Shenk's Ferry Wildflower Preserve

Shenk's Ferry Wildlife Preserve is one of the most impressive wildflower areas in the eastern United States and certainly one of the most popular natural locations in Lancaster County. PPL takes pride in preserving the glen as a wildflower sanctuary.

Located just north of Pequea along the Susquehanna River in southern Lancaster County, the 50-acre glen surrounds Grubb Run off of Green Hill Road. 

The main wildflower trail is approximately 1 mile long and follows Grubb Run along easy walking path on fairly flat terrain.

At least 73 species of flowers bloom from mid-March until the end of May. More than 60 other species of flowers bloom during the summer and fall. Some of the more common flowers include Dutchman's breeches, wild geranium, wild ginger, Virginia bluebells, mayapple, trillium and spring beauty.

Shenk’s Ferry Wildflower Preserve is open to the public each day from dawn to dusk. Please stay on the trails and help us preserve the area for future generations.

For a map showing how to get there, click here.

To view or print a Shenk's Ferry Preserve Brochure, click here.

Directions:

From Lancaster:
Take New Danville Pike to Conestoga, veer left onto River Corner Road at the post office. After 1.3 miles you will come to River Road. Go straight across River Road to Shenk’s Ferry Road. Turn left at Green Hill Road. Follow this road through the tunnel and bear left 200 feet past the tunnel. The trailhead is located next to Grubb Run.

From York, Wrightsville and Columbia:
Take Route 30 east to Route 441 south. Route 441 south becomes River Road at Washington Borough. Follow River Road all the way to the Safe Harbor Power Plant entrance. Continue on River Road and take the second right-hand turn, 2 miles after the plant entrance, onto Shenk’s Ferry Road. Turn left at Green Hill Road. Follow this road through the tunnel and bear left 200 feet past the tunnel. The trailhead is located next to Grubb Run.

Approaching from the south:
From Route 372 (southern end of the Holtwood Environmental Preserve) take River Road north on the Lancaster County side. At the intersection of Route 324, turn left and travel over the Pequea Creek, and make an immediate right after the bridge onto River Road. Continue 2 miles and turn left onto Shenk's Ferry Road. (Note: PPL directional signs). Turn left at Green Hill Road. Follow this road through the tunnel and bear left 200 feet past the tunnel. The trailhead is located next to Grubb Run.

Note: Entrance from the south using Green Hill Road, off River Hill Road is for 4-wheeled vehicles access only. Parking is very limited in the glen, please use caution in peak periods for pedestrians on the township road.