It's good to be back blogging after a week away!
Today I was out in Marietta and decided to take a lunch break hike out to Chickies Rock Overlook. OK, there's a REALLY cold wind blowing from the Northwest, but I've always wanted to get out there and check it out...
Parking for the park is right on Route 441 about a mile north of the exit Route 30. The photo at right is what you see at the back of the lot - there are a few picnic tables and that's it.
The park has some trails that cover some steep terrain, but the trailways are wide-open and generally well-graded. I saw evidence of mountain bike visitors so I'm assuming that's allowed.
The trail winds up to a fire road, which you follow to the left. About 50 yards down there is a trailhead leading up the right (see the photo). I took the fire road out to the point and the trail back - both are OK and a light walk.
The fire road is easy as can be to walk out on, but the trailway affords more scenic forest scenes. Since it's December, you can see quite a distance through the bare trees.
The fire road skirts around a large knoll and the trail marches right up over it. Beyond it, the bluffs overlooking the Susquehanna River descend to the famed Chickies Rock vista. It was certainly a nice vantage point, and more than a little dangerous if you don't stay behind the barriers - straight down! The rail tracks wind along the riverbank below and the opposite shoreline of York county beckons. Marietta is a small cozy town off to your right( visible in the below photo).
It was very windy up at Chickies Rock! In the photo above the wind was coming straight at me from the valley beyond - almost scary...but there was absolutely nobody up there so I enjoyed the stillness and the motion of the Susquehanna River. I was back at the car in 20 minutes. Total hike distance was about 1.5 miles - not too bad!
If you get a chance to visit Columbia or Marietta PA, and are into short hikes, don't miss Chickies Rock.
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For Lancaster PA homes for sale click here. Jeff Geoghan is a top real estate expert in Lancaster County, PA, and an involved community member. Jeff's work has been featured in the Lancaster Newspapers, WGAL Channel 8, PA Business Journal and Wall Street Journal. Jeff's blog on Lancaster County and its homes is nationally-featured. Contact Jeff for more help with your Lancaster PA Real Estate needs. Jeff is also a photographer - view some of his portfolio. Comments are welcome!
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Jeff, Glad to see you were out and about. I hope to do the same Wednesday.
I'm sure the "tail wind" helped get you back to your car faster. LOL
Hi Jeff, sounds great and relaxing!!!
How's the baby? :) Glad to see you back around the rain!!
Jeff, what a great way to spend the afternoon. Great pictures, looks like some beautiful views.