Planning Your Hike
Park at the Reed Run Nature Preserve parking lot (extremely limited parking) and walk west on House Rock Road. Follow the gravel lane at the end of the cul-de-sac and continue to the kiosk at the end of the hedgerow. From here follow the posts demarcating the Goodno Trail, named in memory of the late Ralph Goodno, former Lancaster Conservancy president. Turn south to stay along the edge of the meadow and enter in the woods. Follow a single path dirt trail, cross House Rock Run, and connect with the Conestoga Trail at the House Rock scenic overlook.
Ecology and Management
House Rock is managed for its passive recreation being of highest and best use.
House Rock is named after the cliff of schist overlooking the Susquehanna River within the wooded edge of the Preserve. Formerly agricultural crop land, House Rock has been managed by a series of partners to revert to natural habitat. As part of the Cooperative Agreement program, PA Game Commission and the National Wild Turkey Federation helped the Conservancy establish native grass meadows. As part of the American Chestnut Foundation’s numerous research plots, two American chestnut groves crossed with Chinese chestnut fill in gaps between woodlands while providing studies for chestnut blight resistance. This mosaic of grasslands, young forest, and more mature forest make ideal habitat for ground-birds and song-birds alike with bird of prey sightings not uncommon.
Watershed
House Rock run drains directly into the Susquehanna River.
Hunting Information
House Rock is open to Mixed-Use Hunting. Respect property boundaries and safety zones. All Pennsylvania Game Commission Rules and Regulations apply. See ‘Where to Hunt’ for more details.
Report Hunting Violations: PA Game Commission at 1-888-742-8001 or 610-926-3136
Acquisition History
This property was acquired in 2006 with funding from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Natural Lands Preservation Fund of Lancaster County.
Address
400 House Rock Road, Pequea PA
Amenities
Extremely limited parking at Reed Run Nature Preserve.