Description:

Tucquan Glen is a 338.15 acre nature preserve containing a tributary to the Susquehanna River. This area, located in Martic Township, is one of the most popular natural areas in Lancaster County. The first parcel of the Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve was a 97 acre acquired in 1983. Since that time, the Conservancy has acquired many more parcels to add to the preserve. This is perhaps the most pristine and scenic of the seven ravines which open into the Susquehanna River in this area. A rhododendron and hemlock canopied trail follows Tucquan Creek from River Road to the Susquehanna River. The initial two-thirds of this glen is beautiful and peaceful; the lower glen is wild and rugged. There are two trails that start at their respective parking lots and follow the creek all the way down to the river.

Anyone who has visited the greater Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve, which includes The Pyfer Nature Preserve, would probably agree that it must be the premier natural area in Lancaster County. It is also the most attractive and perhaps the most pristine of the seven ravines or glens which open into the Susquehanna River in this area. The Tucquan Creek and its Clark Run feeder are so clear that they have been designated as wild and scenic Pennsylvania Rivers. Tucquan Glen is lush and green in the spring and summer, colorful in the autumn and beautiful all year round.

A largely-abandoned dirt road and a well-worn trail travel through the heart of the ravine for the better part of a mile. Occasionally the road and the trail run together for short distances, but are generally separate. The hiker may choose either route, but we suggest your taking the trail down to the railroad and returning via the road.

Start your walk at the River Road parking lot nearest the recreational portion of the glen. Walking at a moderate pace you should find the trail is generally easy for the first 20 or 25 minutes. There are a few seepages which could create some minor difficulties. Taking the road is much easier except that it crosses the stream many times so you must be prepared to wade across.

After approximately 30 to 35 minutes of hiking you should see the road (now a path) separate from the trail and gradually climb southwest up to a pinnacle above the river. The trail now crosses the stream, enters a rhododendron thicket (Rhododendron maximum) and continues downward gradually getting more demanding. (Look for the orange slash that indicates this section is part of the Conestoga Trail System). After 35 to 40 minutes of hiking you'll find the stream now rushes headlong into numerous huge boulders and through narrow crevices. The scenery is reminiscent of Rickett's Glen State Park in Sullivan County. The head and consequent energy built up by the stream from this point enticed early entrepreneurs to construct saw mills, grist mills and cider presses in the glen. Walton's mill was closer to the river and Erb's mill was higher up. From 1825 until 1925 one could find mills along the Tucquan although now there is little evidence of these enterprises.

The schist outcroppings which provide the spectacular cliffs above the brook also makes scrambling down the trail arduous. Although the trail becomes increasingly difficult, it is readily passable to careful hikers in good physical condition. After 45-60 minutes you should enter the pebble, rock and log-strewn flat where the river may back up during high water.

Retracing your steps along the trail is an option but it requires more time, stamina and strength than the downward journey. A better choice is to climb onto the railway bed and walk about 50 paces to the west. You should see a steep but easily negotiable path going up to meet the abandoned road. Returning via this smoother route is pleasant and equally scenic, though not at all rugged. It takes 1 and ½ to 2 hours of steady walking to make the round trip although it would be longer during Spring wildflower season or when snow and ice are on the trail.

What is there to see on this perambulation? The initial two thirds of this glen, although beautiful and peaceful, is not particularly different from many of the ravines in the river hills. In April and May at least three dozen common wildflowers, including trilliums, can be seen along the trail and hillsides. Because it is so heavily wooded there is a dearth of summer and fall blossoms. This site, however, is unusually endowed with many and varied pteridophytes. Two dozen species of ferns and fern allies can be found, including three uncommon forms. The rare Bradley's spleenwort (Asplenium Bradleyi), the uncommon mountain spleenwort (Asplenium montanum) and the rare entangled filmy fern (Trichomanes intricatum) can be located by the ardent botanist. The beautiful and delicate northern maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum), the spectacular ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) and the early-appearing rattlesnake fern (Botrychium virginanum) are among the less common ferns which grow abundantly in this refuge.

Animals sighted on the preserve include copperheads, coyote, fox and deer.

The forest canopy in the glen is spectacular with many trees reaching a height of eighty feet or more. About 40 species of trees, including the American basswood or linden (Tilia americana) have been observed. Unlike most tree leaves, those on the basswood are shiny on the underside. The inner bark of the basswood has long tough fibers and was stripped in the spring by local Indians. Rope was made by soaking or by pounding or by simmering in wood ashes. Like today's carvers, the Indians also knew the value of basswood for making ceremonial masks.

Directions to Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve

Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve is located in Martic Township. The main parking lot is on River Road.

From Lancaster City, take PA Route 272 South (Willow Street Pike/Lancaster Pike), toward Willow Street. Continue South on PA Route 272 to Smithville. Turn right on Pensy Road (just past Frey's Evergreen Plantation on the left and before the large stone arch railroad bridge over the highway). Follow Pensy Road for approximately four miles, then at Martic Forge turn left on to River Road. Follow River Road for approximately 3 miles. There are three well marked parking areas, the first two are on the left and the third is on the right a short distance after the second lot.