The park contains the 'Fossil Hole,' a renowned site where collectors can find 450-million-year-old marine fossils.
The Swatara Rail-Trail serves as a flat, accessible corridor that connects to the larger Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail system.
The park was created in part to preserve the natural corridor of Swatara Creek and to protect its water quality.
The land features remnants of the old canal and railroad era, which were once vital for transporting coal in the 19th century.
Swatara Creek is stocked annually with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
The park provides habitat for several species of raptors, including bald eagles, which are occasionally spotted along the creek.
Swatara State Park is a 3,520-acre outdoor recreation area spanning the gap between Second and Blue Mountains in Pennsylvania. The park is bisected by the 7.5-mile Swatara Creek, a popular waterway for kayaking and trout fishing. The park's centerpiece is the 10-mile multi-use Swatara Rail-Trail, built upon the former bed of the Lebanon and Tremont Branch Railroad. Hikers can access the Appalachian Trail via a connector trail located within park boundaries. Notable geological features include the Fossil Hole, where visitors can find marine fossils from the Ordovician period. The park landscape features a mix of forests, wetlands, and open meadows supporting diverse wildlife. It provides multiple boat launches and developed picnic areas for visitor use. The park operates under the management of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The mid-point of the bridge crossing Swatara Creek for expansive views of the water and surrounding ridgelines.
Bring polarized sunglasses to better see through the water when looking for fossils or fishing in the creek.
Check the Pennsylvania DCNR website for trail status updates, as high water levels can occasionally close low-lying paths.
Pack water and snacks as there are no food vendors located within the park boundaries.
Attempting to kayak during periods of high water or heavy rainfall, as stream conditions can become hazardous.
None.
Carry-in, carry-out waste policy; leashed pets permitted on designated trails; respect fossil collection limits.
