Ninety percent of the 750-acre Rock Ridge Park is a mature oak forest. Rocky Ridge was acquired in 1968, making it the first county park. It is perched on a rock-strewn hilltop northwest of Hellam which is one of the first places the county's original settlers established homes. Prime attractions are the picnic pavilions, multi-use trails and scenic views of the Susquehanna Valley.
Directions:
ADDRESS: 3699 Deininger Road, York PA 17406
From Rt. 30, take Mt. Zion Rd. (Rt.24) north for 1 mile. Turn right onto Deininger Rd. and follow into park.
Click here for a short video of Rocky Ridge Park
Hawk Watch:
September 2021 Volunteer Calendar October 2021 Volunteer Calendar
Hawk Migration Association of North America important links for volunteers: HMANA Datatsheet, and HMANA Protocol
To view our sightings from this year and prior years visit www.hawkcount.org and our Hawk Watch Facebook Page: fb.me/RockyRidgeHawkWatch
Facilities:
Park Brochure and Trail Map GPS TOPO Map
Features:
Multi-Use Trails: Over twelve miles of trails are open to hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. Trails are closed to horses and bikers during "wet conditions," as determined by Park Rangers.
Scenic Observation Decks: There are two observation decks located in the park. One deck is located on the north side of the park and offers a panoramic view of the Susquehanna Valley (ADA accessible). The other deck is located on the south side of the park and offers a view of the York Valley.- Hawkwatch Program- visit the north observation deck Sept 1- Nov 1 between 10 am -2 pm to join a volunteer counting migrating raptors. Bring your binoculars. Viewing is best Sept 15th-Oct 15th on sunny days with a northerly breeze.
- Nature Fun Zone: Located in Hidden Laurel picnic area. The Nature Fun Zone playground, gives kids ages 2-12 a fenced in area where they can play with nature. The area features different zones such as a digging zone, a climbing zone, a quite zone, a building zone and more.
- Open Space Field: Located near the Hidden Laurel Picnic Area. This one acre area can be used on a first come - first serve basis, with consideration for those that are waiting to use it.
- Fitness Trail: The trail starts in Hidden Laurel Picnic Area and ends at the observation deck on the north side of the park. There are 20 exercise stations scattered throughout this half-mile, cinder, all-weather trail.
- Hunting: Limited hunting is allowed with special permit issued by the Parks Office.
- Horseshoe Pits: Located in Hidden Laurel and Oak Timbers picnic areas.
- Pavilion Rentals: Twelve pavilions can be rented for a nominal fee. Capacity ranges from 50 - 200 persons. Located near parking lots and restrooms. All are ADA accessible. Gazebos are available for a fee. For more information, visit our pavilion rental page.
Christmas Magic, "A Festival of Lights": This event is a park sponsored spectacular multi-colored light show. It features a one-half mile walking trail that winds through Oak Timbers Picnic Area with stops in heated pavilions. Refreshments are available. The trail opens the Friday after Thanksgiving and remains open until December 31st. (Closed December 24 and 25)
- Partners in the Park: A 5K run is held each fall and co-sponsored by the County Parks and the York Road Runners Club. This event starts in the Hidden Laurel parking lot, then travels along the main roadway, ventures off on a variety of trails and finishes where it began.