Spectacular vistas, winding trails, and plenty of wildlife make Lancaster County the perfect destination for any outdoors enthusiast. With 22,000 acres of recreational land and 29 historic covered bridges, Lancaster County has outdoor activities to offer every visitor.

For a nice afternoon escape, enjoy the beauty of Lancaster County with a tour of the historic covered bridges that are scattered throughout the area. These bridges are sometimes referred to as "kissing bridges" because of the many couples who have strolled across them over the years.  Marvel at the unique architecture and wait as these beautifully-structured bridges instantly spur that feeling of nostalgia, completed with the occasional passing of a horse-drawn buggy.

Birding is one of the fastest-growing pastimes in the United States, and Lancaster County is the perfect place to take part. Middle Creek Wildlife Refuge Area and the Conejolhela Flats along the Susquehanna River provide a stopping point for the migration of 38 species of waterfowl, and bald eagles, herons and other wildlife are known to call these areas home. Annual visits from snow geese, hawks, eagles and more are not to be missed for the ultimate birdwatching experience.

Water enthusiasts definitely shouldn't miss a canoe or kayak trip down the mighty Susquehanna River. Shank's Mare Outfitters offers special trips along the Susquehanna for kayakers of all skill levels. For those looking to explore the river and its beauty on their own, the Susquehanna Water Trail Guide is a resource to 22 interpretive panels along a 53-mile stretch of the river from Harrisburg to the Mason-Dixon Line. This guide tells the story of the Susquehanna's natural beauty and its resources.

Land dwellers shouldn't fret with the abundance of hiking trails located along Lancaster County's beautiful riverside. With several thousand acres of thickly wooded Pennsylvania state gamelands and 2,900 acres of nature preserves, the area is rich with outdoor beauty. Don't miss Tucquan Glen, quite possibly the premiere natural area in Lancaster County.

Download printer-friendly version. (76 KB pdf)