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Colonel Denning State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 819 Google reviews · Running trail in Newville, Pennsylvania · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Colonel Denning State 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.
Public park with a lake & all-year recreation including ice fishing & camping plus miles of trails.
What runners say about Colonel Denning State Park
“The camp sites are all far from each other, the fire rings are well maintained, and the bathrooms are the cleanest I’ve ever seen in a state park.”
“The trails around the park and surrounding area are gorgeous.”
“If you’re into the technical side of hiking, you’ll appreciate the well-marked trails, though the rocky terrain means you definitely want to wear boots with good ankle support.”
“A Great "In-Between" Park for Vistas and Quiet Colonel Denning is a staple for those of us in the western end of the valley.”
A great little state park! The camp sites are all far from each other, the fire rings are well maintained, and the bathrooms are the cleanest I’ve ever seen in a state park. The showers have a button that you push and it only stays on for ~30 seconds, which is rather annoying, but not a huge deal.
Traveled (day trip) from Lancaster, PA to see flat rock vista. Google Maps took me to a private drive, based on geo location. Pulled over and discovered the trail head is actually at Colonel Denning State Park. Very nice location. Ample parking. Clean. Nice bathrooms, with shower stalls. Well maintained all around.
I stayed at sites 1, 2, & 11 (had a group of friends/family). Sites were well maintained and easy to park our little pop up. Enough room for tents and vehicles as well. Not the biggest site, but still had room between neighbors. Had trees for shade, and some were creek front. So peaceful to fall asleep to!
We camped at CDSP campground in late Oct. 2023 in site #25 in a tent. Wed-Friday, only 2 other sites being used on the other side of the loop, very quiet. Our campsite was a good size, room for 13x13 tent, short path from the site down to bath house.
Trail conditions & character
“We did the Flat Rock hike, not an easy uphill hike, but one of the better vista views once you get there in my opinion.”
“It’s a steady, somewhat strenuous climb, but the view of the Cumberland Valley from the top is one of the best in the region.”
“Drive past this and turn right ( just 50 feet) Then turn right again down hill ( Yes it is a tight turn, but I fit with a 36 foot trailer and long pickup).”
“A Great "In-Between" Park for Vistas and Quiet Colonel Denning is a staple for those of us in the western end of the valley.”
“The camp sites are all far from each other, the fire rings are well maintained, and the bathrooms are the cleanest I’ve ever seen in a state park.”
“If you’re into the technical side of hiking, you’ll appreciate the well-marked trails, though the rocky terrain means you definitely want to wear boots with good ankle support.”
“If you are handicapped, I suggest staying in the first loop or closer to the bottom of second loop.”
“Just be aware the bathhouse, while close, is up a steep hill from the pet friendly/creekside sites.”
“If you’re into the technical side of hiking, you’ll appreciate the well-marked trails, though the rocky terrain means you definitely want to wear boots with good ankle support.”
Plan your run at Colonel Denning State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitedcnr.state.pa.us
- Phone+1 717-776-5272
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–4 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–4 pm |
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