
Shank Park Hershey
A 90-acre recreational gem with vast sports fields, extensive trails, picnic spots, and a playground.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more open space

Shank Park Hershey
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more open space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 90-acre recreational gem with vast sports fields, extensive trails, picnic spots, and a playground.
"Vast, well-maintained fields and miles of trails make this park a local favorite for sports and recreation."

👟 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Extensive Walking Trails
Park perimeter and beyond
Miles of paved and natural trails for walking, running, and biking, connecting to longer routes.

Playgrounds
Multiple locations
Two playgrounds, including one with swings, offering fun for younger visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Times for Open Fields
Trail Exploration Tips
Best Times
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
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
What People Dislike
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
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
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
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Shank Park's Trails
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
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.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit