This article was supposed to be called “Lancaster’s 5 Best Hiking Trails.” But that felt dishonest, because what I love most about hiking in this county is that there’s a mini-adventure for everyone. Short, intense rock scrambles. Long scenic paths. Quick loops around a lake when you’ve only got an hour. Picking five “best” trails wouldn’t work.
So instead, here are five trails my family and I have enjoyed over the last few years, and I’d love to hear yours. Send me your favorites at editor@lancasterreview.com, and we’ll put together a longer community list.
— Adam
This trail doesn’t feel like it belongs in Lancaster County. Kelly’s Run takes you through a gorge lined with rhododendron, across creek crossings, and up rocky scrambles. When you connect it to the Pinnacle Overlook, you get sweeping views of the Susquehanna from a cliff ledge that feels more Appalachian Trail than southern Lancaster. The hike is short, but tough. It’s best to only bring experienced hikers.
Turkey Hill is the only full-day hike on this list. You start with a ridge trail that climbs along the Susquehanna, and you’re quickly rewarded with great views of the river, an observation deck, and two massive wind turbines. Then you wind through forests, streams, and a wildflower patch. Finally, the trail loops back via the flat Enola Low Grade Rail Trail along the river, which provides a nice cool-down.
This one is a little weird. To get to the white cliffs, you walk about a mile and a half on a flat riverside trail. The cliffs are man-made, the byproduct of a 1800’s limestone quarry, but they are fun to explore, and it feels a little like you’re on the surface of the moon. If that’s not weird enough, the ghost town of Billmyer sits just across the railroad tracks, and you can poke around the ruins.
Lake Grubb is the perfect trail when you only have 45 minutes and just need to be outside. The one-mile loop encircles a lake with an almost mountain-like quality. This one is great for kids of all ages.
Ferncliff is Lancaster County’s only National Natural Landmark. The short out-and-back trail follows Barnes Run through a ravine of old-growth beech and sycamore trees. In spring (soon), the area will be covered in wildflowers that you won’t find on most Lancaster trails. The trail get’s buggy in the summer, but it’s a perfect spring hike.