If you’re looking for outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania’s Lebanon Valley, Governor Dick Park (aka Clarence Schock Memorial Park at Governor Dick) has you covered—literally, with more than 1,100 acres of forest. Best known for its 66-foot-tall observation tower and bouldering opportunities, this spot is perfect for hikers, climbers, and anyone who loves a good view. As soon as I drove into town, I headed straight to the park. I’ll climb just about anything for a scenic payoff, and Governor Dick did not disappoint!
If you work up an appetite, schedule a Seltzer’s Smokehouse Lebanon Bologna tour after your hike!
Who’s ‘Governor Dick?’
Governor Dick Park gets its name from an enslaved collier named Dick, who worked on the hill at the Coleman Iron Furnace producing charcoal for the iron ore smelters. Well-respected and admired by his fellow workers, they affectionately called him “Guv’nor,” a term of esteem borrowed from the English tradition. His presence on the hill became the stuff of legend, and over time, the area came to be known as Governor Dick’s Hill—eventually shortened to simply Governor Dick.
Beyond its fascinating history, Governor Dick Park offers a variety of outdoor adventures. Choose a quiet stroll, a challenging rock climb, or a great view! Here are some of the highlights I explored during my visit.
Environmental Center
My first stop was the Environmental Center, where I grabbed a trail map, checked out the exhibits, and got my bearings. The center had an interesting display of found artifacts, a helpful guide to suggested hikes, and an impressive collection of local wildlife mounts, including a snow goose! Their annual migration through Middle Creek Wildlife Management is a big deal in the Lebanon Valley.
Boardwalk Trail
Right behind the Environmental Center, this ADA-accessible boardwalk offers several viewing platforms overlooking the forest. February wasn’t the best time for sweeping vistas, but I did hear birds calling from the trees—just couldn’t spot them!
Interpretive Trail
This short and easy 0.4-mile loop features numbered signs identifying different tree species and other natural highlights—a great little walk if you’re looking for something quick. My favorite part of this trail was seeing the charred black soil remains of the charcoal flats—there are more than 100 in the park!
Observation Tower
At the back of the parking lot, you’ll find the marked trail to the Observation Tower. I took the Dinkey Track Trail up (red blazes), a 1.3-mile route with a moderate, gradual incline, and returned via Fire Road for an easy downhill trek. The Dinkey Track Trail added about a quarter mile to the journey, but the gentle ascent was well worth it compared to the steeper climb of Fire Road.
The tower itself is an adventure. Climbing to the top means navigating nine sets of iron ladders, each with about 20 rungs. After each ladder, I had to shuffle sideways onto a narrow landing to reach the next one—a bit claustrophobic and nerve-wracking at times. The climb was easier than I expected, but crossing between landings added an extra challenge. It’s definitely not something to rush!
Once at the summit, a railing encircles and encloses the platform for safety but doesn’t distract from the breathtaking panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see five counties (though, to be honest, I had no idea which ones I was looking at!).
The view was absolutely worth the effort of climbing those daunting ladders. And when I arrived late afternoon, I caught the first hints of sunset beginning to color the sky!
Bouldering
While I love scrambling over big rocks—like at Bilgers Rocks in Clearfield, PA—I’m not quite ready to take up the sport of bouldering. But for those who are, Governor Dick is a fantastic spot. No permit is required—just bring your shoes, chalk, and a crash pad (a safety mat to cushion falls).
The tallest boulder in the park reaches 22 feet, though most range from 3 to 12 feet. I didn’t see any climbers in action, but I did spot someone heading back to his car with his crash pad strapped on like a backpack.
As for me? I stuck to mini-bouldering (a.k.a. scrambling over small rocks) and checking out the many bouldering formations in the park.
Know Before You Go
- Address: 3283 Pinch Rd., Mt. Gretna, PA 17064
- Admission: FREE
- Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset (Environmental Center Mon-Sat 8-4, Sun 12-4)
- Activities: Walking/hiking/biking/horseback trails and ongoing educational events. Trails can be muddy, so wear appropriate footwear.
- What to Bring: Sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes (hiking boots recommended for muddy trails), binoculars, bug spray, and water.
- Accessibility: ADA-accessible boardwalk trail.
- Pets: Dogs on a leash are welcome.
- Picnic Tables: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes, in the Environmental Center when open.
- Parking: On-site parking lot.
- Website: http://www.parkatgovernordick.org/
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