If you’re looking for directions to Chickies Rock Overlook in Lancaster County, you’re in the right place!
Chickies Rock is one of the most popular scenic overlooks along the eastern side of the Susquehanna River, a towering rock outcropping more than 100 feet above the river.
Originally called “Chiques Rock”, the name of the overlook is derived from the Native American word Chiquesalunga, meaning “place of the crayfish.”
This magnificent overlook is accessed via a 0.5 mile long, relatively flat hike along an old trolley grade, beginning at a parking area along Route 441 and ending at Chickies Rock.
Hiking to Chickies Rock Overlook
The hike begins at a gravel parking lot along Route 441 – use coordinates 40.05174, -76.51694 if navigating by GPS.
At the back edge of the parking lot you’ll see some informational signage about a trolley line that once ran through what is now Chickies Rock County Park – this is pertinent because the trail to the overlook was once the grade that carried trolley tracks to a small amusement park near Chickies (then Chiques) Rock.
The trail is relatively wide and flat and basically impossible to miss.
The only confusing part of this otherwise straightforward hike occurs roughly 200 yards into the hike – you’ll encounter a fork in the trail and signage that is not as clear as it could be.
At this fork you can either stay to the left and continue on the flat trolley grade, OR take the steeper route on the right for a more challenging hike (steeper route shown in blue on map below).
Either way, the two trails meet up again before you ever reach Chickies Rock Overlook.
From this point where the two trails merge back into one, it’s another 200 yards to the overlook.
Enjoying Chickies Rock Overlook
From the overlook you have expansive view both up and down the Susquehanna River.
Be sure to enjoy the views from BEHIND the wooden fences – it’s a long and potentially fatal drop to the river’s edge below.
To the south, you’re looking in the direction of Wrights Ferry Bridge, connecting Lancaster and York counties.
An interesting piece of historical trivia about Chickies Rock – it was used as a lookout post by Union forces during the Civil War when Confederate forces launched an 1863 invasion of Pennsylvania, an invasion that culminated in the Battle of Gettysburg.
Once you’ve had your fill of the views, simply backtrack to the parking area along Route 441.
Breezyview Overlook
Chickies Rock isn’t the only scenic view at the park – Breezyview Overlook is located just south of Chickies Rock.
And the best part about Breezyview Overlook is that you can drive right up to it!
Located at the end of Breezyview Drive, you can park right next to the gazebo at the overlook.
Breezyview Overlook offers views to the north, in the direction of Chickies Rock.
This overlook is a great option for folks that either can’t hike to Chickies Rock, or are simply short on time and want a quick and easy glimpse of the river.
No matter which overlook you visit, Chickies Rock County Park is a beautiful spot on the eastern shore of the Susquehanna River, and makes for an enjoyable day trip destination in Lancaster County!
Nearby Attractions
The Pinnacle Overlook, often referred to simply as “The Pinnacle”, is located just north of the Holtwood Dam in Lancaster County, on the eastern shore of the Susquehanna River.
Hawk Point Overlook in Lancaster County offers visitors panoramic views of the lower Susquehanna River and the surrounding area from a vantage point at Susquehannock State Park.
Schull’s Rock Overlook is a fantastic rock outcropping and vista on the west bank of the Susquehanna River, located in one of PA’s newest state parks!
Mount Pisgah Overlook in York County, at 885 feet above sea level, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding Susquehanna River Valley.
If scenic overlooks are your cup of tea, be sure to check out my Scenic Overlooks page with directions to more than 100 great scenic overlooks in Pennsylvania!
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