Governor Dick Mt. Gretna: Tower Views & Dinosaur Rocks

A 1.5-mile hike to a 66-foot observation tower with panoramic five-county views. Plus the legendary Jigger Shop ice cream tradition.

By Oscar
Governor Dick Mt. Gretna: Tower Views & Dinosaur Rocks: A high-resolution view of the trail in Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways

  • Navigation: Use the Pinch Road Lot (Google Maps | Apple Maps). This 1.5-mile round-trip is the most direct route to the tower. GPS: 40.3295, -76.3945.
  • The Tower is the draw: A 66-foot concrete observation tower offers panoramic views of five Pennsylvania counties (Lebanon, Lancaster, Dauphin, Berks, York) from the summit platform.
  • Dinosaur Rocks offers climbing: This is one of central PA’s few legal bouldering spots, with substantial rock formations throughout the park.
  • The Jigger Shop is non-negotiable: Every local tradition says finish your hike with ice cream at the legendary Mount Gretna Jigger Shop, a post-hike ritual that completes the experience.
  • Fall is peak season: September-October offers the clearest tower views and comfortable hiking temperatures.

Governor Dick Park, officially Clarence Schock Memorial Park, sits in Mt. Gretna as a 1,105-acre forested preserve built around a single iconic feature: a 66-foot concrete observation tower constructed in the 1930s. It’s a staple of Harrisburg area hiking. The hike is short (1.5 miles round trip from Pinch Road), moderate in difficulty, and family-friendly. The reward is a panoramic view of five counties from the tower platform.

But Governor Dick isn’t just about tower views. The park surrounds the tower with bouldery terrain, legal bouldering fields, and historic Mount Gretna culture. This guide will get you to the tower, show you the Dinosaur Rocks, and explain why every hiker who visits ends their day at the Jigger Shop.

The Tower Trail: The Main Event

The Hike

Distance: 1.5 miles round trip (from Pinch Road parking)

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Difficulty: Moderate. The climb is steady but short. Rocky footing throughout.

Trailhead: Pinch Road parking area, Mt. Gretna PA (GPS: 40.3295, -76.3945). This is the shortest, most direct route to the tower. Do NOT take the longer Environmental Center route unless you want extra distance.

Trail Type: Rocky, forested path. No water sources. Boots essential.

Season: Fall (September-October) is ideal for tower views and comfortable temperatures. Summer heat is oppressive on exposed sections. Winter is frozen and treacherous.

Blazes: Blue blazes mark the main trail clearly.

What to Expect

The Rocky Reality: This trail is notoriously rocky. The footing is uneven throughout, with scattered boulders and root systems. Hiking boots are non-negotiable. Light sneakers or trail runners will leave your ankles sore.

The Climb: 200 feet of elevation gain in 0.75 miles feels relentless. The trail climbs at a consistent grade, no flat sections. Your quads will feel it on descent.

The Tower: A 66-foot concrete structure built in the 1930s. The interior has a metal spiral staircase. The climb to the top platform is tight and steep (66 feet of vertical), but manageable for anyone with basic fitness.

The View: From the platform, you’re looking out across five Pennsylvania counties. On clear days (fall is best), you see Lancaster County farmland to the southeast, Lebanon County ridgelines to the north, Dauphin County to the east, Berks County to the southwest, and York County to the south. The panorama is worth the climb.

Crowds: Busy on fall weekends, especially September 25-October 15 when foliage is peak. Weekday mornings are quieter. Weekend afternoons are packed with family groups.

Photography: Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) captures the five-county view from the tower. Best light is early morning (sunrise, 6-7 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM, golden hour). Fall foliage (Sept 25-Oct 15) provides colorful backdrop.

Time Reality: 1.5 miles takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on pace and tower time. Most people spend 30-45 minutes at the tower taking photos and enjoying the view.

The Tower Climb

The concrete tower has an interior spiral staircase. The climb is tight and claustrophobic for some people. Handrails are present but narrow.

The final 10 feet are exposed metal grating, if you’re acrophobic, the interior climb feels more exposed than it is. Most people find it manageable.

