Chickies Hill Rd (PA-441) | East Hempfield Township
Located between the boroughs of Columbia and Marietta, Chickies Rock County Park is the county's second largest regional park. Today the park exceeded 422 acres over several locations. The most popular feature in the park is Chickies Rock. Which is a massive outcropping of quartzite rock that sits 100 feet above the river. A short hike takes you to the overlook that offers views of York county, the borough of Marietta, and farmlands of northwestern Lancaster County. The park also boosts a second overlook, Breezyview Overlook. This overlook is easier to access and doesn't require the hike.
At separate locations there are additional trials, Clayton B. Shenk Trail and the Girl Scout Trail, that offer hikes through the woods, skirting farm fields and taking you along Chiques Creek.
Each of the 4 sections of Chickies Rock County Park have separate parking areas. You will need to drive to each individual section to access the trails, they do not connect.
Distance: over 4 miles of trails
Difficulty: Medium Rare to Medium
Terrain: dirt | grass | gravel | wooded | water
Activities: hiking | trail running | leashed dogs
Parking: Lots at Breezyview and Overlook Trail | Pull offs at Clayton Shenk and Girl Scout
Restrooms: No
Website: co.lancaster.pa.us
Breezyview Overlook - Heritage Trail | .3 mile point to point trail
Medium Well | 6-12 minutes
This is what I call a "tourist" overlook; no hiking is required to enjoy the view. It's a beautiful panoramic view of the Susquhanna River and there is also a lovely gazebo which is often used for special events. If you go to the right of the parking lot there is a trail that will take you down to the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. The Heritage trail is not long, but it is very steep and rocky. There are some additional "trails" that are at the opposite end of the overlook. They go on for a little while, then become overgrown with brush.
Chickies Rock Overlook Trail | 1 mile out and back -plus extra trails
Medium Rare | 20-40 minutes
This trail takes you to one of the most beautiful overlooks in Lancaster County. The trail to get to the overlook is a very wide level path. You will only need to climb over rocks when you get to the overlook. To take this trail follow the path to the left. Shortly after you begin the hike you have the option to go to the right up a hill. This will take you to several other paths that meander through the woods, connecting with each other and eventually the main trail to the overlook.
Clayton Shenk Trail | 1.4 mile semi- loop & .6 mile out and back trail
Medium | 30-55 minutes & 12-24 minutes
This section of Chickies Rock County Park offers 2 trails. The trail to the left of the sign takes you down a steep embankment and then turns left down a grassy pathway before taking you down another embankment and over a stream. The trail goes to the end of the woods and then along a field to an old barn. Go around the barn and pick the trail up again into the woods. There is a yellow Horse Trail that is also part of the main red trail.
The trail to the right of the sign is a shorter "u" shaped trail that takes you to the cliffs edge before turning down a steep hill and then dead ending at the road.
Girl Scout Trail | 1.03 mile semi-loop
Medium Rare | 20-40 minutes
This hike is in the Chickies Creek Day Use Area of Chickies Rock County Park. To get to the trail head turn right into the park and drive passed the corn crib. The road into the park circles around. There is no parking lot, just park along the road in the grass after the playground. The trailhead is at the end of the loop before you head back in the other direction.
The trail starts of as a grass pathway that runs along Chiques Creek, then becomes a level dirt path as you go deeper into the woods. There is no major elevation gain and the path is well shaded.
Directions:
From Lancaster take US 222N to PA 501 N
Right onto US- 30 W toward York
Exit onto PA- 441 N toward Marietta
Breezyview Overlook- Drive for 1 mile from Rt. 30, then turn Left onto Breezyview Dr
Chickies Rock Overlook Trail- Drive for 1.4 miles from Rt. 30. Parking is on the Left
Clayton Shenk Trail-Drive for 1.5 miles from Rt. 30 then turn Right onto Old Chickies Hill Rd. The road takes a sharp Right, parking lot on the Right.
Girl Scout Trail- Drive for 1.7 miles from Rt. 30 then turn Right onto Long Lane (You will see a sign for East Donegal Township Chickies Creek Day Use Area). Park is on the Right after you cross the bridge.
Nearby Trails:
Northwest Lancaster County River Trail
