Mason-Dixon Trail: Wrightsville to High Point Scenic Vista

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

This section of the trail can be found on M-DT Map 5, and the elevation change is about 500 feet, making this route one of the more rolling sections of trail. Since this is a linear trail, you'll have to either stage a car at the Wrightsville Boat Launch Parking Lot and the High Point Scenic Vista Parking Lot or arrange for a shuttle back to the starting point. There is also the option of retracing your steps back to Wrightsville.

Trail runners combine this part of the M-DT along with additional sections further to the southeast.

This trail begins at the Wrightsville Boat Launch Parking Lot in Wrightsville. You'll be on what is called the Low Water Route for a very short distance on a grassy trail. Work your way southeast next to the Susquehanna River until you reach Lemon St. and turn right. You are now on paved roads. At the next intersection, turn left onto Water St. In two blocks, turn right onto Willow St. Turn left onto Front St or PA624. You are now on the Mason-Dixon Trail.

Proceed on PA624 over Kreutz Creek and past a quarry entrance. At around 0.7 miles turn left onto Lockwood Rd. After about 100 feet turn right into woods on dirt trail and begin climbing a hill via switchbacks. Great winter views of the Susquehanna River can be had at the top. From the viewpoint, you'll cross the ridgeline and descend on a long gradual slope. At the bottom, the trail parallels a stream within an area called Murphy's Hollow. A yellow-blazed side trail leads to Murphy's Hollow Parking Lot if you'd like to shorten your journey.

Cross under PA624 via a culvert large enough for pedestrians. Be advised that the water within this culvert is usually about 1 inch deep. The M-DT leaves the stream bed via several short switchbacks and then climbs via large switchbacks to reach the top of another ridge. Please stay on the trail as this area is private property, though trail users are welcome.

The trail then descends to a wet area before climbing again to reach the entrance drive for this property. Turn left and proceed to Hilt Rd.

At mile 2.5, cross Hilt Rd. and proceed via switchbacks into York County Heritage High Point Scenic Park. After leaving the woods the trail ascends to "High Point" with scenic views up and down the Susquehanna River. After enjoying the views, descend to the parking area at around mile 3.6 and the end of this section of the trail.