This is my first blog of of many I hope to be posting on the site. The blogs will be about photography, graphic design projects, and mostly day trips I have planned. This is new and exciting for me so please comment and share with your friends.
Today I would like to write about my trip to Pinnacle Overlook and the Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve in Holtwood PA. Located just 30 minutes south of Lancaster city, Pinnacle Overlook is a quick drive to kick back, relax, and take in nature. On the way to Pinnacle (via rte 325), the flat Lancaster county farmland quickly becomes hilly and the roads are get slightly tighter with each rolling corner. I joke that it looks like we are on the set of Twilight with plenty of lush trees and a very remote location. It's really beautiful out here and looks more like northern Pennsylvania then Lancaster county. Within 10 minutes of the overlook I start to see signs that point me in the right direction. This is invaluable as my GPS apparently loses signal in this part of the county. Pulling up to Pinnacle and you'll notice the parking lot goes to about 30 feet within the Overlook. Today is 80 degrees, mostly sunny, and there is a slight breeze coming off the water. About 30 locals from the amish community are enjoying an afternoon picnic on the provided picnic tables. Going up to the overlook fence, you realize you're really high above the Susquehanna and the view is very picturesque. I encourage anyone reading this to bring sneakers and go to a lower rock formation for a closer (but lower) view of the river. It may be pretty steep for some but is definitely worth the view.
Just a few Minutes down the road from the Pinnacle overlook is the Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve. There are a few wooded hiking trails of varying difficulty for everyone. A few of the trails go clear to the river. The trails are pretty rocky but safe, so wear hiking boots. The blue and yellow trails follow a stream the whole way to the Susquehanna river. We decided to follow both the blue and yellow trail, crossing the stream whenever we got the chance. Along the way there are benches to rest or eat on. You may even pass the occasional turtle and see plenty of minnows in the creek.
If you want a quick day trip to get out in nature or have a picnic, I would recommend making the short trek to Holtwood PA to visit both sites. Fall would be the most beautiful time of year but really this is a great trip at anytime. With the Tucquan family campgrounds a 1/2 mile away, a great weekend camping trip is waiting for you and with your family. Enjoy
