Home › Pennsylvania › Columbia › Chickies Rock County Park
Chickies Rock County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,371 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbia, Pennsylvania · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Chickies Rock County Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Green space with creeks, views from Chickies Rock & remnants of old industrial structures.
What runners say about Chickies Rock County Park
“The overlooks - there are 2 areas a short path away from one another - are great viewing areas overlooking the river.”
“Short and easy hike, though there appears to be a detour for those who like a steeper path.”
It’s always a pleasure to walk out to the overlook of the beautiful Susquehanna River. Just never disappoints. There are birds and other wildlife to see including some great plants and trees.
Easy short hike, it took me about 10 minutes to reach the overlook. The overlook was beautiful! A couple minutes from the parking I saw the trail sign that says you can go straight or right; I kept going atraight. Either way will get you to the lookout. Also, there is a decent sized parking lot right off the main road.
We enjoyed the short hike to the river overlook. Some parts of the trail were a bit muddy (stay to sides), and there are some rocks to navigate down to the overlook. But overall a pleasant experience. (There were no portapotties at this particular trailhead.)
Awesome park, with great overlooks. Best views are in the fall and winter after the leaves have fallen from the trees. You'll see more. Trail to the overlook isn't challenging as long as you take the path to the left. Definitely worth the trip!
Trail conditions & character
“Probably one of the best overlooks in the area, the views exceeded my expectations, definitely recommend.”
“Great hike there's a couple of different ways that you can go a bit more adventurous roots but there are some way back roots.”
“A couple minutes from the parking I saw the trail sign that says you can go straight or right; I kept going atraight.”
“If you are not steady on your feet I would suggest a walking stick, but for the most part, the 10 min walk is easy to moderate with a wide trail and a slight incline.”
“Straight arrow leads you on a flat pathway, while the right one has some up and down hill.”
Plan your run at Chickies Rock County Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteco.lancaster.pa.us
- Phone(717) 299-8215
Running trails near Columbia
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Northwest River Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 157 reviews
Paved trail by the river for hiking and biking.
NW Lancaster County River Traillhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 9 reviews
Columbia River Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 825 reviews
Riverside park offering fishing and picnics, plus a boat launch and river views.
Northwest River Trail Marietta
4.7 ★★★★★ 183 reviews
Paved trails for biking, walking and rollerblading, plus river views.