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A quiet hike with views of the Susquehanna River.


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Map Key

5.1

Miles

8.2

KM

Point to Point

714' 218 m

High

148' 45 m

Low

993' 303 m

Up

446' 136 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall

Family Friendly Not sure if little kids could handle the whole trail, but they would enjoy the first stretch to the waterfall.

Be aware this area is open to hunting.

Overview

This is an intermediate hike that follows a portion of the much longer Mason Dixon Trail over rolling terrain along the Susquehanna River. The blue blazes that mark the trail are usually easy to find, but at a few spots can be hard to spot. There are steep climbs, descents, and boulder scrambles throughout the trail. Two stream crossings will need to be conquered, fortunately, a mix of rocks and logs make it easier.

The obstacles are well worth the trouble as this is a particularly nice section featuring woods, a waterfall, and several good viewpoints over the river and the dam to the north.

Need to Know

To hike this as a shuttle, park the first car at the Stage Game Lands 181 Parking area off of Posey Road and then drive the second car to the Lock 12 Parking Area.

Description

Soon after leaving the parking area, the trail passes the remnants of an old sawmill. Ahead, the singletrack crosses over the River Road to climb to a tree-lined alcove where a cheerful waterfall cascades away. This is a good spot to turn around if traveling with young hikers.

Otherwise, the singletrack follows the rolling terrain through the shaded woods until it briefly overlaps a gravel road a few miles ahead. After the road, hikers are rewarded with a bamboo tunnel that hangs low over the trail.

Look for a large clearing after the second stream crossing. This makes a great spot to relax and enjoy a snack or lunch before finishing the final gradual climb of the hike.

Flora & Fauna

Many different types of plants, including a bamboo tunnel to hike through.

Contacts

Shared By:

Liz Stevens

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 9 votes

#2723

Overall
  4.3 from 9 votes
5 Star
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3 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

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Photos

A short bamboo tunnel.
Nov 6, 2016 near Airville, PA
Cold, clear creek along the Mason Dixon Trail.
Sep 17, 2020 near Airville, PA
Waterfalls near Lock 12
Apr 24, 2019 near Airville, PA
Waterfalls near Susquehanna River.
Apr 24, 2019 near Airville, PA
Waterfall around 1 mile of the trail!
Nov 6, 2016 near Airville, PA
View of the Susquehanna along the trail.
Nov 6, 2016 near Airville, PA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 83 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 26, 2021
Morgan Waid
6.8mi
May 24, 2020
Private User
Apr 22, 2019
B C
1.8mi
Sep 22, 2018
Elaine Etzel
Aug 4, 2018
Lauren Catron
4mi
Sep 2, 2017
Kurt Y
It was a great hike. We hiked it backwards. the beginning (end) grassy truck route is a bit difficult to trek back up. there are a couple hair pi... 4.5mi
Apr 9, 2017
Rebecca L
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