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Hiking · Fishing · Straddles the county line

Swatara State Park

Type
State park (rail trail & creek valley)
Where
1450 Suedburg Road, Pine Grove, PA
Managed by
PA DCNR, Bureau of State Parks
Coordinates
40.48305, -76.54564 · Open in Maps
DCNR park reference point (1450 Suedburg Rd, Pine Grove).
Last verified
2026-06-18

Swatara State Park is a linear creek-valley park along Swatara Creek between the I-81 Lickdale and Pine Grove interchanges, straddling the Schuylkill/Lebanon county line near Pine Grove. Its centerpiece is the 10-mile Swatara Rail Trail, paired with the rolling natural Bear Hole Trail.

Hiking & biking

The two trails combine into a roughly 10-mile loop that crosses the creek on the historic iron Waterville Bridge. The rail trail is relatively flat and multi-use (hikers, cyclists, equestrians); six trails are designated for mountain biking, and the valley is known for its fossils. Several trailhead lots serve the park, with no day-use fee.

Fishing & paddling

Swatara Creek and its Little Swatara tributaries are PFBC trout waters, and the creek carries the Swatara Creek Water Trail (its Mile 0 access is upstream at Pine Grove). A DCNR launch permit or boat registration is required to launch within the park.

Access & parking

Getting there
Along Swatara Creek between the I-81 Lickdale (Exit 90) and Pine Grove (Exit 100) interchanges; multiple trailheads, with the Waterville Bridge crossing.
Parking
Several trailhead lots; no day-use fee.
Accessibility
The Swatara Rail Trail is relatively flat (variable surface).

Sources

← Outdoor Life