Dinosaur Rocks: The Bouldering Zone

Just beyond the tower area, Governor Dick contains scattered massive boulders and a dedicated bouldering field known locally as “Dinosaur Rocks.”

What It Is: Large sandstone formations scattered throughout the forest. Some are stacked in odd angles, creating climbing problems for boulderers. This is one of central Pennsylvania’s few legal bouldering spots, a major draw for the climbing community.

Access: Some boulders are directly on the hiking trail (you’ll see them). Dedicated bouldering areas require exploration off-trail.

What to Expect:

  • The boulders are substantial (10-30+ feet tall in some cases)
  • Climbing is technical but low-height (typically 8-15 feet, so falls are manageable with proper landing technique)
  • This is a destination for climbers, not casual hikers
  • The rock is solid sandstone, good grip, no loose sections typically
  • Crash pads and climbing experience are assumed if you’re attempting problems

Fitness Level: Bouldering problems vary from beginner (V0) to advanced (V4+). Most people explore visually unless they bring pads and experience.

Mt. Gretna Culture: The Jigger Shop Ritual

This is the essential truth about Governor Dick: locals say the hike isn’t complete without ice cream at the Mt. Gretna Jigger Shop.

The Jigger Shop is a legendary ice cream parlor in downtown Mount Gretna, steps from the lake. It’s been serving since 1902. After a 90-minute hike on rocky terrain, the Jigger Shop isn’t optional, it’s tradition.

Location: 10 Pinch Road, Mount Gretna PA (literally 10 minutes from Pinch Road parking)

What to Order: It’s an ice cream shop. Order ice cream. The tradition matters more than the flavor.

Hours: Seasonal (typically May-October). Check before you hike.

The Vibe: Old-school small-town Pennsylvania. Hikers, families, locals. No pretense. This is where the community gathers post-hike.

Mount Gretna Lake

Just below the Jigger Shop is Mount Gretna Lake, a small glacial lake with a Chautauqua-era resort community around it. The lake is scenic but swimming is limited to designated areas.

What It Is: A 34-acre lake with a historic resort village atmosphere, Victorian-era cottages, and a historic performing arts theater.

The Culture: Mount Gretna has been a summer retreat destination since the 1800s. The vibe is old-money Pennsylvania, quiet, refined, historic.

Local Logistics: Pro Tips

Parking Strategy

Pinch Road Parking (The Right Choice):

  • Located on Pinch Road, closest to the tower
  • Small lot (10-15 spaces)
  • Direct 1.5-mile round-trip to tower
  • This is where locals park
  • Fills on weekends. Arrive before 10 AM or go weekdays

Environmental Center Parking (The Long Route):

  • Larger lot (30+ spaces)
  • 3+ miles to tower (longer loop)
  • Good if Pinch Road is full, but you’ll hike an extra 1.5 miles

Pro Move: Pinch Road first. If full, go on a weekday or try Environmental Center.

Seasonal Reality

Spring (April-May): Muddy trails, rocky footing becomes slippery. Wildflowers bloom. Crowds lighter than fall.

Summer (June-August): Hot on the exposed tower. Rocky terrain heats up. Early morning hikes (before 9 AM) are essential. Mosquitoes present in forested sections.

Fall (September 25-October 15): Peak foliage. Clear tower views. Comfortable temps.

Packed on weekends. Go weekdays for solitude.

Winter (December-March): Icy and treacherous. Rocky terrain becomes a skating rink. Not recommended unless you have microspikes.

The Rocky Reality

Rocks dominate this park. They’re scattered throughout, creating:

  • Uneven footing that demands attention
  • Boots with ankle support are essential
  • Trekking poles reduce knee impact on descent
  • Running shoes or light sneakers will hurt your ankles
  • This is one-pass-through terrain. You can’t zone out

Photography Tips

Best Tower Shot: Sunrise (6-7 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) golden hour light. The panoramic view is clearest in early morning (less haze). Fall foliage (Sept 25-Oct 15) provides colored ridge backdrop. Wide-angle lens captures the five-county sweep.

