Shenk’s Ferry is one of the best wildflower preserves in the state, with over 70 wildflower species situated in tranquil ravine near the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, PA
Shenk’s Ferry Preserve is a popular destination for photographers, flower aficionados, birders, and nature lovers. The 1.7 mile out and back trail is relatively flat and smooth making it an easy walk. Although short, the trail is packed with wildflowers on both sides and follows a tranquil stream through the ravine. Be sure to check out the video at the bottom of the post.
Shenk’s Ferry Preserve is located along Susquehanna River between Safe Harbor to the north and Pequea Creek to the south, and adjacent to the Enola Low Grade Trail as it curves inland from the Susquehanna. Shenk’s Ferry is accessed by a gravel road a little less than half a mile long. We first visited Shenk’s Ferry years ago, shortly after it was acquired by the Lancaster County Conservancy, and at the time the gravel road was pocked with tire-devouring potholes and washouts. Now the road and preserve are well maintained and very popular. The gravel parking lot serves both the wildflower preserve and excellent rock-climbing cliffs along the railroad just north of the preserve. Both draw visitors from far and wide.
From the parking lot the trail runs in a narrow passage between a rail embankment to the right and cliffs to the left. Red columbine flourishes clinging to the rocky outcroppings. After about a quarter mile the trail curves into a ravine and follows the Susquehanna tributary, Grubb’s Run.
Clumps of milky white Susquehanna trillium and intricately striped spring beauty caught our eye.
The idyllic trail through the ravine is blanketed on either side with lush greenery accented with the lavender and blue of phlox and Virginia bluebell. The gentle flow of the stream and bird songs provided a fittingly serene soundtrack. Join us in the video at the end of the post.
Pink geraniums scattered along the trail accent the verdant Shenk’s Ferry landscape.
The trail splits just before a small wooden bridge. We ventured down a side trail to explore the ruins of a stone bridge pictured to the right in the photo below.
Back on the trail we found more wildflower varieties in bloom.
Venturing down another side trail we discovered this small cascade sliding over a rock slab. You can listen to it in the video at the end of the post.
The Shenk’s Ferry trail terminates at this old stone and brick-lined culvert where Grubb’s Run passes under the Enola Low Grade Trail.
We backtracked to the small wooden bridge. Rather than returning the way we came, we took the trail leading north along a small stream. After about a quarter of a mile the trail connected with the Enola Low Grade Trail. In few minutes’ walk west, we descended the embankment on a clearly marked packed earth trail leading to the gravel road we drove in on. After passing through the culvert and walking another few minutes on the gravel road we returned to the parking lot where we started.
Come along with us as we explore Shenk’s Ferry Preserve on this video:
Overall the route we took was 1.7 miles.
Parking is at: 39.90595, -76.36783.
Shenk’s Ferry Preserve’s popularity and reputation are well deserved. If you go on a weekend in the early spring around peak bloom time, expect company. The wildflowers are the stars of the show, and rightly so, but I was happily surprised by how scenic the greenery blanketing the landscape was. The old stone and brick culverts add to the charm. The abundance and variety of wildflowers plus the setting in a ravine along the gently flowing Grubb’s Run make Shenk’s Ferry a worthy destination for your next adventure. Because Shenk’s Ferry is home to such a large variety of wildflowers with different bloom periods, you can go multiple times throughout the season and have a different experience each time.
Also, be sure to check out our other adventures.
