Water and Winery Trail

Relax and explore the agricultural and ecological resources of the mighty Susquehanna River. Visit local markets, sample wines grown along the river banks, and get an up-close look at the river and its beauty– with grand foliage, untouched natural beauty, and some of the best birding you’ll find anywhere.

Nissley Vineyards & Winery Estate
140 Vintage Drive, Bainbridge
717-426-3514
Come for a wine-sampling tour at one of Pennsylvania's oldest wineries where the Nissley family has been growing grapes and producing unique wines since 1978. Bring a picnic to enjoy with a bottle of wine in the shadow of an 18th Century stone mill as you settle back and relax to the sounds of a babbling creek gently flowing past vines and woodlands.
Open Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Columbia Farmers Market
308 Locust Street, Columbia
717-684-5767
Grab a picnic basket and head to this friendly farmers’ market just a few blocks from the mighty river. You’ll find fresh meats and cheeses, fruits and veggies, and snacks to make your day outdoors a real treat.
Open Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Chickies Rock Park
Route 441 between Columbia and Marietta
Take a stroll through Chickies Rock, Lancaster County’s second largest regional park. The name comes from the American Indian word "Chiquesalunga" meaning "place of the crayfish," and today is managed predominantly for its natural resources. At Chickies Rock, stand 200 feet above the river for amazing views of the Susquehanna, or try fly-fishing for trout in Donegal Creek.
Open daily dawn to dusk.

Shank’s Mare Outfitters
2092 Long Level Road, Wrightsville
717-252-1616
This former general store is now an outdoors enthusiast’s paradise and offers touring, kayak rentals and sales, and all the clothing and gear for paddling, hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. Make reservations to participate in great outdoor programs on the Susquehanna including touring kayak lessons, day tours, weekend trips, evening and sunrise paddles, all complete with equipment and meals too! The “Evening Rendezvous” package features an outdoor program or paddle and delicious dinner.
Open Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m.

Download the Water and Winery Trail Map (162K PDF).

Staying Overnight?
Use our Travel Planner to find nearby lodging accommodations.
 

Sample Other Trails:

Sweet N’ Salty Trail
Explore quaint towns and villages while tasting the foods that have made Lancaster County famous.

Dairy Trail
Go behind the scenes of the largest dairy community on the East Coast.

Ale Trail
Tour local breweries and brewpubs and sip beers and ales with Pennsylvania Dutch flair.

Market Basket Trail
Stroll through markets or drive the country and fill your basket with goodies fresh from the farm.