Best Rock Shot: Late afternoon (4-6 PM) side-lighting emphasizes the scale of Dinosaur Rocks. Shadows between boulders create depth and drama.

Best Foliage Shot: September 25-October 15, shot from the tower during golden hour. The surrounding ridges will be colorful.

Insider Tips

Parking Timing: Pinch Road lot fills by 10 AM on weekends. Arrive before 9 AM on Saturdays/Sundays or go on a weekday. If lot is full, the Environmental Center route is your backup.

Rocky Footing Reality: This park punishes bad footwear. Wear proper hiking boots with ankle support. Trail runners leave ankles sore. Bring trekking poles, the descent is tough on knees given the rocky surface.

The Jigger Shop Tradition: Every local will tell you the same thing: the hike is incomplete without ice cream afterward. It’s a real ritual, not just marketing. Budget 30 minutes post-hike for this.

Tower Timing: Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 8-10 AM) are quiet. Avoid fall weekends 10 AM-4 PM (peak crowds). Sunset from the tower (5-6 PM in fall) is excellent photography.

Five-County View: On crystal-clear days (often in fall), visibility extends 15+ miles. Bring binoculars if you want to see distant landmarks. The counties are: Lebanon (north), Lancaster (southeast), Dauphin (east), Berks (southwest), York (south).

Bouldering Access: If you’re not a climber, enjoy the Dinosaur Rocks visually. If you boulder, bring pads and know your grade. Most problems are V0-V2 (beginner to intermediate), but some go V4+.

Winter Scrambling: Only experienced winter hikers with microspikes should attempt this in December-March. The rocks become icy and treacherous. People slip here in winter.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May): Moderate temps, lighter crowds than fall. Trails muddy but manageable. Wildflowers bloom. Good for avoiding fall traffic.

Summer (June-August): Hot, especially on exposed tower. Early morning (before 8 AM) essential. Fewer crowds than fall.

Fall (September 25-October 15): Peak foliage, clearest tower views, comfortable temps. Most crowded time. Go weekdays.

Winter (December-March): Beautiful but treacherous. Ice accumulates on rocks. Microspikes required. Quiet solitude if you have the gear.

FAQ

How long does it take? 1.5 miles round trip takes 1-1.5 hours including time at the tower. Plan 2 hours if you explore Dinosaur Rocks.

Is the tower accessible? Yes, it’s open year-round during park hours. The spiral staircase is tight but manageable for anyone with basic fitness.

Can you see the five counties clearly? Yes, on clear days (typically fall). Spring/summer have more haze. Bring binoculars for distant details.

Is it dog-friendly? Dogs are allowed on leash throughout the park, including on the tower trail.

Where’s the Jigger Shop? Pinch Road, Mount Gretna. 10 minutes from Pinch Road parking. Seasonal (May-October typically).

Can I boulder here? Yes. The Dinosaur Rocks area is legal for bouldering. Bring pads if you climb.

Explore More

Nearby Hiking & Tower Views:

  • Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (30 minutes): Raptor migration viewing and overlook hiking. Similar ridge-to-valley views.
  • Pinnacle Trail (40 minutes): Overlook hike in Lancaster County with panoramic views comparable to Governor Dick’s tower.
  • Mount Tammany Loop (60 minutes): Hand-over-hand scrambling and river gorge views. More technical than Governor Dick.

Other South Central PA Trails:

Regional Guides:

Similar Park Experiences:

  • Wildwood Park, Harrisburg: Closer urban preserve with overlooks and lake views
  • Shikellamy State Park: Similar geological overlooks, 45 minutes north
  • Laurel Hill State Park: Tower climbing and ridge views in Somerset County

Governor Dick delivers a short, sharp hike with substantial reward. The tower view is genuinely panoramic. The Dinosaur Rocks satisfy climbers. And the post-hike Jigger Shop ritual is authentic Mount Gretna tradition.

Start at Pinch Road before 9 AM. Climb the rocky trail. Climb the tower.

See five counties. Then get ice cream.