Overview

A nationally recognized wildflower preserve, networks of hiking trails and a museum of Native American artifacts — these are just some of the highlights of PPL's Holtwood Environmental Preserve. Holtwood offers year-round opportunities for recreation and the enjoyment of nature's wonders.

Camping. Two campgrounds provide more than 150 campsites in wooded settings.

Boating, fishing and hunting. The 2,400-acre Lake Aldred and the hillsides beyond are popular for outdoor pastimes such as boating, water-skiing, fishing and hunting.

Hiking. Thirty-nine miles of hiking trails around Lake Aldred lead to scenic overlooks of the Susquehanna River, historic sites and woodlands unique for their forest growth. Birdwatchers will see migrating warblers in early spring, nesting bald eagles and ospreys in late spring and herons on the river in August. Shenk's Ferry Wildflower Preserve is known nationally for its large variety of spring woodland flowers.

Enjoying our heritage. Take a glimpse of Native American life at the Indian Steps Museum or the explore traces of the nation's early industrial era at the Lock 12 Historic Area.

Picnicking. Picnic tables are available at Holtwood, Pequea Creek and Otter Creek recreation areas; Lock 12 Historic Area; and Face Rock and Pinnacle overlooks. Two group pavilions at the Holtwood Recreation Area seat 50 persons each. Make reservations by calling the Holtwood Environmental Preserve at 1-800-354-8383 or by writing to pplpreserves@pplweb.com. A similar pavilion at Pequea Creek Recreation Area can be reserved through the Pequea director. These pavilions have electrical outlets. The Holtwood Recreation Area, for day-use only, features playground equipment and two baseball diamonds. Pavilion reservations must be received 5 business days prior to the date the pavilion is required. Payment is non-refundable and must be received by PPL to guarantee a pavilion reservation.

Learning about the environment. Next to Holtwood Recreation Area is an arboretum that has mature, labeled trees commonly found in Lancaster and York counties. An arboretum booklet is available.

Click here to take an online visit to trails and special places at the Holtwood Environmental Preserve.

Attractions nearby. The Pennsylvania Dutch region around the Holtwood Environmental Preserve is rich in history and abounds with old iron furnaces, mills, covered bridges, antique dealers, museums and other points of interest. Additional information is available from:

Pennsylvania Dutch Tourist Bureau
1800 Hempstead Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 717-299-8901

York County Convention and Visitors Bureau
1 Marketway East
York, PA 17402
Phone: 717-848-4000