Shikellamy State Park Overlook

 

Located at the confluence of the western and northern branches of the mighty Susquehanna River, Shikellamy State Park's overlook makes up part of Shikellamy State Park, which opened in 1960. While the marina section of the state park is at the southern tip of Packers Island in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, the  Shikellamy Overlook is on the western shore of the Susquehanna River in nearby Union County. One of many fine vistas dotted throughout the Keystone State, the overlook features a 360 foot cliff that overlooks the confluence of the branches of the Susquehanna River. The Shikellamy State Park was named in honor of Chief Shikellamy of the Oneida Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy. A friend of both the colonists and American Indian tribes, Chief Shikellamy played a prominent role in the development of the Pennsylvania frontier in the early and middle 18th century.

While the access road up to the overlook is closed from October to April, there is an one mile long nature trail that goes up the hill to the overlook that is open year round. Hiking up the trail at the Shikellamy Overlook reveals the wildlife that abounds in the parks, especially since the cliffs below are home one one of only a handful of Peregrine falcon nests in all of Pennsylvania. Different types of tree formations from scrub forest to mature hardwood forest can also be found in the park. Shikellamy State Park features two overlooks on the eastern side of Blue Hill, where you can see Lake Augusta below, along with bridges for US 11, PA 147 and a. You will also spot Northumberland to your east, then Packer Island, and finally Sunbury to your south.

The US 11 bridge into Northumberland, along with the Shikellamy State Park Marina on Packers Island.

Looking east at Northumberland.

Looking north at the western branch of the Susquehanna River.

US 11 bridge and Packers Island.

Northumberland, Pennsylvania.

Looking east beyond Northumberland.


How to Get There:

Sources and Links:
Pennsylvania DCNR - Shikellamy State Park
State Parks - Shikellamy State Park
The Wilds of Pennsylvania - Shikellamy State Park Overlook

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