226 Frogtown Rd | Martic Township
The hikes that this Nature Center offers are great for the whole family. Several of the hikes are easy enough for grandparents and small children. There are more challenging hikes for older children and adults, several spots for creek stomping, and plenty of places to picnic for everyone. It really is a great multi-generational spot.
This nature center that is part of the Lancaster Conservancy also features a Natural Playground. There are tee-pees, logs to climb and a footbridge over the stream. The Natural Playground is 2 acres of wooded space at the beginning of the Climber's Run Trail.
From June-October there are summer camp activities from 9am-2pm, and you may be asked to refrain from visiting. A schedule will be posted if this is the case.
Distance: over 3 miles of trails
Terrain: dirt | gravel | grass | water | wooded | rocks Difficulty: rare to medium well
Activities: hiking | jogging | creek stomping | fishing | leashed dogs
Parking: mid-size lot
Restrooms: port-o-potty
Website: lancasterconservancy.org
Amos & Esta Funk Trail (Meadow Loop) | 0.7 mile loop
Medium Rare | 15-30 min | orange trail
This hike starts to the right of the nature center. This is a level hike on a cleared dirt path. It takes you through a wooded area, past tee-pees, and then into a meadow. After the meadow you come to a stream. This is also a great spot for creek stomping. The trail then continues along the the stream and takes you back to the pond.
Upland Loop Trail | 1.2 mile semi-loop
Medium | 25-50 min | white trail
This trail starts next to the barn and takes you beside the pond and across the bridge. The trail continues on through the woods past a clearing that has scout cabins and picnic tables. The trail then heads uphill and loops around the top of the hill. There is a spot at the top that offers a nice view of Climber's Run below.
Climber's Hollow Trail | .5 mile loop
Medium | 15-30 min | yellow trail This is a nice little hike if you want a little more of a challenge. There are trails on either side of the stream (Climber's Run). They go over rocks and through trees until you get to the end of the property, where you can cross the stream and go back to the beginning. It is a beautiful scenic hike with cascading waterfalls. Access this hike by taking the Climber's Run Trail or the Camp Trail.
Cardio Trail | .75 mile out and back
Medium Well | 20-40 min The Cardio Trail isn't just a clever name. The difficulty of this trail really depends on what kind of shape you are in. Start this trail to the right of the maintenance shed in the lower parking lot. Go left up the hill, then left again to pick up the trail. It starts off as a steady incline up the hill, but once the trail bends it gets very steep. When the trail levels off you will see the remnants of Camp Snyder, a former Boys and Girls Club camp. There were several cabins (which were recently torn down) and an over grown rusty basketball court (this is still standing). It's really a great photo opt. The trail ends at the edge of the property just after the basketball court.
Directions:
From Lancaster city go south on N. Prince St/PA 222 S Right onto PA 324 S/New Danville Pike Left onto PA 324 S/ 741 E At the light at Cherry Hill Orchard go straight to continue on PA 324 S for 4.6 mi Left on Frogtown Rd. Road to Nature Center on the Right
