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As its name implies, the half-mile out-and-back Chickies Rock Overlook Trail leads to a beautiful vista in Chickies Rock County Park.
About the Route
Start at the trailhead on its eastern end (off Chickies Hill Rd) and head west along the tree-lined pathway until the trail ends after a short distance at a cliff towering above the Susquehanna River. Enjoy the spectacular view of the river and, in the distance, rural landscapes and the surrounding communities of Marietta, Columbia, and Wrightsville.
The dirt trail is a half-mile each way, so out and back is a mile-long journey.
Trail History
The trail follows an old trolley line route that once took tourists up to Chickies Rock in the early 1900s.
The Chickies Rock Overlook Trail runs from the trail access on Chickies Hill Rd/PA-441 (Columbia), where there is parking, to the overlook in Chiques Rock County Park (Columbia).
Visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.
Definitely not for biking the whole way, but nice for a short hike. Good view of the river! Without looking at the map, we took the steeper right trail at the first marked intersection that just showed it going to the overlook. That side trail is confusing without a map, as we ended up in a dead end without a view and had to backtrack a little and then the path ended up on the main trail. If you don't want to have to climb over a very short section of rocks at the end to see the western view, this path wouldn't be for you.
Very Good trail, signage could be better because it is in a small area and no signs indicating where it is. Overlook is gorgeous and easy to get to!
This is a rare trail as it’s a very easy and brief hike through a cool forested area with a gorgeous view at the end. However, the traffic noise from the nearby bridge and road, the trash and graffiti by the subhumans that seem to hangout there, with no trash receptacles at the entrance, mar the experience...
This was a great surprise to find ! A short trail, but you can take a side trail that is more rugged, and the overlook of the Susquehanna River is spectacular !!
Went here to work off a big meal at Texas Road House in Lancaster. Of course we hike in the upper trail. A little breath catching on a full stomach but good exercise. Some beautiful views of the Susquehanna River up and down stream. And the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail below. Will have to bring my bike down and ride that. Wife and son took the low road back while I took the steep shortcut to the high trail.
I have hiked here many times with my family & dog. This is not a long trail, nor is it challenging, but I believe that just makes it all the better for the older folks. The real point of this trail is to take you to a magnificent view of the Susquehanna River.
Parked at the trial head on 441. It was Labor Day so it was busy. The parking lot had lots of litter along the edges. I didn't see any waste cans. The litter lessened as I got to midpoint of the short trail but it never completely disappeared. At the overlook lots of litter including a used diaper wadded up in some brown paper right on one of the stone posts at an overlook point, and some graffiti. I love hiking trails. I also love mankind, it's some of the people I can't stand.
The trail is short & really secluded. I suggest hiking boots as it is really rocky. At end of 1/2 mile trail is gorgeous view of Susquehanna river bend. There is a fence & today a teenage girl went over to get a picture disregarding numerous signs to stay behind fence.Lots of people have died falling off due to loose rocky base.Be smart because if they have to recover your body it's treacherous for emergency personnel.
The Chickies Rock Overlook Trail is a short trail paved with a combination of dirt and rough stone that climbs the side of a prominent geological feature situated along the Susquehanna River between the towns of Columbia and Marietta in western Lancaster County. Although a significant portion of the trail follows the path of an old trolley line that once took tourists and picnickers up Chickies Rock in the early 20th century, a steep section just west of the trailhead off Route 441 and the rough surface make it unsuitable for bikes or other non-foot traffic. Nonetheless, the grading is suitable for beginner and amateur hikers, and users will rewarded by the spectacular vistas that await them at the trail's west end at Chickies Rock's massive cliff face. After a short, but steep climb over some outcroppings, users will come to safety rails where they will be treated to panoramic views of the Susquehanna River. On a clear day, you can see south to the Wright's Ferry and Veterans Memorial (Columbia-Wrightsville) bridges that span the river, the towns of Wrightsville and Columbia, and even further to Lauxmont Farms and the wind turbines in Turkey Hill. Looking north, meanwhile, you will see the town of Marietta, and the rolling, rural countryside of northwest Lancaster County. If you're lucky, you may even be able to literally look down on a freight train running along the Norfolk Southern Rail Lines that run along the base of the rock, and rock climbers scaling the sheer cliff faces are also a common site. More adventurous hikers can try out some of the smaller trails in the park, which floow much steeper routes, and the park is easily accessible from a large parking lot and trailhead off Route 441.
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