Planning Your Hike
Easy then difficult climb. Follow the blue blazed trail along the unpaved road from Bald Eagle Road through the Preserve to the sign pointing north, across the stream to the Winter Overlook. Follow the white blazed trail up a steep ravine and switch back across the riverside ridge to the winter overlook. The locked gate at the entrance prevents unauthorized vehicular traffic. The hike to the river is pleasant and comfortable. There is one ford across the creek.
Ecology and Management
Ferncliff Wildflower and Wildlife Preserve is recognized as a National Natural Landmark. The National Natural Landmarks Program recognizes and encourages the conservation of sites that contain outstanding biological and geological resources. Sites are designated by the Secretary of the Interior for their condition, illustrative character, rarity, diversity, and value to science and education. In 2017, Ferncliff became a Dedicated Forest in the Old Growth Forest Network because of the old-growth forest that has been maintained here.
There are wildflowers galore in spring. This preserve’s hillsides offer some of the best examples of River Hills woodland. Tulip trees, beeches, hemlocks, sweet birches, red, chestnut, and white oak, sycamore, sugar and red maple, ironwood, and the redbud. In the fall many groves of pawpaw yield succulent, edible fruit. You will also see rhododendron and mountain laurel in abundance. Birds are abundant, including bald eagles, which may be seen soaring overhead from their nearby nesting and hunting grounds along the river.
Watershed
Barnes Run traverses the preserve before directly emptying into the Susquehanna River.
Hunting Information
No Hunting
Acquisition History
This land was donated by Dr. Henry H. Huffnagle in 1996.
Address
1650 Benton Hollow Rd, Drumore, PA 17518
Amenities
Limited parking. Preserve sign.