If you are looking for a fun and educational day trip in York County, Pennsylvania, you might want to check out Lock 12 Historic Area. This is one of the most well-preserved locks of the old Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal, which was built between 1836 and 1839 for commerce between the greater Harrisburg area and the Chesapeake Bay. The canal was a vital link for transporting goods such as coal, lumber, iron, and agricultural products, until it was replaced by railroads in the late 1800s.

Lock 12 Historic Area is located along the Mason-Dixon Trail, a scenic hiking trail that follows the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland. The trail offers great views of the river and the surrounding woods, as well as access to other historic sites such as a restored double lime kiln and the remains of a sawmill. You can also see Mill Creek Falls, a beautiful waterfall that makes two turns in three different drops.

To get to Lock 12 Historic Area, you can park your car at a small lot on River Road, just off Route 372 near Holtwood Dam. The trailhead is unmarked, but easy to spot. It is just after the first bridge, at approximately these coordinates: 39.819163, -76.336048. From there, it is a short walk to the lock, which is visible from the trail. You can also descend to the creek level to see it more closely, but be careful as it can be slippery and steep.

The lock itself is an impressive structure, made of stone and wood. It measures about 90 feet long, 15 feet wide, and 8 feet deep. It has two wooden gates that could be opened or closed by turning large wheels on either end. The lock could raise or lower boats by about 8 feet, depending on the water level. You can imagine how busy and noisy this place must have been when dozens of boats passed through every day, carrying passengers and cargo.

There are also some interpretive signs that explain the history and operation of the lock and the canal. You can learn about how the lock was built, how it worked, who used it, and why it was abandoned. You can also see some artifacts from the canal era, such as tools, ropes, and spikes.

If you have more time and energy, you can continue hiking along the Mason-Dixon Trail, which goes north to Urey Overlook and south to Otter Creek Campground. You can also cross the river on the Norman Wood Bridge and explore some other attractions in Lancaster County, such as Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve and Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve.

Lock 12 Historic Area is a great place to visit for anyone who loves history, nature, or both. It is a reminder of how important the Susquehanna River was for the development of this region and how much beauty and diversity it still offers today. We hope you enjoyed this blog post and that it inspired you to plan your own trip to Lock 12 soon!