Located between the boroughs of Columbia and Marietta, Chickies Rock Park is the County's second largest regional park. The County Commissioners began acquiring this park property in 1977; as of 1997, the park exceeded 422 acres. Chickies Rock Park's name is derived from the American Indian word "Chiquesalunga" meaning "place of the crayfish". The park includes Chiques Creek, Donegal Creek, and selected points to the Susquehanna River. 

 

The most notable feature in the park is Chickies Rock, a massive outcropping of quartzite rock towering 100 feet above the river. The vista offers impressive views of York County, the borough of Marietta, and farmlands of northwestern Lancaster County. Chickies Rock Park is also a collection of historical treasures. The area once boasted seven iron furnaces and rolling mills, a canal and a local trolley line. Remnants of several furnaces, canal walls, and trolley-line grades are still visible.

 

The park is managed predominantly for its natural resources. A trail runs through the area of "Kerbaugh Lake", a reclaimed woodland and natural meadow between Chickies Hill and the river. 

On the southwest edge of the park is an area known as Breezyview, a location that offers a panoramic view of Chickies Rock and the Susquehanna River. A nearby gazebo makes a perfect place for weddings and special occasions (please note that the gazebo is not equipped with electrical service). Click here for the Fee Schedule. 

 

In the northwest section of the park, a day-use area at Furnace Road offers open play areas and a boat-launch point onto the Susquehanna River. The east side of Route 441, offers open play areas, tot and regular swings, a group pavilion (Pavilion 42), and convenient access to Chiques and Donegal Creeks, the latter of which is managed as a fly-fishing-only area for trout.

 

This park, with its numerous vistas, varied natural and geological features, and rich industrial heritage, is a wonderful place to visit.

 

 

 

Breezyview Overlook:  Proceed 0.35 mile north; turn left (west) at sign; bear left at “Y” in drive by Little People Day Care and continue to circular paved parking lot.

Chickies Rock Overlook Trailhead:  Proceed 0.90 mile north; turn left (west) into parking lot immediately past crest of hill.

Old Chickies Hill Road (Clayton B. Shenk Trailhead):  Proceed 1.2 miles north; make hard right (southeast) onto Old Chickies Hill Road; continue to large trailhead sign and off-road parking within ¼ mile on right.

Chickies Creek Day Use Area:  Proceed 1.5 miles north; just after crossing bridge at bottom of hill, turn right (east) onto Long Lane; continue to entrance at large stone farmhouse on right; park in small level lot between farmhouse and bank barn on right or adjacent to loop drive surrounding pavilion.

PA Fish and Boat Commission boat launch:  Proceed 1.65 miles north to Furnace Road; turn left (west) onto Furnace Road and continue to Robert K. Mowrer Drive; turn left (west) and cross under arched railroad bridge to parking lot and boat launch.