37 Chestnut Grove Rd. | Conestoga Township
This beautiful reclaimed natural area was established by the Lancaster Solid Waste Management Authority in 2015. There are 170 acres of wetlands, grasslands, wildflower meadows, forests and ponds. It features 13 trails that meander all throughout the property. The last mile of the Turkey Hill Trail is in the park and it leads you to the Star Rock Overlook. The overlook features amazing views of the Susquehanna River and is especially picturesque in the fall.
I recommend visiting the area throughout the year. Since everything is left natural, every season brings new scenery. Wildlife is abundant, over 200 species of birds have been sighted. There are interpretive panels and a wetland boardwalk so you can learn and experience nature. There are also many benches around the property so you can sit and enjoy nature.
Distance: 4.3 miles of trails
Terrain: grass | gravel | dirt
Difficulty: rare to medium
Activities: hiking | walking | jogging | leashed dogs | horseback riding | birding
Parking: large parking lot
Restroom: port-o-potty
Websites: susquehannariverlands.com | lcswma.org
Chestnut Grove Trail | 1.7 miles
Medium Rare | 35 min-1 hour This is the longest trail in the park. It circles around the grassland and wildflower meadows.
Turkey Hill Trail | 1.1 miles
Medium | 20-40 min
This is the last portion of the Turkey Hill Trail that begins further down River Rd. The trail goes along the far end of the property and then out to Star Rock Overlook.
Turkey Hill Spur | .13 miles
Medium Rare | 5-10 min
This trail takes you down a down a steep grass lined hill.
Chestnut Grove Trail Spur | .13 miles
Rare | 5-10 min
Succession Trail | .18 miles
Rare | 5-10 min
This Trail connects to the Chestnut Grove and Turkey Hill Trails. It takes you by the smaller pond on the property.
Succession Trail Spur | .03 miles
Rare | 5 min
Trailer Parking Loop | .27 miles
Rare | 8-12 min This trail connects the equestrian parking lot to the Chestnut Grove Trail.
Wetland Trail | .38 miles
Rare | 10-15 min
This trail takes you on a boardwalk over the wetlands and out to an overlook view the large pond.
Wetland Trail Spur | .06 miles
Rare | 3-7 min
Meadow Trail | .17 miles
Rare | 5-10 min This trail is a short walk through a wildflower meadow.
Fisherman Run Trail Spur | .10 miles
Rare | 5-10 min
This trail takes you back to the Turkey Hill Trail after going down the Turkey Hill Spur. It takes you past a small pond.
Chestnut Grove/ Wetland Trail Connector | .05 miles
Rare | 2-4 min
Chestnut Grove Trail Connector | .16 miles
Rare | 5-10 min
Directions:
From Lancaster city go south on N. Prince St/PA 222 S
Right onto PA 324 S/New Danville Pike
Right onto Long Lane
Keep left onto Conestoga Blvd.
Right at bridge onto River Rd.
Left onto Chestnut Grove. Rd.
Parking lots are on the right, the equestrian parking lot is first followed by the main parking lot a little further down the road
Other Hikes Nearby:
Enola Low Grade Trail
Turkey Hill Trail