Planning Your Hike
Moderate. Multiple loops possible. A loop trail begins at the parking lot on House Rock Road and circles the property. This trail connects with the Conestoga Trail near the Susquehanna River. A short walk north on the Conestoga Trail leads to the House Rock overlook and a magnificent vista of the unspoiled lower river gorge.
Ecology and Management
Reed Run is managed for its passive recreation as being of highest and best use.
Reed Run consist of a mix of field and forest habitats. Large areas of Reed Run are being reforested through the Conservancy’s efforts within the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). A diverse array of native tree species has been planted into former agricultural lands to help establish greater headwaters protections.
A magnificent stand of umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripetala) is present in the lower reaches of Reed Run. This small deciduous open-crowned tree is at its northern limit here. Growing to no more than 40 feet, it has a very large and showy flower, with creamy white inner petals (3-5 inches), and outer petals of greenish white openings with the large leaves that appear in umbrella-like formations.
Watershed
Two beautiful river hills streams, tiny Brubaker Run and the larger Reed Run, flow through the woods of the preserve, with many waterfalls as the streams descend to the Susquehanna River.
Hunting Information
Reed Run is open to Mixed-Use Hunting. Respect property boundaries and safety zones. No hunting in grass meadow! All Pennsylvania Game Commission Rules and Regulations apply. See ‘Where to Hunt’ for more details.
Report Hunting Violations: PA Game Commission at 888-742-8001 or 610-926-3136
Acquisition History
The Conservancy acquired the land that makes up Reed Run Nature Preserve at a public auction in 2003 with funding from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Community Parks Initiative of Lancaster County.
Address
366 House Rock Road, Pequea PA 17565
Amenities
Extremely limited parking. Preserve sign. Kiosk. Trails.