Exploration Hike: Highlands Region Preserves

This hike is part of a year-long series of preserve exploration hikes. Hop on the Conservancy’s shuttle bus and explore three preserves in one outing! These preserves are part of the federally designated Highlands Region that runs from the ridges of Maryland into Connecticut, connecting green spaces and urban centers. Its federal designation includes a focus on preserving clean drinking water, habitat corridors, and recreation.

Where to Meet: We will meet in the parking lot of Old Trolley Line Park. GPS coordinates: 40.185253, -76.597993

What to Expect: Anticipate about 5 miles total of hiking. Most of this is on flat ground. Trails may be muddy if there has been recent rain. There are restrooms available at Old Trolley Line Park.

Our first stop is Donegal Highlands, directly across the street from Old Trolley Line Park. Donegal Highlands serves as a predominant wildlife corridor between Hellam Hills in York County and the Susquehanna River to the Furnace Hills in Lebanon County. Birds are plentiful here, and this preserve showcases landscape restoration by the Conservancy. We’ll meander the old logging roads here as we explore how continuous green spaces assist with animal migration and how meadows play a key role in carbon sequestration. Watch a short video about this preserve here.

Our second stop is Bellaire Woods for a 1.4-mile hike across boardwalks and bare ground. We’ll see springs, creeks, and bogs. Bellaire Woods is home to woodpeckers, many bog plants, pawpaw trees, and spring flowers. This preserve showcases how Leave No Trace principles can be applied when deciding whether to keep trails open or close them.

Our final stop is at Shaw Family Nature Preserve via the Conewago Recreation Trail for dinner (pack your own) followed by a 2.7-mile rail trail walk. This preserve is a living example of innovative restoration work between Lancaster Conservancy and Mount Joy Township; the land on the sides of the trail are managed by Lancaster Conservancy, and the Conewago Recreation Trail is cared for by the township. Our tour will conclude here so we can enjoy the rare change to hike in the dark on a flat trail.

What to Bring: Bring water, a packed dinner, pertinent personal first aid, sufficient layers, and a headlamp. Wear shoes that can get mucky if there’s been recent rain. Optional: binoculars.

Event Leader Bio: Before joining the Interpretive Ranger team in 2022, Kate Prisby partnered with Lancaster Conservancy in riparian buffer work at Climbers Run and building the new trail system at Tucquan Glen & Pyfer Nature Preserves. She enjoys sharing the amazing landscapes Lancaster Conservancy stewards with others.

Animal Policy: Service animals active or in training are welcome. Please leave all pets at home.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed, and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Photo Credit: Avery Van Etten

Host or Publisher Lancaster Conservancy