Great disc golf course!
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Shank Park Hershey

4.7
·636 reviews·Hummelstown, United States

A 90-acre recreational gem with vast sports fields, extensive trails, picnic spots, and a playground.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more open space

CrowdLow
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Great disc golf course!

Shank Park Hershey

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more open space

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 90-acre recreational gem with vast sports fields, extensive trails, picnic spots, and a playground.

4.7
(636 reviews)

"Vast, well-maintained fields and miles of trails make this park a local favorite for sports and recreation."

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TIP

👟 Trail Ready

Wear sturdy shoes for natural trails; they can be rocky and root-filled. :athletic_shoe:

🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun

Leashed dogs are welcome! Great open fields for them to run, but keep them close. :dog:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Sports Fields

Expansive Sports Fields

Throughout the park

Vast, well-maintained fields for soccer, baseball, and general sports. Plenty of space for games and picnics.

Disc Golf Course

Disc Golf Course

Near the lower parking lot

An excellent and well-regarded disc golf course winding through the park's scenic areas.

Extensive Walking Trails

Extensive Walking Trails

Park perimeter and beyond

Miles of paved and natural trails for walking, running, and biking, connecting to longer routes.

Playgrounds

Playgrounds

Multiple locations

Two playgrounds, including one with swings, offering fun for younger visitors.

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Best Times for Open Fields

Shank Park Hershey boasts vast open fields perfect for sports and picnics. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are often less crowded, offering more space to spread out. Weekends can get busy with organized sports, so check local schedules if you're aiming for a spontaneous game.

Trail Exploration Tips

The park offers a mix of paved and natural trails, ideal for walking, running, and biking. The concrete trail extends for miles beyond the park, perfect for longer excursions. Wear comfortable shoes, especially for the natural paths which can be uneven with rocks and roots.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more open space
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon weekdays
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Good for organized sports
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👟 Trail Ready

Wear sturdy shoes for natural trails; they can be rocky and root-filled. :athletic_shoe:

🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun

Leashed dogs are welcome! Great open fields for them to run, but keep them close. :dog:

🚗 Ample Parking

Large parking lots, even for RVs. Upper lot has best cell signal. :car:

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Plenty of picnic tables and open space for a relaxing meal. :picnic_table:

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Trail Ready

Wear sturdy shoes for natural trails; they can be rocky and root-filled. :athletic_shoe:

🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun

Leashed dogs are welcome! Great open fields for them to run, but keep them close. :dog:

🚗 Ample Parking

Large parking lots, even for RVs. Upper lot has best cell signal. :car:

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Plenty of picnic tables and open space for a relaxing meal. :picnic_table:

🦌 Wildlife Sightings

Keep an eye out for baby deer and their mothers, especially in quieter areas. :deer:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(636 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Shank Park Hershey is widely praised for its vast, well-maintained open fields and extensive trail system, offering ample space for sports, picnics, and long walks or bike rides. Visitors also rave about the excellent disc golf course and the peaceful atmosphere, often noting the lack of crowds. Some minor drawbacks include the availability of restrooms and the potential for fields to be occupied by organized sports.

"Nice park, many open fields to play games. Disc golf course. Connects to a long walking trail at the back that leads all the way to the Hospital. Multiple soccer and baseball fields. Two hard site restrooms and multiple portapotties. Two playgrounds. One with swings."

Kyle L

"So this is a large regional park with lots of ball fields, soccer fields, disc golf course, playgrounds, walking and biking trails. The parking is large, clean, well maintained and can accommodate rigs and RVs of any size. Larger rigs will want to use the upper lot at the far end of the park. This area also has the best cell signal with full bars of Verizon 4G LTE Roaming."

