Pennsylvania is a beautiful state. That beauty is often overlooked. When people think of PA, they think of its many pro-sports teams, the city of Philly and the Liberty Bell, and the Amish. Pennsylvania has over 100 State Parks making it one of the Top 10 States With the Most State Parks. York County alone has 11 county parks. One of those county parks, William H Kain County Park, surrounds the local reservoirs: Lake Redman and Lake Williams.
This park has been there since 1976, two years before my parents and I moved to Pennsylvania. It is one of those places that has always been there. The property is part of a lease agreement between York County and The York Water Company. The two lakes are divided by the Lake Williams/York Water Company Dam along South George Street, also known as the Old Trail, the Susquehanna Trail, or Rt 111. This is the old highway that connects Baltimore, MD and Harrisburg, PA.
Seven different labeled hiking trails surround both reservoirs. The trails are also open to bicycling and horseback riding. During fishing season, the lakes are surrounded by local fishermen. I went for a hike the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, and the lake shores will filling up with people of all generations casting out their fishing line. There is also a boat launch as well as rentals available (although rentals were not available in 2020 due to COVID.) Lastly, there are picnic tables at each parking area, so feel free to pack something to eat while you relax after the hike.
The trailhead for the hike I’m featuring is at the Lake Redman Activity Area off of Hess Farm Rd. According to the map, it is 1.4 miles with some small hills. It is an out and back again type trail that turns around near the dam. The views of Lake Redman are excellent, with parts of Interstate-83 visible. While hiking this, you pass under the iconic Lake Redman sign visible from the highway. It is both dog & kid-friendly, though you’ll want to remember to use bug spray depending on the time of year. The trail is mostly shaded by a variety of deciduous trees. The terrain is a mix of mown grass and gravely dirt. At one point, there is a small wooden bridge (more like a boardwalk) over a natural stream. On the way back, my dog stepped in for a little drink.
Minor cautions: Goose and deer hunting are allowed at certain times. I always recommend wearing a bright color when hiking, no matter what time of year. When hiking during the summer, be aware of poison ivy, which loves this mid-Atlantic state. I also recommend checking for ticks after your outing.
*All photos taken and owned by me. Map source: yorkcountypa.gov.
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