Enjoy it all from mountain views, open meadows, dense forests and streamside trails at this 3,520-acre park in Pine Grove. Swatara State Park sits nestled in the Swatara Valley between Blue Mountain and Second Mountain. The park, just over an hour south of Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, is convenient to Interstates 81 and 78. It’s location at the southernmost corner of Schuylkill County connects parts of the park to the Lehigh Valley.

Swatara State Park features 34 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Even 2 miles of the famous, 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail passes through the park’s western edge. Many of the park’s predominantly flat trails feature historical structures, old forests, bridges, rolling streams, waterfalls and plenty of accessible parking.

Swatara Creek serves as a central attraction to the park’s many annual visitors. The free-flowing, Susquehanna River tributary carves its way from the Appalachian Mountains splitting the park in half and feeding plenty of smaller creeks and streams along the way. Swatara Creek is a major attraction for water sports enthusiasts of all types.

Swatara State Park is open all year from sunrise to sunset. Get outside. Grab a park map. And discover everything this NEPA favorite has to offer. Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights.

Hiking, Biking & Horseback Riding

Hiking and mountain biking remain some of the most popular activities within Swatara State Park. There are 13 main trails throughout the park and many smaller, connector trails. Many of the trails in the park offer relatively flat terrain with plenty of room to accommodate bikes, horses and hikers. Several, unique historical sites can be accessed via some of the park’s trails. And you’re never far from the tranquility of the forest, scenic valley views, abundant wildlife and clear, cool mountain streams.

The Bear Hole Trail, a 4.8-mile, crushed stone path follows Swatara Creek as it passes through the park. The terrain remains flat throughout with only a few short sections of elevation climb. Remains of the old Union Canal and its many locks, built in 1827, can be seen from the trail. Bear Hole Trail also features access to several rest areas featuring picnic tables and benches.

Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife

The park’s unique combination of forests, agricultural fields and waterways allows for ideal conditions to spot various species of birds, amphibians, insects, wildflowers and trees.

Trout Run and Swatara Creek attract plenty of anglers throughout the spring, summer and fall. Trout Run is part of the PA Fish and Boat Commission trout stocking program. Swatara Creek and many other smaller cold-water tributaries within the park hold healthy populations of native brook trout. Wagners Pond is also a popular spot for sizable largemouth bass and panfish.

Most areas of Swatara State Park are also open to hunting, trapping and dog training during regulated seasons. Hunters should always take care to be alert for trail users and maintain the 150-yard safety zone around occupied buildings within the park. Common game species within the park are deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel and waterfowl. You’ll also find furbearing game like muskrat, raccoon, opossum and fox.

All fishing, boating, hunting and trapping activities in the park are subject to PA DCNR and PA Fish and Boat Commission and PA Game Commission rules and regulations.

Kayaking, Canoeing & Tubing

Swatara Creek, one of the region’s main waterways, offers plenty of opportunities for water-based recreation. It’s a popular attraction for avid kayakers, leisurely canoers and summer tubing. The creek features three designated launches for non-powered boats at Swopes Valley Trailhead, the Waterville Bridge Parking Lot and the Lickdale Trailhead. The section of the creek running through Swatara State Park is part of the larger Swatara Creek Water Trail.

All non-powered boats and operators must be compliant with PA Fish and Boat Commission regulations.

Plan a Trip

Swatara State Park is easily-accessible from several major interstates and highways in Schuylkill and Lebanon County. Interstate 81 runs nearly the length of the park’s south side and connects to Interstate 78, out of the Lehigh Valley, less than five miles south of the park. Several major cities and amenity-filled towns are within just a short drive from the park. And you’re never too far from many restaurants, shops, downtown districts, hotels and attractions.