Home › Pennsylvania › York › Nixon Park Nature Center
Nixon Park Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 372 Google reviews · Running trail in York, Pennsylvania · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Nixon Park Nature Center'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.
Park featuring a nature center, museum and hiking trails plus birds and kid-friendly events.
What runners say about Nixon Park Nature Center
“Beautiful with activities building to walk thru sit on the porch and watch the animals.”
“A wonderful place for all types of nature activities for all ages.”
Amazing indoor exhibit with many different species on display! So much to see inside before venturing out into the surrounding forest. Great hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. I'm sure it would be even more beautiful when everything is in bloom. A must see in central PA!
I love visiting here with my toddler, and he loves it just as much. The museum is not so big it's overwhelming, with just enough for him to touch that he's satisfied. The trails are well maintained, as is the play area with the creek. Every time I've gone I've absolutely loved going and find something new.
Awesome little community park system that connects to a rail/road trail and the reservoir system. Just note: No Dogs on the Nature Center Trail System. There are some interesting Water Gates on the creek.
This is a nice park, nature reserve areas, some of the trails can be dicey though. There is a nature center. Alot of the area appears to be dedicated to educational nature purposes. Kid friendly.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful with activities building to walk thru sit on the porch and watch the animals.”
“Then they have a map that showed maybe 10 different trails to take including a fully paved one that is very easy for strollers.”
“Then they have a map that showed maybe 10 different trails to take including a fully paved one that is very easy for strollers.”
“Is a nice mostly smooth but semi bumpy from the roots and rocks.”
Plan your run at Nixon Park Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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 trailheadwater — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteyorkcountypa.gov
- Phone+1 717-428-1961
- Social Instagram
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12–4:30 pm |
Running trails near York
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
York Reservoir Trailhead
5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
William H. Kain County Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,309 reviews
Scenic park featuring trails for hiking, biking & horseback riding, plus 2 lakes & kayak rentals.
York Township Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 550 reviews
Relaxed park featuring ball fields and a playground, plus walking trails.
Reservoir Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 39 reviews
Park with a gazebo, wooded area, and trails for walking, sledding, and dogs.
