FINDING FALLING WATER

Recently, James and I spent a beautiful afternoon motorcycling along River Road near the Susquehanna River. We were searching for the Kelly’s Run Trail, a roughly four-mile walk through Rhododendron-covered, new-growth forest along delightful Kelly’s Run. We had last hiked the trail almost 30 years ago when our children were young but had not been back since. Now, with a rare, free afternoon, blue skies and sunshine, adventure called and we answered.

When we arrived at the trailhead, we were greeted by one of the rangers of the Lancaster County Conservancy. She told us about the trail just ahead of us and about other hiking trails and nature preserves managed by the Conservancy. We were amazed to learn that there are over 45 nature preserves in western Lancaster and eastern York County, Central Pennsylvania. Of these, over 20 have established parking lots and trails, and provide the best opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and bird watching.

We were pleased to know that this organization has been gradually taking on management of some of Lancaster and York Counties’ wilder areas with the intent to make natural beauty more accessible to the public. Please visit the website to learn more about these fabulous places: https://www.lancasterconservancy.org/

Then, when adventure beckons, be sure to respond! You’ll be glad you did!

Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& local adventure seeker)