Located on the east side of the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, PA near the Maryland border sit two overlooks at
Susquehannock State Park that feature beautiful, sweeping views of the river to the south and north, Hawk Point Overlook and Wissler Run Overlook.
This trail guide leads visitors and hikers to both Hawk Point Overlook and Wissler Run Overlook via the Overlook Trail for a glimpse at the mighty Susquehanna River as it flows through the southern end of Pennsylvania and into Maryland.
Exploring the Hawk Point Overlook
This route begins at the main parking lot at
Susquehannock State Park and follows the mostly-flat, gravel universally-accessible path down to reach the viewpoints at Hawk Point Overlook. The walk to Hawk Point is quick and requires only a few minutes of your time. This family-friendly overlook features south, west, northern, sweeping views of the Susquehanna River and into Maryland. From Hawk Point Overlook, you'll find one of the widest sections of the river with towering electrical pylons sitting in the middle of the river, used to transfer electricity from one side of its banks to the other. From the western side of the overlook, you'll find more views of the Susquehanna River and the steep bluffs that form its western bank. And to the north, there's a small "window" of a view that peers north along the river back toward the Harrisburg area.
Exploring the Wissler Run Overlook
After enjoying the views at the Hawk Point Overlook, this hike leads visitors north along the Overlook Trail to reach the Wissler Run Overlook. The hike to reach it is easy, but not universally-accessible. Follow the yellow blazes through the forest, passing at least one off-trail view near mile 0.33, to reach the Wissler Run Overlook. Along the way, the trail will slowly make its way downhill to reach the vista, so be prepared for a short and easy uphill hike afterward. Once you reach the Wissler Run Overlook, you'll find north and west-facing views of the Susquehanna River. The north-facing views here are less stellar than at Hawk Point Overlook only because there's a large industrial site that sits along the railroad tracks below your feet. The best scenery of the river, from Wissler Run Overlook, is primarily found to the west with the jagged bedrock islands that sit in the middle of this mighty river - dotted with camps and homes. Located on the far side of the river sit its steep bluffs that embody the river's western banks.
Hiking Back - Mile 0.48 to 0.82
After exploring the Wissler Run Overlook, this route leads hikers back to the parking lot. Along the way, it dips off of the trail to reach an off-trail view of the river and its jagged bedrock islands. Return to the parking lot for a short and easy 0.8-mile out-and-back hike along the Susquehanna River.
Parking & How to Get to Hawk Point Overlook
Visitors and hikers will find a large parking lot at
Susquehannock State Park near Drumore, PA at the coordinates provided:
39.803421, -76.288577. The lot is large enough to fit several dozen vehicles as of January 2026.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and must be cleaned up after.
Restrooms
Susquehannock State Park provides flush toilets and restrooms located at the trailhead and along the entrance road to the park. Please note that these restrooms are only open seasonally and are usually closed during the winter months.
Universal Access
Please note that the trail that leads to Hawk Point Overlook is considered universally-accessible and follows a gravel path. Hawk Point Overlook has a bit of a downhill/uphill section that leads to and from the parking lot but the elevation grade should be considered easy. The hike to Wissler Run Overlook is not universally-accessible!
Explore More River Views!
The Susquehanna River offers endless opportunities for hikers and nature lovers to discover breathtaking vistas. Whether you are chasing the golden hour or looking for a rugged trek, the river hills of Central Pennsylvania never disappoint. Before you leave the area, consider exploring these short, family-friendly and stunning river views in York and Lancaster Counties:
Schull's Rock Overlook,
Highpoint Scenic Vista,
Chickies Rock Overlook,
Breezyview Overlook,
Star Rock Overlook, and
House Rock Overlook.
Warning
Steep cliffs: This hike leads to steep cliffs with sheer drop-offs. Please stay behind the fence line at each overlook for your own safety.
