Robert A. Kinsley Nature Preserve

Furnace Rd. | Hellam Township | York County OUTSIDE OF LANCASTER COUNTY

This fantastic preserve is tucked in the Hellam Hills of York County and boosts not one but TWO overlooks! Wildcat Bluff and Buzzards Roast give you amazing view of the Susquehanna River, the town of Marietta and it's surrounding farmland.

It also offers a variety of trails that meander through the woods and alongside the two streams that run through the preserve. There are plenty of cool mossy rocks and tree stumps all along the way to make your hike a beautiful journey in nature.

This preserve is part of the Lancaster Conservancy's Hellam Hills Conservation Area and was recently named in honor of the late York entrepreneurial business leader for his passion for conservation and his love of nature.

There are sections of the Mason Dixon Trail in this preserve that are on the steep side, but over all compared to other parts of the MDT, most of these trails are on the moderate side. It's a beautiful preserve in the fall, with lots of colorful foliage and of course the river views.

Distance: 8.6 miles of trails

Difficulty: Rare- Medium Well

Activities: hiking | trail running | leashed dogs

Parking: Small lot across the street and several spots to park on the shoulder of the road

Restrooms: no

Website: lancasterconservancy.org

Trail Map

Mason Dixon Trail | 5.3 miles point to point | blue blaze

Medium- Well Done | 1 hr 45 min- 3hrs 30 min

The majority of trail miles in the preserve are part of the Mason Dixon Trail. From the west it connects from Riverlands State Park and follows Wildcat Run until it takes you to Wildcat Bluff, which offers an amazing view of the Susquehanna River. This section of the trail is fairly level and doesn't have too many obstacles. The trail then turns and heads uphill until you reach Buzzards Roast. This gives you a higher vantage point than Wildcat and has not only view of the River but a beautiful view of the Lancaster County farmland.

The trail then heads back downhill though a rocky steep section. After crossing over the Green Trail, you will come to a little bridge over Dugan Run and then a section with young trees and moss covered rocks. This section feels different, almost enchanted. I really loved it!

You then go down a very steep hill and head towards River Dr. passed a house with what looks like a bunker (mental note for the apocalypse). This is the border of the preserve, but the Mason Dixon Trail continues along the road heading south.

Philip R. Wenger Trail | 1 mile point to point | yellow blaze Medium Rare | 20-40 minutes

This trail starts after the gated fence on the gravel road that intersects with Furnace Rd. It is out in the open for a while and then heads into the woods and takes you to Buzzards Roast, an amazing overlook with views of the Susquehanna and the town of Marietta. Be sure not to miss the fairy house in one of the trees along the trail.

Green Trail | .7 mile point to point

Medium Rare | 15-30 minutes

This trail continues along the gravel road when the yellow trail heads into the woods. It does turn into the wood briefly to intersect with the Mason Dixon Trail. There is a slight incline, but no real obstacles. It is a nice shortcut options if you don't want to backtrack on the Mason Dixon Trail.

Red Trail | 1 mile point to point

Medium | 20-40 minutes

This trail intersects with the Philip R. Wenger Trail (yellow) and skirts around the base of Buzzards Roast. It's a nice wide trail that gives you views of the river during the winter months.

Purple Connector Trail | .2 mile point to point

Medium Rare | 5-10 min This short trail connects the blue Mason Dixon Trail and the Orange Trail. It cuts through a meadow that has an abundance of pawpaw trees and then heads into the woods.

Orange Trail | .7 mile point to point Medium Rare | 15- 30 minutes

This trail cuts into the woods off of the Philip R. Wenger Trail (yellow) and where the green trail begins. It then connects with the Mason Dixon Trail before it exits the preserve.

Directions: From Lancaster take US-30 W, crossing over the Susquehanna into York County.

Exit on Cool Springs Rd. in Hellam Township and turn Right.

Continue Left onto Dark Hollow Rd.

Turn Left onto Hauser School Rd.

Turn Left onto Accomac Rd.

Then a quick Right onto Furnace Rd.

Turn Left onto Chimney Rock Rd.

There is a small lot at the intersection. The gated preserve entrance is across the street.

Continue down Furnace Rd.

Turn Right onto River Dr.

Shoulder parking is available on River Dr. and you can enter the preserve along that shoulder.

Nearby Trails: