The Great Outdoors, Right Here

More people are turning to nature to support physical, mental and emotional well-being. Time outside is increasingly seen not as a luxury, but a necessity, offering space to move, breathe and reset.

Yet many still assume meaningful outdoor experiences require a long drive or a weekend getaway. In reality, some of the region’s most inspiring natural landscapes are right here at home—protected and open for everyone to enjoy. Trails, streams, forests and overlooks across the area offer easy ways to step outside and reconnect with the natural world.

More Than Scenic Views: Why Protected Land Matters

At the heart of these landscapes is the Lancaster Conservancy, an accredited nonprofit land trust dedicated to protecting and restoring natural lands.

Founded in 1969 by local anglers, hunters and naturalists, the Conservancy has protected more than 11,000 acres across Lancaster County and along the Susquehanna River in York County. Its mission extends beyond scenic preservation, supporting clean water, clean air, healthy forests, wildlife habitat and overall quality of life. It also partners with other nonprofit organizations and government entities to advance this work.

Every trail walked, stream crossed and wildflower meadow enjoyed exists because of long-term conservation efforts. Through land protection, restoration and stewardship, the organization ensures these spaces remain healthy and accessible for future generations.

The Region’s Outdoor Escape

The Conservancy manages more than 50 nature preserves and more than 60 miles of publicly accessible trails, open free of charge from dawn to dusk year-round.

Across this network of protected lands, visitors encounter a wide variety of natural settings, from forested hillsides and open meadows to stream corridors and river views. Each preserve reflects a different side of the region’s landscape, shaped by its unique ecological features.

Visitors can hike wooded trails, observe wildlife, photograph scenery, fish in designated areas, journal in nature or simply enjoy quiet reflection. Birdwatching is especially popular, with diverse habitats supporting both seasonal migration and year-round species.

These preserves are designed to balance public access with ecological protection, allowing people to experience nature while preserving sensitive habitats. Select preserves, including Clark Nature Preserve, Mill Creek Falls Nature Preserve and Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve, also feature universally accessible trails with more even surfaces and minimal elevation change, designed to support visitors using wheelchairs, walkers, strollers or other mobility devices, as well as those with mobility concerns.

Five Preserves Worth Exploring

Clark Nature Preserve offers scenic river views and dramatic landscapes shaped by forests, meadows and streams in a sweeping Susquehanna River valley setting.

High Family Nature Preserve provides opportunities to experience diverse habitats, including forest, field and wetland environments, with a stream running through the property that adds to its natural variety.

Kellys Run Nature Preserve is a beloved hiking destination known for wooded trails, stream crossings and rugged natural beauty within a classic river hills landscape.

Mill Creek Falls Nature Preserve features a hidden waterfall experience, where a forested stream corridor creates a quiet and immersive natural escape.

Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve is considered one of the region’s most unique ecological treasures, offering a forested preserve with expansive views and notable biodiversity.   

Good Vibes for Every Season

The Conservancy’s preserves take on a different character as the seasons change, with year-round public access allowing visitors to return again and again to experience the evolving landscapes and reconnect with nature.

Spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds returning through the region. Summer offers shaded trails, cool streams and long days well-suited for time outdoors with family and friends. Fall draws visitors with vibrant foliage and ideal hiking conditions. Winter offers a quieter setting, where snow-dusted landscapes, animal tracks and stillness reveal a different side of the land.

Beyond Hiking: Ways to Get Involved

The Conservancy offers year-round educational programming that invites learners of all ages, from school-age children to adults, to get outdoors and engage with conservation through hands-on and field-based learning experiences.

Annual events such as Lancaster Water Week in June and Trail Fest in September bring people together to explore local landscapes through guided outings, educational programming and community events that highlight the region’s natural resources and encourage connection to nature.

Volunteer opportunities also play an important role in the Conservancy’s work, offering community members a chance to get outside, give back and support the care of protected natural lands. Through active involvement, volunteers help strengthen long-term stewardship of these landscapes.

Participation can be as simple as attending a community program or spending time on a preserve trail, strengthening the ongoing connection between people and nature.

A Gift for This Generation—and the Next

Conservation is ultimately about creating places where people and nature can thrive together. Through protection, restoration and public access, the Conservancy ensures these landscapes remain healthy, accessible and resilient.

These preserved lands provide opportunities for adventure, reflection, recreation and connection while helping to protect clean water, air quality and biodiversity across the region.

Readers are encouraged to visit a preserve they have not yet explored and discover firsthand what makes these protected natural spaces so valuable.

For trail maps, preserve information, volunteer opportunities, educational programs and upcoming events, visit LancasterConservancy.org.