DISCOVER
MARIETTA PA
Public Recreation Areas
Visitor Favorites:
White Cliffs of Conoy and Billmeyer Ghost Town:
Just up the river from Marietta, accessible only from the Northwest River Trail is an old limestone quarry and mining town from the turn of the century. The starkly white lime and dolomite deposit bleached by the sun sets 30 feet above the Susquehanna River. Across the trail and tracks from the cliffs you will see remnants of the once thriving town of Billmeyer. The business and town were originally founded by John Haldeman in the 1840s for limestone extraction and eventually taken over by John Baker’s Wrightsville Lime Company in 1896 and named after his wife Mary Billmeyer.
The closest trail access point is Riverfront Park at Vinegar Ferry Road. From there head north along the Northwest River Trail to this location just southeast of the town of Bainbridge. Round trip is approximately 3-4 miles.
Sorry, no swimming or scuba diving in the adjacent 150-foot deep spring referred to as White Cliffs / Billmeyer Quarry now owned by the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority.
Chickies Day Use Area
GPS: 1467 Long Ln, Columbia, PA 17512
Entrance from River Rd (441) was recently eliminated. Enter Long Lane from Marietta Avenue, a short distance East of Marietta.
The Day Use Area is where the Donegal Creek joins Chickies Creek. The stone building was originally built in 1826 as a commercial distillery by John Guy, a Baltimore hotel owner. Christian Haldeman later converted it to a residential farmhouse. Views of the creeks, old barn and corn crib, and an old mill make this a delightfully scenic location to meet with friends or just decompress.
This park includes the Girl Scout Trail, a 1.03 mile loop. The trail starts at the far end of the park where the woods begin. There is no major elevation gain and the path is well shaded.
Chickies Rock County Park and Breezyview Overlook
Two of the most scenic views of the Susquehanna River are from the overlooks at Chickies Rock County Park and Breezyview Overlook along Rt 441 (River Road) just south of Marietta. The Chickies Rock County Park does require an uphill hike, but it's worth the effort. The views from Breezyview Overlook are handicap accessible with an immediate view from the parking lot or short walkout.
Marietta Public Parks - additional Info at 717-426-4143
Marietta War Memorial Park, 344 E Walnut St, Marietta, PA
This Marietta park recognizes twelve of our WWII veterans that served and gave their lives for this country. It includes a playground, ball field, pavillion, pickleball court and seasonal restrooms.
Chestnut Street Park, 301 E Front St, Marietta, PA
Marietta park with access to the river and Northwest River Trail.
Riverside Foundry Apartments Dog Park, 421 W Market St, Marietta PA
A small dog park
Flanagan Park, 350 E Front St, Marietta, PA
Marietta park with picnic tables, water fountain, shaded areas and large play area.
Front Street Tot Lot, 502 E Front St, Marietta, PA
A lovely little children's park and playground near Bank and Front Streets.
Iron Furnace Park, 29 Furnace Rd, Marietta PA
This newly dedicated park serves as the eastern gateway to Marietta Borough along the popular Northwest River Trail.
The Iron Furnace Park site was selected because of the opportunity to showcase various types of stormwater best management practices (BMPs), such as rain gardens, porous paving, and lawn conversion, in a park setting. In addition, improved pedestrian road crossings, trail lighting, signage, parking, and repaving of Furnace Road and Donegal Place were part of the project.
Riverfront Park, 551 Vinegar Ferry Rd, Marietta PA
Located north of the town of Marietta, East Donegal Riverfront Park boasts a large pavilion with picnic tables, playground, riverfront views, ample grounds for outdoor activity and a boat launch. Riverfront Park is an access point for the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. The park and access are also part of the 53 mile Susquehanna River Water Trail – Lower Section, managed by Susquehanna Heritage. The Susquehanna River Water Trail – Lower Section is designated as a National Recreation Trail.