OUTSIDE OF LANCASTER COUNTY 318 Telegraph Rd. | Lower Chanceford Township | York County
Mill Creek Falls Nature Preserve is a picture perfect hiking spot. There are 2 lovely trails to hike. The first is a universally accessible trail with crushed stone that takes you through the woods and allows those with mobility issues to enjoy nature. The second is a slightly more rugged trail that takes you into the gorge along Mill Creek eventually connecting to the Mason Dixon Trail at Mill Creek Falls. Both trails are a beautiful escape into nature.
The preserve is managed by The Lancaster Conservancy, who out bid a developer when the property went up for sale in 2021, saving this amazing piece of nature for all of us to enjoy. The preserve was previously Camp Donegal, a Presbyterian children's camp and Mill Creek Retreat before the conservancy purchased the property. Remnants of the old camp are still there, like cabins, a pavilion and a swimming pool.
Distance: 2.7 miles of trails
Time: 1-2 hours
Terrain: dirt | rocks | wooded | gravel
Difficulty: rare to medium
Activities: hiking | trail running | leashed dogs | wheelchairs | strollers
Trail Blaze: red
Parking: large parking lot
Restrooms: port-o-potty
Website: lancasterconservancy.org
Universally Accessible Lollipop Trail | 1 mile semi-loop rare | 20-40 minutes
The trail starts at the far end of the parking lot. This crushed gravel trail is very level and well shaded. It's an easy semi-loop if you are looking for a nice walk in the woods. Keep an eye out for the pawpaw trees in September. Strollers, wheelchairs, or other mobility devices are permitted but bicycles, horses and ATVs are not.
Mill Creek Falls Trail | 1.4 miles out and back medium | 30-60 minutes
This trail veers off to the left a few hundred feet after you start the Universally Accessible Trail. The trail gradually takes you downhill and along the upper falls of Mill Creek. This is a fairly easy trail to navigate, it only becomes difficult if you want to cross the creek to see the 10-ft falls along the Mason Dixon Trail. Which I defiantly recommend. It's only a .3 mile hike to the falls after you cross the creek. This is a beautiful trail along the creek with mossy rock, mature trees and thick rhododendron.
Directions:
From Lancaster take PA-272 S through Willow Street
Turn Right onto PA-372 West at the Buck
Continue along PA-372 after crossing the Norman Wood Bridge
Turn Right onto Slab Rd.
Turn Right onto Crowl Rd.
Turn Right onto Telegraph Rd.
The road will dead end at the preserve parking lot
Nearby Hikes:
Mason Dixon Trail