Bordner Cabin Hike – DCNR, Swatara State Park

Swatara State Park

Join the park naturalist for a 3-mile hike in the heart of Swatara State Park. The hike will begin at Sand Siding Rd. lot, follow Sand Siding Trail onto Bear Hole Trail, and make a stop at Bordner Cabin to talk about its unique history in our park. We'll then go back to Sand Siding […]

Fossil Frenzy: Digging Through PA’s Past – DCNR, Swatara State Park

Swatara State Park

Did you know we have fossils right under our feet? Come learn about the types of fossils we find here at Swatara SP, how they were created, and what they can tell us about our past. Then we’ll try our hand as paleontologists and dig for some fossils in our tried-and-true fossil hill! ...Read More

Salamander Safari – DCNR, Swatara State Park

Swatara State Park

"The cool wet area around our creek is perfect salamander habitat, meet at the Trout Run trailhead for an evening salamander search! We’ll start the program by talking about these unique amphibians and what distinguishes them from other inhabitants our park, followed by a hunt along the forest floor to locate these illusive creatures. A […]

Fossil Frenzy: Digging Through PA’s Past – DCNR, Swatara State Park

Swatara State Park

Did you know we have fossils right under our feet? Come learn about the types of fossils we find here at Swatara SP, how they were created, and what they can tell us about our past. Then we’ll try our hand as paleontologists and dig for some fossils in our tried-and-true fossil hill! ...Read More

Bear-Hole Trail Drive-Thru – DCNR, Swatara State Park

Swatara State Park

Come explore Bear Hole Trail by car! The Drive-Thru begins at Swopes Valley Trailhead (40.522343,-76.469334) and goes 5 miles through the center of park, letting out at the Appalachian Trail Bridge near Lickdale. There are 4 designated parking areas at the fossil pit, Daubert School, charcoal pit, and near Bordner Cabin so you can get […]

Bear-Hole Trail Drive-Thru – DCNR, Swatara State Park

Swatara State Park

Come explore Bear Hole Trail by car! The Drive-Thru begins at Swopes Valley Trailhead (40.522343,-76.469334) and goes 5 miles through the center of park, letting out at the Appalachian Trail Bridge near Lickdale. There are 4 designated parking areas at the fossil pit, Daubert School, charcoal pit, and near Bordner Cabin so you can get […]

Swatara State Park

"Join Rep. Russ Diamond and park staff for a 3-mile hike in the heart of Swatara State Park. The hike will begin at Sand Siding parking lot (40.504088,-76.510513), follow Sand Siding Trail onto Bear Hole Trail, and make a stop at Bordner's Cabin to talk about its unique history in our park. We'll then go […]

Animal Tracks & Traces – DCNR, Swatara State Park

Swatara State Park

Play detective and explore the world of wildlife tracking. While most of our native mammals lead secretive nocturnal lives as they hunt for food and hide from predators, they often leave behind clues of their activities that observant nature enthusiasts can discover. After you can observe the skulls and furs of common PA mammals while […]

National Trails Day Hike – Swatara State Park

Swatara State Park

"Join us for an interpretive hike at Swatara State Park to celebrate National Trails Day! We’ll start our trek at the Trout Run trailhead, follow the Moonshine Trail, connect to the Swatara Rail Trail and then follow the Appalachian Trail back to the Moonshine Trail- forming an approximately 2.5-mile intermediate loop. Please bring water!"

Vernal Pools – DCNR, Swatara State Park

Swatara State Park

Join the park naturalist for an exploration of vernal pools in Swatara State Park! We’ll see what creatures are about and attempt to see some of the amphibians that are busy Springing into action ...Read More  

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