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 two entries into the preserve and both of them can be difficult to find. Both are located on Shiprock Rd. GPS will take you to an unmarked entrance that has a beige and brown brick building. To pick up the trail at this entrance follow the mowed grass and cross over the bridge. If you continue down Shiprock Rd. the second entrance is after a sharp turn in the road. The preserve sign is tucked back a bit. It is right next to an A frame house.
Distance: 1.4 miles in and out figure-8 loop
Time: ½ to 1 hour
Terrain: wooded | dirt | grass | water
Difficulty: Medium
Activities: hiking | trail running | leashed dogs
Trail Marker: Blue
Parking: small lot
Restrooms: no
Website: lancasterconservancy.org
Directions:
US-222 S/ Willow Street Pike through Willow Street
Continue going straight on Willow Street Pike/ US-272 S
Left onto W. Penn Grant Rd.
Right onto Shiprock Rd.
Right at beige and brown brick building to trail head or
After sharp turn preserve sign is on Right beside A frame house