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Swatara Creek Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 70 Google reviews · Running trail in Hershey, Pennsylvania · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Swatara Creek 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.

Stroller / ADARestrooms

Park where visitors can picnic, hike, kayak, and enjoy ranger-led digs.

What runners say about Swatara Creek Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (70 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Quiet little park besides soccer practice for the little ones. Spots for minor hiking and small picnics.

★★★★☆ — Christine , Jun 2023

Nice spot to get into the creek. Large field to play and run. Playground is minimal. But we use this as an entrance point to the swatty. Works fine 🙂

★★★★★ — Ashley , Aug 2021

Somtimes it gets very crowded but all in all a really nice spot to walk your dogs, or to have lunch outside:)

★★★★☆ — Gavin , Nov 2024

Nice lil park beautiful lil views, you could walk to the water if you want to

★★★★☆ — Barry , Jul 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 70 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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Plan your run at Swatara Creek Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitedcnr.pa.gov
  • Phone(717) 865-6470
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 7 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–6 PM
Thursday 7 AM–6 PM
Friday 7 AM–6 PM
Saturday 7 AM–6 PM
Sunday 7 AM–6 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Swatara Creek Park

151 S Hanover St, Hershey, PA 17033

Get directions

Running trails near Hershey

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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River-adjacent area for hiking, walking and kayaking, plus picnic tables and some scenic views.

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Skyline Commons Park

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Gelder Park

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Family-friendly green space featuring playing fields, playgrounds and a basketball court.

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All running trails in Hershey, PA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.