ulrich St
Middletown, PA
(717) 944-6541
| Middletown Bait N Tackle
27 E Emaus St
Middletown, PA
(717) 930-0700
| Row's Tackle & Ceramics
2055 S 3rd St
Steelton, PA
(717) 939-4504
| James Tackle
1003 Huntington Ln
Elizabethtown, PA
(717) 361-7733
| Bass Pro Shops
3501 Paxton St
Harrisburg, PA
(717) 565-5200
| Cold Spring Anglers
419 E High St # A
Carlisle, PA
(717) 245-2646
| Ron's Wholesale Bait
7805 Allentown Boulevard
Harrisburg, PA
(717) 652-1552
| New Cumberland Fishing & Boating Club
Water St
New Cumberland, PA
(717) 774-7754
| Fishing Creek Community Assn
520 Locust Rd
New Cumberland, PA
(717) 938-3416
| Tom's Fly-Fishing Service
75 Pleasantview Ter
New Cumberland, PA
Unverified listing
| Fishing Creek Elementary Schl
510 Fishing Creek Rd
Lewisberry, PA
(717) 938-6565
| Pennsylvania Commonwealth of: Governor's Advisory Council for Hunting Fishing & H
Harrisburg, PA
(717) 772-4285
| Dillsburg Fish & Game
224 Coffeetown Rd
Dillsburg, PA
(717) 432-3648
| Addicted Angler
258 Red Tank Rd
Boiling Springs, PA
(717) 258-6669
| James' Tackle
209 N Market St
Elizabethtown, PA
(717) 361-7743
| Trop Gun Shop Inc
709 Cloverleaf Rd
Elizabethtown, PA
(717) 367-5585
| Hunters' & Anglers' Assn Inc Ofdleton
1350 Schoolhouse Rd
Middletown, PA
(717) 944-0760
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| | Area Resorts and Lodging | | Hershey Golf Club Group & Btq
1000 E Derry Rd
Hershey, PA
(717) 520-4997
| Hershey Entertainment & Resort Company: Hershey Information
Hershey, PA
(717) 534-3090
| Suites at Hershey The
176 Hershey Park Dr
Hershey, PA
(717) 534-2003
| Snow Time Inc
100 Boxwood LN
York, PA
(717) 757-1508
| Old Town Run Mountain Lodge
699 Baltimore Pike
Gardners, PA
(717) 486-5672
| Hilltoppers Sun Club
4290 List Rd
Red Lion, PA
Unverified listing
| Allenberry Resort Inn & Playhouse
1559 Boiling Springs Rd
Boiling Springs, PA
(717) 258-3211
| Hershey Entertainment & Resort Company: Hershey Information
Hershey, PA
(717) 534-3090
| Four Points By Sheraton Harrisburg
800 East Park Drive
Harrisburg, PA
(717) 561-8398
| Wyndham Harrisburg Hershey
4650 Lindle Rd
Harrisburg, PA
(717) 564-5511
| Ski Roundtop: Ofc
925 Roundtop Rd
Lewisberry, PA
(717) 432-9631
| Cocoa Beanery at Hershey Lodge
W Chocolate & University Ave
Hershey, PA
(717) 534-8603
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| Directions: |
| 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. |
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