Aschenbach Auto Group
Dec 1, 2022
3 Great State Parks in Driving Distance of Carlisle, PA
Codorus State Park, Marina Drive, Hanover, PA, USA. Photo by Amit Godase

Sitting in the heart of the Cumberland Valley and surrounded by sprawling nature reserves and state parks, the city of Carlisle, PA is close to plenty of nearby destinations where you can enjoy some time away from the city and take your family on memorable trips in a GMC. Here are three fantastic spots you can reach in less than two hours from the city.

3 Great State Parks in Driving Distance of Carlisle, PA

Caledonia State Park

Encompassing an area of about 1,100 acres, Caledonia State Park was established in the early 1900s and is a well-known recreational destination among visitors from all over southern Pennsylvania. Named after an iron furnace that was owned by Thaddeus Stevens in the area, this place is located about 35 miles southwest of Carlisle and can be reached in less than 40 minutes via route I-81.

Besides a full-size reconstruction of the Caledonia Furnace, Caledonia State Park features a summer stock theatre, several fishing spots, a section of the Appalachian Trail, and more than 700 acres of designated hunting grounds. This public recreation area is also a top-rated destination for camping, with about 185 tent and trailer campsites featuring picnic tables, flush toilets, and fire rings.

Codorus State Park

Established on the southern shores of Lake Marburg, Codorus State Park is another well-known weekend destination among Carlisle locals, offering excellent opportunities for a variety of recreational activities and outdoor sports. Encompassing an area of about 3,500 acres, this place opened its doors to the public in the 1960s and can be reached in a little under one hour by car via route PA-94.

Some of the amenities you can find at Codorus State Park include a swimming pool, a 54-hole disc golf course, modern and rustic campsites, and an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. This state park also features a large marina and designated hunting grounds where you can find large populations of wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and ruffed grouse.

Susquehannock State Park

Located about 75 miles southeast of the Carlisle city center, Susquehannock State Park spans a territory of about 225 acres and can be reached in a little under one hour and a half via route I-83. Established in 1965 and managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, this nature reserve offers fantastic views of the Susquehanna River and great opportunities for hiking, camping, and picnicking.

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