Glenroy Preserve
- Kristin Holloway
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 4
10 W Christine Rd | Nottingham | Chester County
OUTSIDE OF LANCASTER COUNTY
This preserve, which has been owned by the Oxford Area Foundation since 2020, offers several trail options with varying difficulty. The preserve spans both sides of PA-272 and borders the Octorara Creek which is the border between Lancaster and Chester Counties. It has streams, ponds, woodland, open fields, wildflower meadows and a bamboo forest!
This land was managed by the Thouron family for the past 50 years and was used for wildlife and deer hunting. The family wanted to see the land preserved, so the Oxford Area Foundation took ownership of 577 acres, which it has been transforming into a public nature preserve.
This wonderful preserve hosts lots of events throughout the year from festivals and fishing tournaments to group hikes and 5ks. They host clean-up events regularly and the preserve is available for local organizations or corporate groups to rent for events.
Distance:Â 7.9 miles of trails
Terrain:Â dirt | grass | wooded | gravel
Difficulty:Â rare to medium well
Activities:Â hiking | trail running | leashed dogs | mountain biking
Parking: 2 medium parking lot
Restrooms: port-o-potty
Website: glenroypreserve.org
Upper Octorara Loop | 3 mile semi-loop | yellow blaze medium rare/medium | 1 to 2 hours
This trail starts north of the parking lot and follows the Octorara Creek for while before it heads in opposite directions to form it's loop. There is a slight incline with either direction that you take. The trail then runs along a farm field as it skirts the woods.
Lower Octorara Loop | 2 mile loop | orange blaze
medium/medium well | 40-80 minutes
This trail starts south of the parking lot and goes under the bridge. The trail follows the Octorara Creek for awhile and then heads uphill along the powerline clearing. The trail skirts a farm filed and then ducks into the woods before heading downhill. At the bottom of the hill there is pond and then you will pass through the most amazing wildflower meadow. It's truly a site to behold! There are several stream crossings throughout the trail which may be difficult in rainy weather. You also get a lot of road noise at the beginning and end of the trail.
Tiger Trail | 1 mile point to point | red blaze medium | 20-40 minutes
This trail takes you through the woods in the middle of the preserve and around grassy meadows. It begins and ends at the Upper Octorara Trial (yellow). It forms a loop if used in conjunction with the yellow trail.
Blackburn Run | .8 miles point to point | blue blaze medium | 15-30 minutes
This trail follows along Blackburn Run and passes by pollinator fields. It connects with the Upper Octorara Trail (yellow) and Bamboo Hollow (green). There are several stream crossings that can be difficult if the water is high.
Bamboo Hollow | .5 miles point to point | green blaze
rare/medium rare | 10-20 minutes
This is a short trail the diverts off of the Upper Octorara Loop (yellow) and back again. The highlight of this trail is the bamboo hollow itself. It's a tunnel through very dense bamboo that completely blocks out the sunlight. It's like entering another realm.
Turkey Roost | .6 miles point to point | white blaze
medium well | 12-24 minutes
This trail connects at 3 different points to the Lower Octoraro Trail (orange).On the hilltop along the orange trail where the Turkey Roast connects there is a small pavilion and picnic table.
Directions:
From Lancaster take US -222 S to PA-272 S through Willow Street for 15 miles
Turn Left to continue on PA-272 S
After 6.7 miles the Preserve will be on the Left after crossing a bridge.
Nearby Trails:
