shenk's ferry wildflower preserve

We make time to visit Shenk's Ferry at least once every spring... there are many attractive small ravines in the "river hills" part of Lancaster County, but this one really stands out. Like most of them, it's somewhat awkward to get to and there are essentially no facilities (Shenk's Ferry boasts one portable toilet of the use-at-dire-need-only variety), but it's worth every pothole and blind corner. Grab some good local fare at the Conestoga Wagon restaurant on your way in; it's only about 10 minutes from the preserve.Drive carefully to the parking area as the last 3/4 mile or so of Green Hill Road gets very little maintenance. The trail, while flatter than most, can be a bit sloppy after a spring rain, so keep proper footwear in mind.Come any time during spring or early summer for an enjoyable walk, but mid-April is when there seems to be the most in bloom. The area is so thick with phlox it's like walking through nature's perfume factory!If you want to make a half-day of it, there's an unmarked but well-used trail between the two powerline cuts. This leads north to the Enola Low-Grade rail trail, from which you can enjoy some nice views of the Susquehanna River.As of this writing, the website link above is broken. I submitted the correct one, but in the meantime here's a link for the official brochure with directions: http://tinyurl.com/n5a65ay

The wildflower preserve is very close to my home. I spend a lot of time there all year round. The trails can be challenging or easy you choose. Wild life and flowers a great running stream. Also right on the Enola low grade line where there is access to climbing. Great views of the Safe Harbor dam and a large crushed stone path. It never gets boring.

Thanks to the power company who preserved this amazing place. It can be a bit tricky to find but if you hit the right time for peak bloom the hills on the walk are blanketed in bluebells, white and red trillium, phlox and so much more. The last two weeks of April seem to have to largest bloom. There are several easy paths but the main one is the most flowered. It follows a brook through a ravine like area on a level path. The hills on both sides of you are abloom with beautiful flowers in a mass that is rarely ever seen. Please do not pick the flowers! We are always amazed by the profusion when we hit peak bloom!