Samuel S. Lewis State Park

Samuel S. Lewis State Park is an 85-acre (34 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Lower Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Mt. Pisgah is an 885-foot-high (270 m) ridge that is the focus of recreation for the park. The ridge separates East Prospect Valley from Kreutz Creek Valley. An overlook on Mt. Pisgah gives visitors a view of the Susquehanna River Valley. Samuel S. Lewis Park is twelve miles (19 km) east of York near U.S. Highway 30.

Samuel S. Lewis State Park
South-to-southeast view of the Susquehanna River Valley, Samuel S. Lewis State Park.
Map showing the location of Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Map showing the location of Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Location of Samuel S. Lewis State Park in Pennsylvania
Map showing the location of Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Map showing the location of Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Samuel S. Lewis State Park (the United States)
LocationLower Windsor Township, York, Pennsylvania, United States
Coordinates39°59′47″N 76°32′57″W / 39.99639°N 76.54917°W / 39.99639; -76.54917
Area85 acres (34 ha)[1]
Elevation689 ft (210 m)[2]
Established1954
Named forSamuel S. Lewis
Governing bodyPennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
WebsiteSamuel S. Lewis State Park

History

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The land on which Samuel S. Lewis Park came together from four different pieces of property. Samuel S. Lewis, the namesake of the park, donated his 35-acre (14 ha) farm to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1954. Walter Stein sold his 1-acre (4,000 m2) arboretum to the state in the same year. The state bought an additional 15 acres (6.1 ha) from the Almoney Farm to complete the initial parcel of park land. The last piece came into place in 1999 when the state purchased an additional 14 acres (5.7 ha) of land.[1]

Recreation

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Samuel S. Lewis State Park offers recreational opportunities for many visitors. Picnic tables are available on a first come first served basis and three pavilions may be reserved for day use. There is a one-mile (1.6 km) hiking trail through a pine forest bypassing some rock formations. The crest of Mt. Pisgah is ideal for kite flying. Kite flying clubs gather here to hone their skills and offer help to novice kite flyers.[1]

Scenic view

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Mt. Pisgah is the highest point in the area. The scenic view atop Mt. Pisgah offers a panoramic view of the surrounding towns, fields, and the Susquehanna River. It has become a popular spot for astronomical observation as clubs frequently hold star-gazing events at the overlook. The summit of Mt. Pisgah is also a popular site for weddings.[1]

Nearby state parks

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The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Samuel S. Lewis State Park:[3][4][5][6]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Samuel S. Lewis State Park". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on November 5, 2011. Retrieved November 4, 2006.
  2. ^ "Samuel S. Lewis State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. August 30, 1990. Retrieved December 18, 2007.
  3. ^ "Find a Park by Region (interactive map)". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on September 24, 2011. Retrieved November 18, 2011.
  4. ^ "Map Location Reference". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on October 13, 2005. Retrieved November 4, 2006.
  5. ^ Michels, Chris (1997). "Latitude/Longitude Distance Calculation". Northern Arizona University. Retrieved April 23, 2008.
  6. ^ 2007 General Highway Map York County Pennsylvania (PDF) (Map). 1:65,000. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Planning and Research, Geographic Information Division. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 8, 2011. Retrieved July 28, 2007. Note: shows Samuel S. Lewis State Park
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