Along the Susquehanna River in Conoy Township, PA, you'll find White Cliffs of Conoy. Up until recently, the cliffs were on private land and closed for the public. In 2014, Conoy Township took over the area and it is now possible to access the cliffs and visit the outdoor destination along the river.
Old quarry
The cliffs are about 125 yards wide and 90 yards deep, and are the result of an old limestone quarry that once existed near a hill close to the cliffs. In 1846 John Haldeman opened a limestone quarry business, which later was taken over by John E. Baker and George Billmyer in 1895. The new owners named it Billmeyer Quarry. At this time limestone was high in demand.
In addition to limestone, dolomite rock was also used at the quarry. When pulled from the ground, the limestone and dolomite were crushed and burned. This was done to create a wide array of products, such as fertilizer, whitewash, and plaster for local farms and businesses in Pennsylvania. The limestone was mostly put to use in agricultural applications, and the dolomite helped in the removal of impurities from metal produced by local foundries. In addition, dolomite from the quarry was used in the war effort, in the repair process of iron furnaces during World War I.
Billmeyer quarry closed down in 1957.
Leftover limestone
The PA tourist destination known as White Cliffs of Conoy are composed of the byproduct from years of operations at the quarry in Conoy. Over time, the leftover limestone and dolomite were piled up near the Susquehanna River, creating large white mountains of industrial waste.
Conoy Township had the substances tested and found they do not pose any hazards.
The cliffs are certainly not the most beautiful sight along the Susquehanna River, but it is a part of the local history and they are certainly a unique attraction for anyone looking to see something different from anything else in the region. They also provide a great overlook point for the stunning Susquehanna river.
It is also possible to walk down to the river from here. It should be mentioned that this part of the river is considered to be a good fishing spot among locals, and if you're lucky, you might catch a smallmouth or walleye.
How to get there
Conoy Township is located in the northwestern part of Lancaster County, PA. You can access the White Cliffs of Conoy by parking in Koser Park, a small, privately owned park. From there, you simply follow the trail, which is paved, located to the right of the old train tracks. The trail to the White Cliffs of Conoy is about 1.5 miles long and is decently level and smooth, making it a good path for bike riders or strollers. Visiting the White Cliffs of Conoy is an easily accessible activity, thanks to the paved path.
Along the trail that leads you to the cliffs there are also a few things that might catch your eye, including remnants of an old town that was named Billmyer. At one time it had over 1,000 residents. Now it's a ghost town. You'll also see a footbridge over Conoy Creek, and there are also several spots where you can see the Susquehanna River from the trail.
The township advises everyone visiting to take extreme caution while on the cliffs, especially when bringing kids along, as there are several steep drop-offs. No bikes or other vehicles are allowed on the cliffs.