Will Handley

"Nice trails, and athletic fields. There’s a few baseball diamonds and some nice flat soccer fields that I think are open to the public when they’re not in use. There’s also benches and picnic tables and nice views (especially if your at the top of the hill that parks on). The trails are really well maintained, there’s a big circle trail that’s partially smooth concrete and partially ‘nature’ (which just means hard packed dirt, rocks, and roots mostly through the trees) and the concrete trail continues for miles outside of the park so if you want to bike, skate, scooter, blade, run, or whatever you’ll grab plenty of trail to do it on. The nature trails you can’t used wheeled things on but they’re nice for running and walking (I got in a 10k ((6.2 miles)) and I didn’t have to run the same part of the trail more then ounce and I didn’t even reach the end of the concrete trail that continues out of the park so like I said there is plenty of trail to use). Parking lot on the bottom of the hill is good if your there to play disc golf, parking lots at the top are for the rest."

Trey Andrew

What People Like

Spacious open fields
Extensive walking trails
Excellent disc golf course

What People Dislike

Limited restrooms
Fields booked for sports

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Shank Park is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. The park is well-signposted from major roads in the area. For GPS navigation, use the park's address or search for 'Shank Park Hershey'.

Public transportation options directly to Shank Park are limited. It's primarily a destination best reached by private vehicle. Check local Hershey transit schedules for bus routes that might get you close, but expect a walk.

The parking lot at the bottom of the hill is ideal if you're heading to the disc golf course. For those interested in the trails or sports fields, parking lots at the top of the hill are also available.

Yes, the parking is large and can accommodate rigs and RVs of any size. Larger rigs are advised to use the upper lot at the far end of the park for easier maneuvering.

The upper lot at the far end of the park offers the best cell signal, with full bars of Verizon 4G LTE Roaming reported by visitors. Service can be spotty in other areas, especially deeper within the wooded trails.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Shank Park Hershey is a public recreational park and does not charge an entrance fee. You can enjoy the sports fields, trails, playgrounds, and disc golf course for free.

As a public park, Shank Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours can vary seasonally, but it's typically accessible throughout daylight hours for visitors to enjoy its amenities.

While the fields are often open to the public when not in use for organized events, it's advisable to check with local park authorities or sports leagues if you plan a large group activity or game to avoid conflicts.

Yes, there are two hard-site restrooms located within the park. Additionally, multiple portable toilets are available, particularly during peak seasons or events.

The park offers numerous picnic tables and open spaces. While specific areas aren't typically reserved, arriving earlier on busy days increases your chances of securing a preferred spot.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Shank Park offers a wide range of activities including playing on open sports fields, hiking and biking on extensive trails, playing disc golf, enjoying the playgrounds, and picnicking. It's a versatile park for recreation and relaxation.

The park features a large circle trail that is partially paved concrete and partially natural (hard-packed dirt, rocks, roots). The concrete trail connects to miles of paths outside the park, ideal for biking and running. Natural trails are great for walking and running.

Absolutely! Shank Park is known for its excellent disc golf course. It's well-maintained and offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels.

Yes, there are two playgrounds available for children. One of them features swings, providing a fun area for younger visitors to play and explore.

Yes, leashed dogs are welcome at Shank Park. It's a great place to bring your furry friend for a walk or to let them run in the open fields, though always ensure they are under control.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Shank Park does not have any on-site restaurants or food vendors. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for picnics.

Since Shank Park is a recreational area, dining options are located in the nearby town of Hershey. You'll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and fast-food establishments just a short drive away.

Yes, the park is equipped with numerous picnic tables and ample open space, making it an ideal spot for a picnic lunch or dinner. You can easily set up a comfortable spot to enjoy your meal outdoors.

While the park doesn't explicitly mention designated barbecue grills, picnicking is a popular activity. It's best to check local regulations regarding open flames or portable grills if you plan to barbecue.

Given the park's focus on outdoor activities, easy-to-eat and portable foods are ideal. Sandwiches, salads, fruits, snacks, and drinks are perfect for enjoying on the fields or at picnic tables.

📸 📸 Photography

The park offers scenic views from the top of the hill, especially during golden hour. The natural trails winding through the trees provide beautiful, dappled light for photography. The open fields also offer great backdrops for sports action shots.

