Shiprock Woods Nature Preserve

Apr 29, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Apr 27

2414 Shiprock Road | West Lampeter Township

This trail is a lovely walk through the woods, tucked into the surrounding farmland. It is part of the Lancaster Conservancy. The forest floor is covered with ferns, and mayapples in the spring, with wildflowers throughout. The trail is shaded and at one point takes you across a small stream, which may be nonexistent, depending on the rainfall. Legend has it that a large flat rock the size of a ship was found in the nearby Pequea Creek giving the woods it's name. Back in the day they must have really liked to name things after big rocks (Shiprock, House Rock, Star Rock). There is an impressive white oak tree at the high point of the trail and the remnants of a fireplace along the trail.

The trail is short but is does have several hills that will get your heart pumping. There are 2 loops in the middle of the preserve that create a figure 8. When you first enter the preserve you will cross over a bridge and walk through a grassy meadow until you reach the woods. Before you reach the first loop there is a spur on the right that takes you out to the neighboring farmland.

this just gives you a pretty view of Lancaster County. The trail ends when you reach the road, where you turn around and back. This is an additional entry into the preserve, but parking is not available here.

Distance: 1.4 miles out and back semi-loops

Time: ½ to 1 hour

Terrain: wooded | dirt | grass | water

Difficulty: Medium

Activities: hiking | trail running | leashed dogs

Trail Marker: Blue

Parking: medium size lot

Restrooms: no

Website: lancasterconservancy.org

Trail Map

Directions:

US-222 S/ Willow Street Pike through Willow Street