PA Natural Attractions

Exploring the White Cliffs of Conoy in Lancaster County

Tucked along the banks of the Susquehanna River, the White Cliffs of Conoy offer one of the most unexpected landscapes in Lancaster County.

Chalky quarry cliff edge at the White Cliffs of Conoy sloping down toward the Susquehanna River, with leafless trees and distant hills visible along the riverbank in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Their pale, chalky surface contrasts sharply with the surrounding woods and flowing river, giving the cliffs an eerie, moon-like appearance that feels worlds away from the landscape around them.

Rolling chalky quarry mounds with shallow erosion channels at the White Cliffs of Conoy, backed by leafless woodland under a cloudy sky in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Visiting the cliffs is both a scenic outing and a lesson in the region’s industrial past.

Steep chalky quarry wall rising directly from the Susquehanna River shoreline at the base of the White Cliffs of Conoy, with leafless trees lining the water’s edge in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Directions to the White Cliffs of Conoy

Reaching the White Cliffs is part of the experience, requiring a pleasant hike or bike ride along the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail.

Entrance sign for Koser Park and the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail trailhead, with parking area, trail signage, and the Susquehanna River visible nearby in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The most direct route begins at Koser Park in Bainbridge and heads south for about 1.5 miles.

This paved, mostly level trail makes the journey accessible while offering scenic views of the river and rail corridor along the way.

Pedestrian bridge along the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail crossing Conoy Creek, surrounded by leafless woodland near the White Cliffs of Conoy in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

What You’ll See at the White Cliffs of Conoy

Despite their natural-looking form, the White Cliffs are actually the result of human activity rather than geology alone.

Visitor standing atop the chalky white quarry cliffs at the White Cliffs of Conoy, overlooking a deep ravine with leafless trees and the Susquehanna River visible in the distance in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

They were created as waste material from a limestone and dolomite quarry that began operating in the mid-19th century.

Visitor standing on the chalky limestone slopes of the White Cliffs of Conoy, with sparse leafless trees and rolling quarry mounds rising behind under a cloudy sky in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Over time, discarded quarry material accumulated along the riverbank, forming the towering white mounds seen today.

Hiker climbing the steep, chalky quarry slope at the White Cliffs of Conoy, surrounded by pale limestone mounds beneath an overcast sky in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Rising roughly 30 feet above the water, the cliffs provide sweeping views of the Susquehanna River and the wooded hills beyond.

Chalky quarry surface at the edge of the White Cliffs of Conoy overlooking the Susquehanna River flowing westward, with distant wooded hills under an overcast sky in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Standing at the edge, you can watch the river slide past below while listening to birds calling from nearby trees.

Visitor standing atop the chalky quarry surface at the White Cliffs of Conoy, looking out over the Susquehanna River and wooded shoreline in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The cliffs are divided into two distinct sections, separated by a narrow, eroded gorge that cuts between them.

Shallow ravine cutting through the chalky quarry mounds at the White Cliffs of Conoy, opening toward views of the Susquehanna River under an overcast sky in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Visitors can walk directly through this passage or follow informal paths along the north or south edges of the cliffs to reach the riverbank below.

Narrow eroded ravine between chalky quarry mounds at the White Cliffs of Conoy, leading toward views of the Susquehanna River and distant hills in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Across the railroad tracks nearby are the crumbling remains of the limestone processing facilities that once supported the quarry.

Arched concrete ruins of a former limestone quarry structure partially overtaken by trees and vines beside active railroad tracks near the White Cliffs of Conoy in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

These ruins are part of what remains of Billmyer, a former company town built to house quarry workers and their families.

Large interpretive sign titled “Industrial Heritage” describing the historic quarry operations and the former village of Billmeyer near the White Cliffs of Conoy, featuring historical photographs, text, and a map of the Susquehanna River corridor in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Nature has steadily reclaimed the area, with trees and brush growing through stone walls and foundations.

Ruins of a former limestone processing building covered in graffiti beside active railroad tracks near the White Cliffs of Conoy in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Although the quarry closed in the 1950s, its presence still shapes the landscape today.

Rusted metal pipe embedded in the chalky quarry surface at the White Cliffs of Conoy, decorated with dried flowers and overlooking the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The flooded quarry pit, now owned by the Bainbridge Sportsman Club, is used for scuba diving practice and is not open to casual visitors.

No trespassing sign reading “Keep Out Stop Quarry Now Under Guard Watch” posted beside active railroad tracks near the former quarry at the White Cliffs of Conoy in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Visitors should stay within the public areas around the cliffs and avoid crossing the railroad tracks to explore the quarry or the former ghost town.

Visitor standing on the chalky quarry surface at the White Cliffs of Conoy, overlooking the Susquehanna River and wooded shoreline under an overcast sky in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Those exploring the White Cliffs of Conoy are encouraged to use caution and follow all posted rules to help ensure a safe and respectful experience for everyone.

Posted safety sign from Conoy Township listing rules and warnings about steep drop-offs, erosion, and cliff edges at the White Cliffs of Conoy in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Final Thoughts

The White Cliffs of Conoy blend history, scenery, and quiet adventure into a single unforgettable stop along the Susquehanna River.

Chalky white quarry cliffs dropping toward the Susquehanna River at the White Cliffs of Conoy, with bare trees lining the riverbank under an overcast sky in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Despite their decidedly unnatural origins, the cliffs offer a rewarding destination for hikers, cyclists, and history-minded travelers alike.

View from the base of the chalky quarry cliffs along the shoreline of the Susquehanna River at the White Cliffs of Conoy in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Nearby Attractions

19 Must-See Attractions in Lancaster County is your guide to even more great things to see and do near the White Cliffs of Conoy.

A collage of images from Lancaster County PA.

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