Swatara State Park

Swatara State Park is a protected nature reserve in Pennsylvania situated between two mountain ridges with diverse habitats. The Swatara Creek runs through the landscape, creating conditions for hiking, paddling, and wildlife viewing across its various terrain types.

The area became important in the 1820s when a canal branch linked two major rivers for coal transport to supply growing industrial demand. This period marked a shift from the land's earlier use by European farmers and traders.

The name comes from a Lenape word, reflecting the original inhabitants of this region. Today visitors experience the land mainly through recreation, though this indigenous connection shapes the place's deeper identity.

The park has multiple entry points along the highway and designated launch areas for boats along the creek. Wear sturdy footwear and be ready for changing terrain, as trails range from woodland paths to creek-side routes.

A log cabin from 1939 still stands in the park, built by a teacher and his students using materials found on site. This structure reveals how education once connected to hands-on building work within the surrounding landscape.

Location: Lebanon County

Location: Schuylkill County

Inception: 1987

Operator: Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks

Website: https://dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/SwataraStatePark

GPS coordinates: 40.54000,-76.46306

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45