Late afternoon weekdays offer beautiful lighting as the sun begins to set, creating a warm glow over the park. Early mornings can also be lovely with soft light and fewer people around.

Yes, visitors have reported seeing baby deer with their mothers. Be respectful and maintain a safe distance if you encounter wildlife. Early mornings or late afternoons are often good times for spotting animals.

Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted. However, always be mindful of other park visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially during organized sports events.

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing landscapes and action. If you're interested in wildlife, a telephoto lens would be beneficial. For trail shots, a wide-angle lens can capture the expansive scenery.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Shank Park Hershey is a fantastic spot for families. It features two playgrounds, including one with swings, providing entertainment for younger children. The expansive open fields are perfect for kids to run around and play games safely. Parents can also enjoy the scenic walking trails while keeping an eye on their little ones.

Packing a picnic is highly recommended, as there are plenty of picnic tables and open areas to spread out. The park's spaciousness means you often won't feel crowded, allowing for a more relaxed family outing. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, especially if you plan to explore the natural trails.

🏃‍♀️ Runners & Cyclists

For runners and cyclists, Shank Park Hershey offers an exceptional trail system. The paved concrete trail is a major highlight, extending for miles beyond the park's perimeter. This provides an extensive and smooth surface for long-distance training, whether you're running, biking, or skating. You can easily achieve a significant mileage without repeating paths.

The natural trails also offer a different kind of running experience, winding through wooded areas. While not suitable for bikes, they are perfect for trail running, offering a more rugged and scenic workout. The variety ensures that runners and cyclists can tailor their routes to their preferences and fitness levels, making Shank Park a go-to destination for consistent training.

🐶 Dog Owners

Shank Park is a dog-friendly destination, making it ideal for pet owners. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park, and the large open fields provide ample space for them to run and play. Many visitors appreciate being able to let their dogs stretch their legs in a spacious environment. The walking trails also offer great opportunities for dog-walking adventures. Remember to always keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all park-goers.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Shank Park's Trails

Shank Park Hershey is a haven for walkers, runners, and cyclists, boasting an impressive network of trails. The park features a significant paved concrete loop that not only circles parts of the park but also extends for miles beyond its boundaries. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a long-distance run, bike ride, or skate session. The concrete path offers a smooth and accessible surface for all wheeled activities.

In addition to the paved paths, Shank Park offers natural trails that wind through wooded areas. These trails are perfect for a more immersive nature experience, ideal for walking and running. While they are not suitable for wheeled activities due to rocks and roots, they provide a beautiful, shaded environment. Visitors have reported completing 10k runs on these trails without repeating sections, highlighting the extensive trail system available. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for the natural terrain.

For those seeking a longer adventure, the concrete trail's connection to external paths means you can easily extend your outing significantly. This connectivity makes Shank Park a valuable resource for endurance athletes and casual explorers alike. The combination of paved and natural surfaces ensures there's a trail experience for everyone, from a leisurely stroll to a challenging workout.

Sports and Recreation Hub

Shank Park Hershey is a premier destination for sports enthusiasts, featuring multiple well-maintained athletic fields. The park is equipped with several baseball diamonds and flat soccer fields, making it a popular spot for local leagues and casual games. These fields are often open to the public when not in use for organized events, providing ample space for spontaneous sports activities or practice sessions.

Beyond organized sports, the park's vast open fields are perfect for a variety of recreational pursuits. Whether you're looking to play frisbee, fly a kite, or simply let children run and play, there's plenty of room. The spaciousness of the park is frequently highlighted by visitors, who appreciate the lack of crowds even on weekends, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

The park also boasts an excellent disc golf course, a significant draw for enthusiasts. This course is integrated into the park's natural landscape, offering a challenging and scenic round. With its diverse sporting facilities and open spaces, Shank Park Hershey truly serves as a community hub for active recreation.

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