Winter transforms our landscape, exposing new views when the foliage disappears. Squirrels and birds dart and chatter among the bare trees. Streams may freeze, and trails may be covered by snow that crunches under our boots. Here are some of Lancaster Conservancy’s team members’ favorite winter hikes this year…
Ferncliff Wildlife & Wildflower Preserve (Photo by Travis Lyle)
Ferncliff Wildlife & Wildflower Preserve
Trail Map & Information
Difficulty: Easy
Ferncliff Wildlife and Wildflower Preserve is mostly level, easy hiking on an old service road (blue-blazed trail). The preserve has a unique feel to it with the creek right beside the trail and the rock formations, larger trees, and steep terrain all around. The hike out and back on the blue trail is about a mile. Optionally, you can follow the white-blazed trail across the stream and up a steep ravine and switch back across the riverside ridge to a winter overlook, although the white trail is a more difficult hike. Parking is limited. Please respect our neighbors and do not block the road when visiting.
Climbers Run Nature Center
Trail Map & Information
Difficulty: Easy
Follow the white trail that heads south from the Russo Barn past the pond, then continue south on the yellow Climbers Hollow Trail along the Climbers Run stream. This out-and-back hike is less than a mile and is not strenuous. Along this route, you’ll explore a stunning gorge that feels like you’re in the deep woods of Pennsylvania. There are options to extend your hike around Climbers Run Nature Center, including following the more strenuous Upland Loop Trail through Mueller’s Woods to a winter overlook.
Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve
Trail Map & Information
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The universal access trail at Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve provides an easy winter hike of about a mile through the forest on a gravel path. You can also choose to extend your hike out to the overlook via the blue loop trail for a view of the Lancaster County countryside. The trails to the overlook are not universally accessible, but they are relatively flat except for some elevation change along the white trail to the overlook. If the snow is just right, this preserve is a fun place for cross-country skiing.
Robert A. Kinsley Nature Preserve (Photo by Greg Smolin)
Robert A. Kinsley Nature Preserve
Trail Map & Information
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
There are a variety of trails to explore at Robert A. Kinsley Nature Preserve. You have options for long, hilly hikes that will warm you up or quicker, shorter loops. The view from Buzzard’s Roost on a clear day in the winter is spectacular, although the hike to get there does involve at least one steep climb. With the leaves down, the canopy open, and a coating of snow on the ground, you can see through the woods and get a feel for the terrain surrounding the trails and leading to the creeks and the river. There is limited shoulder parking for this preserve near the intersections of Chimney Rock and Furnace roads or River and Furnace roads. Please respect our neighbors and do not block the road when visiting.
Trout Run Nature Preserve
Trail Map & Information
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Start from the south end of Trout Run Nature Preserve from the small parking area at Steinman Run Nature Preserve and take a short walk on Stump Road until you get to the blue trail at the southern end of Trout Run Nature Preserve. The blue trail creates a loop that is about 0.8 miles, but if Trout Run is passable and you have the right footwear, crossing over the stream and continuing north can be fun. The ravine keeps the water extra cold during the winter, creating a dazzling display of ice crystals along the banks of the stream. This trail is moderate to difficult.
McCalls Ferry Nature Preserve (Photo by Kelly Snavely)
Mill Creek Falls Nature Preserve to McCalls Ferry Nature Preserve
Trail Map & Information
Difficulty: Hard
The Mason-Dixon Trail between Mill Creek Falls and McCalls Ferry nature preserves provides views of the Susquehanna River bookended by two spectacular streams and a mix of laurel and native tree species that are typical of the riverlands. Challenging climbs take you by beautiful rock outcroppings. There are a few different options for parking to get to this section of the Mason-Dixon Trail, which is a strenuous hike with challenging elevation change. You can do an out-and-back hike, or if you have hiking buddies, you can park one car at your starting point and one at your end point.
Otter Creek Nature Preserve & Urey Overlook
Trail Map & Information
Difficulty: Hard
From the parking area at the Urey Overlook trailhead, enjoy a loop through Otter Creek Nature Preserve, along the beautiful blue creek, and up to Urey Overlook in Susquehannock State Park. There are multiple trail options for completing this loop. This strenuous, full-day hike includes elevation changes that will warm you up from the cold and get you moving to fight the winter blues. Be aware that the terrain is uneven and very difficult in poor or icy weather conditions. Parking is limited at the state park.
Remember to take proper safety precautions, dress carefully, consider the weather, and plan ahead for winter hikes. Learn more about winter hiking tips here.
