McCalls Ferry Nature Preserve

About This Preserve

Planning Your Hike

This site is made accessible to the public via the Mason Dixon Trail in coordination with the Mason Dixon Trail System. No parking on site.  

Ecology and Management

Prior to the Conservancy’s acquisition, this site was primarily managed for timber production. McCalls Ferry Nature Preserves is being managed for habitat as its highest and best use for the property. 

This site was targeted for preservation due to its unique natural character within the Susquehanna Riverlands. These broad, rounded flat-topped hills and shallow valleys support a relatively mature forest that is dominated by eastern hemlock and tulip poplar, with components of sweet birch and red maple. The understory has thickets of rhododendron with ferns and moss covering the rock formations of mainly schist, gneiss, and quartzite. These unique mesic sites support plant species of concern. These surrounding uplands on both sides of the river are primarily forested and provide an essential terrestrial link in Susquehanna River migratory corridor.  

Watershed

Both Oakland and Wallace Run are designated as streams that support Cold-Water Fisheries as they meander within the Muddy Run-Susquehanna River Watershed. 

Hunting Information

McCalls Ferry is open to Mixed-Use Hunting. Respect property boundaries and safety zones. All Pennsylvania Game Commission Rules and Regulations apply. See ‘Where to Hunt’ for more details. 

Report Hunting Violations: PA Game Commission Centralized Dispatch Center at 1-833-PGC-HUNT (1-833-742-4868) or 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453)

Acquisition History

This preserve was acquired in 2021 as part of a nationally recognized landscape protection project known as the PPL Project. Funds for that Project were provided by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, The Conservation Fund, Lancaster County, York County, PPL, Talen Energy, and Brookfield Renewable. The land that makes up this preserve was donated by Brookfield Renewable. 

Address

River Road, Airville, PA 17302 

Amenities

Trails 

Prevent Tick Borne Illness!

  • Wear repellent
  • Check for ticks after your visit
  • Shower soon after being outdoors
  • Call your doctor if you get a fever or rash

For more information visit cdc.gov/lyme

Spotted Lanternfly Alert!

Lancaster County is a Spotted Lanternfly quarantine area. This highly invasive insect is a serious threat to the health of our forests.

What you can do to help:

  1. Report spotted lanternfly sightings to Penn State Extension or call 1-888-4BADFLY.
  2. Stop the Spread. Look before you leave! Check gear, vehicles, and trailers.
  3. Smash them, bash them, kill them dead.
  4. Scrap and smash egg masses.

Emergency Information

In case of emergency, call 911

Nearest Hospital – 23.7 miles away
WellSpan York Hospital

1001 S. George Street, York PA 17403

Additional Resources
Airville Volunteer Fire Company
717-862-3806

PA State Police
717-299-7650