Middle Creek Wildlife Management
Updated: Oct 21
100 Museum Rd. | Clay Township
Middle Creek Wildlife Management is a 6,254 acre preserve that is a prime destination for wildlife and was built especially for water fowl. Seasonally, the lakes in the reserve will get up to 100,000 migrating snow geese. There are 12 hiking trails throughout the property that offer a variety of terrains and plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in nature.
The trails are of varying length and difficulty. Many of the trials connect to one another, so you are able to create different adventures every time you go. Quite a few trails are in wooded areas and are well shaded, but some leave you exposed to the sun. There are wooden planks in some muddy areas and bridges crossing over water. In several spots there are ruins of old buildings that are fun to explore. For kids who like to creek stomp there is plenty of opportunities along several of the trails.
Distance: 10 miles of trails
Terrain: dirt | gravel | rocks | water | wood planks | wooded
Difficulty: Rare to Well
Activities: Hiking | Jogging | Creek Stomping | Trail Running | Biking | Leashed Dogs
Website: pgc.pa.gov
1. Willow Point | .4 miles point to point
Rare | 10-15 min
This trail is located above the lake on Kleinfelterville Rd. It is a paved path that leads to a lakeside vista to view water fowl. Closed during waterfowl hunting days.
2. Conservation Trail | 1.4 miles loop
Medium | 30 min-1 hour
This trail is located behind the visitor center. It starts in a mowed meadow that if full of wildflowers in the summer. At the top of the hill is a beautiful view of the lake. It then cuts into the forest and takes you across boardwalks through the wetlands. There is some slight elevation gain on this trail.
3. Spicebush | .6 miles loops
Medium | 10-20 min
To get to this trail turn left before the visitor center or turn onto Laurel Dr. before main entrance. Trail goes through forest and wetland and follows a small stream. Large sections of this trail are on boardwalks to keep you out of the mud.
4. Explorer Trail | .4 miles point to point
Medium Rare | 10-15 min
This trail connects the Valley View and the Elder's Run Trails. There is a a slight incline, but it is mostly level.
5. Valley View Trail | 1.2 mile loop
Medium Well | 30-60 min
This trail and connects to the Spicebush Trail at 2 different sections and then crosses over the road and across the Exlplorer Trail before the steep switchback to the overlook.
5a. Valley View Trail Spur | .2 mile point to point Medium | 5-10 min This spur connects the Valley View Trail to the Horseshoe Trail.
6. Elder Run Trail | 1.3 miles
Medium Well | 45 min-1 ½ hrs
Turn left before the visitor center or turn onto Laurel Dr. before main entrance.
This partially wooded hike follows an old road up a ridge and crosses over the Horseshoe Trail and meets the Middle Creek Trail on the southern end. Be sure to look for the old homestead, which includes a cold cellar and a fireplace, tucked into the woods along this trail. This trail is also open to bicycles and horses.
7. Middle Creek Trail | 1.1 miles point to point
Medium | 20-40 min
This trail that is in the southern end of the preserve follows an abandoned trolley line along Middle Creek stream Access this trail via the Elder Run Trail or the Explorer Trail.
8. Deer Path Trail | .3 miles point to point
Medium Rare | 5-10 min
Turn Right onto Millstone Rd. off of Kleinfeltersville Rd. to reach the parking area for this hike. This hike takes you through a wet woodland and offers several lookouts over the lake. There are also picnic areas on either end of the hike.
9. Millstone Trail | .9 mile loop
Medium Well | 20-40 min
Turn Right onto Millstone Rd. off of Kleinfeltersville Rd. to reach the parking area for this hike. Use the second parking area to access this hike. This is a very steep loop that has a lookout at the top.
9a. Millstone Trail Spur | .1 mile point to point
Medium | 2-4 min
This spur connects the Millstone Trail to the Horseshoe Trail
10. Horseshoe Trail | 6.8 miles point to point
Well | 2 hrs 20 min to 4 hrs 40 min
This trail starts at Valley Forge National Historic Park and ends at the Appalachian Trail north of Hershey. You can access this part of the trail via the Elders Run Trail, the Middle Creek Trail, the Valley View Trail or the Millstone trail. This trail is also open to bicycles and horses.
Directions:
From Lancaster City take 222 N toward Ephrata/ Reading
Exit PA 772 toward Brownstown/ Rothsville
Right on PA 772/ N State St.
Bear right onto E. Newport Rd.
Right onto Clay Rd.
Keep left to stay on Clay Rd. Then turn right to stay on Clay Rd.
Left on US 322W/W. Main St. Then immediately turn right to stay on Clay St.
Bear Right onto Hopeland Rd.
Bear left onto Klienfelterville Rd.
Left onto Museum Rd.
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