Top Picnic Spots in Lancaster
Journey through Lancaster’s beautiful parks and plant your picnicking memories among green fields.
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The Lancaster County Conservancy protects more than 2,900 acres of land for the health of the ecosystem and the enjoyment of the public. Eight of these nature preserves are highlighted below, including what is quite possibly the premiere natural area in Lancaster County, Tucquan Glen.
Trail Length – 0.62 miles, Easy to Moderate, with one stream crossing
A National Natural Landmark, Ferncliff’s old growth forest and wooded ravine are home to a profusion of plants common to the River Hills. The wildflowers of Ferncliff are what make this area most special. On the hillsides and ravines are some of the best examples of River Hills timberland. Transient and nesting bird populations are varied.
GPS location: 39.78271, -76.242654
Trail Length – 0.85 miles, Easy over varied moderate terrain
Homewood offers a mix of forest and field, gentle rolling hills, cultivated and grassy fields, an old barn, and a woodland valley overlooking Eshelman Run. Mature black walnut, oaks, tulip poplars, beech, and birch cover the hillsides, with flaming red maples in the fall. More than 115 plant species exist, and 25 documented bird species.
GPS location: 39.9692, -76.107702
Trail Length – 0.94 miles, Moderate due to steep slope
Adjoining State Game Lands and the Horseshoe Trail, this preserve includes the hillside between Kettle Run and the top of the ridge. A small tributary of Hammer Creek meanders through the woods. More than 10 species of ferns grow on the property, a fine example of a mixed hardwood forest, uncut for 60+ years.
GPS location: 40.23344, -76.348658
Trail Length – 2.5 miles, Easy to Moderate
Open easy well established trails through a wood of mixed hardwoods with giant oaks, towering tulip poplars, and stately old beeches, along with spicebush and mountain laurel. The melodic wood thrush is commonly heard here. Steinman Run traverses the property with many wetland plants along its course.
GPS location: 39.89639, -76.277846
Trail Length – 2.32 miles, Moderate
Quite possibly the premiere natural area in Lancaster County. The most attractive and perhaps the most pristine of the seven ravines or glens which open into the Susquehanna River in this area. A PA Wild and Scenic River, lush and green in spring and summer, colorful in autumn, and beautiful all year round. Extensive rhododendron thickets and over 40 species of trees. In its middle section, the stream rushes headlong into huge boulders and through narrow crevices.
GPS location: 39.864425, -76.339666
Trail Length – 3.3 miles, Moderate due to steep slope
Spectacular vistas and secluded paths through a somewhat dry deciduous forest, varying from early successional species to fully mature hardwoods with scattered mountain laurel. Great views of the Susquehanna River. Of special note is the world’s largest paw paw patch north of the 39th Latitude. A round trip walk will take 4 hours.
GPS location: 39.96676, -76.455363
More detailed information on all the preserves can be found in the Lancaster County Conservancy publication, Guide to the Nature Preserves of the Lancaster County Conservancy, available for purchase from the Conservancy Office, and free to Conservancy members.
For more recommendations on how to enjoy the outdoors in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, visit the Lancaster County Department of Parks & Recreation.
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