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. Conservation Trail | 1.4 miles
Medium | 30 min-1 hour
Located behind the visitor center. This trail includes hiking through forest, fields and wetlands.
2. Willow Point | .4 miles
Medium Rare | 10-15 min
Located above the lake on Kleinfelterville Rd. Paved path that leads to a lakeside vista to view water fowl. Closed during waterfowl hunting days.
3. Spicebush | .8 miles
Medium | 15-30 min
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.
4. Forest Demonstration Trail | .4 miles
Rare | 10-15 min
Turn left before the visitor center or turn onto Laurel Dr. before main entrance.
Flat easy walk between Fire Line and /elder's Run Trails.
5. Elder Run Trail | 2.3 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. This trail is also open to bicycles and horses.
6. Middle Creek Trail | 1.3 miles
Medium | 30-50 min
Access this trail via the Elder Run Trail, the Horseshoe Trail or the Volunteer trail.
This wooded trail follows an abandoned trolley line along the Middle Creek stream.
7. Volunteer Trail | .3 miles
Medium Rare | 5-10 min
There is parking for this trail along Kleinfeltersville Rd. or you can access this trail via the Middle Creek Trail, the Fire Line Trail or the Valley View Trail.
This trail is mostly wooded.
8. Fire Line Trail | .3 miles
Rare | 5-10 min
Turn left before the visitor center or turn onto Laurel Dr. before main entrance.
This trail connects the loop for the Valley View Trail and forms a connection for the Volunteer and the Forest Demonstration Trail.
9. Valley View Trail | 1 mile
Medium Well | 20-40 min
Turn left before the visitor center or turn onto Laurel Dr. before main entrance.
This is a steep trail that switchbacks up a ridge. There is a picturesque overlook at the top.
10. Deer Path Trail | .3 miles
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.
11. Millstone | 1 mile
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.
12. Horseshoe Trail | 8.1 miles
Well | 3 to 5 ½ hrs
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 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.