Top 3 parks with awesome views near Harrisburg, PA (Pennsylvania): Our travel notes and tips

 

Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area, Wrightsville, PA

My wife and I have lived 14+ years in the state of Pennsylvania.  Being that I’m a wandering soul, I’ve always sought out beautiful and scenic spots wherever I go.  My passionate hobby is researching places to visit by using Google searches.  I usually find a scenic place and a place to eat nearby.  Traveling and eating are two of my favorite things in life, along with talking about money matters!  

Pennsylvania has its share of so many beautiful spots, which we will be sharing today.  All these scenic spots are located with an hour’s drive from each other, so you can probably do all three spots in one day.  All three of these spots also share their commonality with having the Susquehanna River as its main feature.  

Top 3 scenic vistas we would like to recommend are:

  1. Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area:
Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area is located in the town of Wrightsville, PA.  It is a 79 acre park  that features beautiful views of the Susquehanna River, farmlands, and a picnic area.  This is not a big park, but it more than makes up for its size by having one of the best panoramic views of the surrounding meadowlands from the top of the hill.

I stumbled on to this place while doing my usual Google search for ‘scenic views near Harrisburg’.  Once I found it, I had to check it out!

My wife and I (and our Pomeranian dog, Toby) were not disappointed!  

We parked the car at the lot and immediately noticed a horse farm right across the street from the parking lot.  Feeling great after an hour and a half drive from our home near Philadelphia, we got out to stretch our legs, and to appreciate the horses just enjoying the weather like we were.  

Toby barked as soon as he saw the horses. We tugged his leash to make sure he didn’t bother the horses across the street.  We didn’t want horses to jump the fence to come say hello to our dog!

Past the parking lot and the picnic table, there is a paved walkway up the hilltop.  It’s only about half mile walk up the walkway and the views are simply awesome.  There are views of the nearby farms and farm houses with horses having nice chat with one another.  

The higher you go on the winding walkway, you’ll be greeted by the views of the Susquehanna River and many bridges.  Although there aren’t benches on the way up, you’ll see a big old rock that can be used as makeshift bench, albeit an extremely hard one!

Make yourself to the top to be greeted by panoramic views of humongous houses right below, the river, and surrounding countryside.  It’s an Instagram worthy view!  



Awesome views as you make the slow climb!

     2.   Pinnacle Overlook:

Pinnacle Overlook is a small park / overlook in the town of Holtwood, PA.  It is a scenic spot that is not well known unless you’re a local living there.  My GPS unit couldn’t easily find this spot tucked away in Holtwood.  We had to do a direction search using Google Maps instead to find it!

If you do find it, you’ll be greeted by awesome views (arguably one of the best I’ve seen anywhere)!  There are few picnic tables located at the overlook.  It gets windy, but during warmer months, you’ll want to spend some time there enjoying the views of the Susquehanna River and smaller islands below.

My mother in law and our Pomeranian loved the views.  It’s one of those times when saying anything would be unnecessary.  We all understood that that view is something extraordinary that we don’t get to see often...Words were not needed.  We were all awe struck by it...


Views from the Pinnacle Overlook 

     


3.   Susquehannock State Park:

Susquehannock State Park is located in the town of Drumore.  The Pinnacle Overlook is technically part of this state park, but the Pinnacle Overlook is not located within this park, but rather few miles away.

The park encompasses 224 acres in Drumore Township and is located on a scenic plateau above the Susquehanna River and the Conowingo Reservoir.  The park features campgrounds, restrooms, hiking, and nature watching.

This is another great scenic spots we loved to visit during our time in Pennsylvania!  Marvel at the beautiful views of both rivers, the woods, and the birds hovering over the overlook.  Bring a lunch to fully enjoy the views along this park.  Views won’t let up!

Tip:  When you’re near Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area, be sure to try our favorite pizza place run by a Sicilian family who made their home in Columbia, PA, across the river from the Highpoint.  The name of this restaurant is ‘Vecchia Sicilia’.  Try the simple cheese pizza.  It’s possibly top 3 pizza I’ve ever had, and I grew up in NYC.  My wife, our niece, and her boyfriend agree as well!  Don’t miss it if you love pizza.

Just writing about all three places gave me a warm fuzzy feeling, like waiting for a baked apple pie to come out from the oven!  We will always remember these places with fondness and we hope to visit again soon!

We thank you for reading!


Jake

Wandering Money Pig 


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