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Swatara State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 843 Google reviews · Running trail in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Swatara 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.
The fields, woods & streams draw visitors for fishing, hunting, hiking & cross-country skiing.
What runners say about Swatara State Park
“A fantastic state park that has numerous well-maintained trails that go for miles and connect with one another.”
“Beautiful, easy walk on Swatara Rail Trail to the Bridge connection towards Bear Hole Trail, then a lovely woodsy walk to Bordner Cabin.”
“Many trailheads Cool bridges Nice wide gravel trails Remote and quiet except for highway 81 nearby noise.”
“Beautiful, easy walk on Swatara Rail Trail to the Bridge connection towards Bear Hole Trail, then a lovely woodsy walk to Bordner Cabin.”
“Bike/hike/dog walk and even access to creek for water walk or float in the creek.”
Started off the New Year with a new hike, and wow, are we glad we checked this out! Trail is mostly flat. Parked at Sand Siding Parking lot. Took the trail to the left and followed to bridge which we crossed. Continued down trail until it T bones and made a left. Followed trail down until came to cabin on the right.
Beautiful trails that are a pretty easy hike! We went up to the waterfall and there’s also a small house where people can eat lunch/picnic. There’s a few bridges on the hike and some nice spots to stop by the creek. Also passed by a cute little peach stand on the way there, but forgot the name of it!
Beautiful, easy walk on Swatara Rail Trail to the Bridge connection towards Bear Hole Trail, then a lovely woodsy walk to Bordner Cabin. The Bridge takes you across a beautiful view of Swatara creek. Horseback riders are allowed on certain sections of the trail. Check it out!
Went there on Sunday July 28th and hiked the Swatara rail trail and the bear hole Trail to the Bordner cabin and then pass the fossil pit back to the car. The Bordner cabin was more than I expected. We really enjoyed that and hope to come back in the spring sometime even with bicycles when more water is flowing.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful, easy walk on Swatara Rail Trail to the Bridge connection towards Bear Hole Trail, then a lovely woodsy walk to Bordner Cabin.”
“Many trailheads Cool bridges Nice wide gravel trails Remote and quiet except for highway 81 nearby noise.”
“They have decent parking lots and some have bathrooms.”
“Bike/hike/dog walk and even access to creek for water walk or float in the creek.”
“So you have a choice of a pretty well level trail or more challenging trail with hills and curves (all gravel).”
“So you have a choice of a pretty well level trail or more challenging trail with hills and curves (all gravel).”
“They have decent parking lots and some have bathrooms.”
Plan your run at Swatara State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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.
- 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
Running trails near Pine Grove
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Swatara Rail Trail
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Gravel-surfaced trail for hiking and mountain biking that links to the Swatara Rail Trail.
Trout Run Trail
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Lebanon Valley Rail Trail
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Dog-friendly hiking area with a wide trail that's good for quick walks.