After a long winter cooped up inside, spring comes as a welcomed breath of fresh air. No more slipping on hidden ice or wearing so many layers that you feel like a marshmallow. For those hoping to escape their homes and enjoy the outdoors now that spring has arrived, a picnic might be just the thing you’re looking for. Pack a basket loaded with your favorite picnic food and drink, grab your checkered blanket, and check out this list for go-to parks in the area!
Planning your picnic getaway yet? Check out our guide on how to pack your picnic basket so you don’t forget anything! If you’re planning on trying out one of the many hiking trails available, visit this article first and make some trail mix for when you need a tasty snack.
Columbia River Park | 41 Walnut St, Columbia, PA |
Hike along the Susquehanna at Columbia River Park and enjoy your lunch with an up-close view of the river and the nearby Veterans Memorial Bridge. After eating, rent a kayak or canoe and take in the sun on the river. Or, you can enjoy as much as you want of the 14-mile Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. It follows a historic route and boasts numerous industrial archaeological remains. Bring a friend who’s into history—they’re sure to have a blast!
Susquehannock State Park | 1880 Park Drive, Drumore, PA |
Another riverside beauty, Susquehannock State Park, encompasses 224 acres of land right next to the Susquehanna. Hills along the bank of the river offer a picturesque view while you’re eating. Just imagine enjoying dinner as the sun sets over the water. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife while you walk around and enjoy the fresh air!
Long’s Park | Harrisburg Pike, US-30, Lancaster, PA
Near the outskirts of Lancaster City sits Long’s Park, home to numerous activities and amenities. A spring-fed lake accompanies a large amphitheater, along with a fitness trail, playgrounds for the kids, and a petting zoo. Enjoy your food and then take your time exploring—whether you want to relax by the lake or have fun with some furry friends, you’re sure to have a blast. Keep an eye out for their summer schedule to see if you can make it to a free concert!
Greenfield Park | 1830 William Penn Way, Lancaster, PA |
Just looking for a nice, calming park to take a break in? Greenfield Park is the place for you! Walking paths wind around several small lakes full of all sorts of wildlife—swans, ducks, and even the occasional blue heron. Several benches line the pathways, offering the perfect place to rest and unwind. The fountains and gazebo are nice places to take a few pictures as well. Bring a book along with you and read the afternoon away.
Samuel S. Lewis State Park | 6000 Mt. Pisgah Road, York, PA |
If lakes and rivers aren’t really your style, try the scenery at Samuel S. Lewis State Park. The countryside stretches on for miles and miles from the hillside. It’s the perfect view after being stuck inside with only your neighbors’ houses to see. If it’s windy enough, open fields provide a great place to fly a kite. There are also two hiking trails within the park if high-flying doesn’t work out. Both paths offer a different tree-filled experience, whether it be exploring the hardwood forest or the old pine arboretum. Whatever you decide on, don’t forget that it’s important to eat too as you take in the fantastic view.
John C. Rudy Park | 400 Mundis Race Road, York, PA |
Have a furry friend at home? Bring them along on your trip and let them enjoy the Canine Meadows dog park at John C. Rudy Park. There are several recreational spots in the park, including varying sports fields and horseshoe pits. There are numerous trails too—if you’re up for it, try the 5k cross country course! And for all you garden lovers, you can also visit the Penn State Master Gardeners Display garden, displaying some of the best plants available in PA. In a well-rounded park like this, you’re sure to never grow bored.
Codorus State Park | 2600 Smith Station Road, Hanover, PA |
Sitting on around 3,500 acres, Codorus State Park surrounds the entirety of Lake Marburg. Various activities on the lake include swimming, boating, and even fishing. If you’d rather keep your feet on dry land though, there are still plenty of activities to do. There are 19 miles of trails that can be traversed by foot or mountain bike, and they even let you ride your horse around them too. Why hike the trails, though, when you could hike around the disc golf course instead? Unleash your inner child and let loose when you visit this park.
Memorial Lake State Park | 18 Boundary Road, Grantville, PA |
Near the base of Blue Mountain and surrounded by Fort Indiantown Gap lies Memorial Lake State Park. As the name suggests, the park is situated on Memorial Lake. Here you can enjoy a calming picnic by the lakeside, or maybe forgo the blanket and eat in a boat as you fish. The hiking trails in the park are a nice place to relax and unwind, especially in the spring when the trees are blooming. The lake’s dam lies along one of the trails with a beautiful view of the water. Don’t wait until the summer, make your way here before spring ends!
City Island Park | Market St. Bridge, Harrisburg, PA |
Located on an island in the middle of the Susquehanna, City Island Park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’d prefer a more activity driven afternoon or just a peaceful day out, you can find what you like in this park. Some recreational opportunities offered in the park are boating, biking, an arcade, mini golf, and even a beach. But, there are several hiking and nature trails for a more serene day. Enjoy the warm spring weather and tour the river before you leave on the Pride of Susquehanna Riverboat!
Coleman Memorial Park | 1400 West Maple St, Lebanon, PA |
Full of historical remains, Coleman Memorial Park is a popular picnicking spot. After a nice meal, you can hike around, visiting markers where old mansions used to be and even seeing the few small buildings still standing. Some of the old gardens are restored as well to view, and the park’s forest is home to some of the largest and oldest trees in the state. Once you’ve had your fill of historical ruins, there’s a mini golf course nearby too, or several recreational fields to choose from. You’re sure not to have a dull afternoon here.
Quittie Creek Nature Park | 536 Bachman Road, Annville, PA |
An abandoned limestone quarry near Quittapahilla Creek was repurposed into the recreation park it is known as today—Quittie Creek Nature Park. The creek is a spring-fed restored trout stream, which you can walk alongside on the park’s central walking path. Part of the quarry is still around the walking path, where five lime kilns still stand. Walk over the bridge built over the creek for a unique vantage point of the water. Spend a day with nature after being stuck inside for so long.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park | 1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA |
In the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a facet of the Appalachian Mountains, lies Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Surrounded by Michaux State forest, the park offers several opportunities to hike and explore the Appalachians. Two mountain lakes lie within the park’s borders, perfect for swimming or fishing. Plan a day trip here and spend some time hiking the Appalachian Trail or hike along what used to be a railway. If you’re interested in history, there’s also a museum dedicated to the Appalachian Trail. What a better way to spend a warm day than in the mountains?
Littlestown Park | 151 E. Lakeview Drive, Littlestown, PA |
Several small creeks run through the quaint Littlestown Park. Enjoy a peaceful picnic and then join the fishing blue heron and basking turtles for a walk around the nature trail. There are several recreational fields as well, so bring a friend or two along to play a game and release some of that built-up stress. Bring the kids along with you—they’re sure to have a blast!
