Samuel S. Lewis State Park

Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Pennsylvania State Park
South-to-southeast view of the Susquehanna River Valley, Samuel S. Lewis State Park.
Named for: Samuel S. Lewis
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
County York
Township Lower Windsor Township
Location [1]
 - elevation 689 ft (210 m) [1]
 - coordinates 39°59′47″N 76°32′57″W / 39.99639°N 76.54917°W / 39.99639; -76.54917Coordinates: 39°59′47″N 76°32′57″W / 39.99639°N 76.54917°W / 39.99639; -76.54917
Area 85 acres (34 ha) [2]
Founded 1954
Management Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
IUCN category III - Natural Monument
Location of Samuel S. Lewis State Park in Pennsylvania
Website: Samuel S. Lewis State Park

Samuel S. Lewis State Park is an 85-acre (34 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Lower Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Mt. Pisgah is an 885-foot-high (270 m) ridge that is the focus of recreation for the park. The ridge separates East Prospect Valley from Kreutz Creek Valley. An overlook on Mt. Pisgah gives visitors of view of the Susquehanna River Valley. Samuel S. Lewis Park is twelve miles (19 km) east of York near U.S. Highway 30.

History

The land on which Samuel S. Lewis Park came together from four different pieces of property. Samuel S. Lewis, the namesake of the park, donated his 35-acre (14 ha) farm to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1954. Walter Stein sold his 1-acre (4,000 m2) arboretum to the state in the same year. The state bought an additional 15 acres (6.1 ha) from the Almoney Farm to complete the initial parcel of park land. The last piece came into place in 1999 when the state purchased an additional 14 acres (5.7 ha) of land.[2]

Recreation

Samuel S. Lewis State Park offers recreational opportunities for many visitors. Picnic tables are available on a first come first served basis and three pavilions may be reserved for day use. There is a one-mile (1.6 km) hiking trail through a pine forest bypassing some rock formations. The crest of Mt. Pisgah is ideal for kite flying. Kite flying clubs gather here to hone their skills and offer help to novice kite flyers.[2]

Scenic view

Mt. Pisgah is the highest point in the area. The scenic view atop Mt. Pisgah offers a panoramic view of the surrounding towns, fields, and the Susquehanna River. It has become a popular spot for astronomical observation as clubs frequently hold star-gazing events at the overlook. The summit of Mt. Pisgah is also a popular site for weddings.[2]

Nearby state parks

The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Samuel S. Lewis State Park:[3][4][5][6]

References

A panoramic view of the Susquehanna Valley from Samuel S. Lewis State Park with theWrighstville Bridge and Lancaster County in the background
  1. 1 2 ""Samuel S. Lewis State Park"". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. August 30, 1990. Retrieved 2007-12-18.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Samuel S. Lewis State Park". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2006-11-04.
  3. ↑ "Find a Park by Region (interactive map)". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved November 18, 2011.
  4. ↑ "Map Location Reference". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2006-11-04.
  5. ↑ Michels, Chris (1997). ""Latitude/Longitude Distance Calculation"". Northern Arizona University. Retrieved 2008-04-23.
  6. ↑ 2007 General Highway Map York County Pennsylvania (PDF) (Map). 1:65,000. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Planning and Research, Geographic Information Division. Retrieved 2007-07-28. Note: shows Samuel S. Lewis State Park
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