Ferncliff Wildflower and Wildlife Preserve

For thousands upon thousands of years, the earth was covered in forests. As time progressed, these ancient forests all but disappeared, except for in a few very special places. One of those places is here in Lancaster County, about 35 minutes southwest of After Eight Bed & Breakfast. During your next stay at our historic inn, take some time to explore the Ferncliff Wildflower and Wildlife Preserve for some peaceful respite and a magical journey where the trees are as old as time.

As you wander through Ferncliff's old-growth forest, you'll see hillsides filled with beeches, sugar and red maple, white oak, sycamore, and chestnut, just to name a few. As its name suggests, this small nature preserve erupts with an abundance of wildflowers each spring and is home to unique and rare varieties of stemless violet, putty root and cranefly orchids. Rhododendron and mountain laurel (the state flower) grow throughout the preserve as well, and pawpaw trees bear succulent fruit in the fall.

This scenic, wooded ravine is intersected by Barnes Run, a tributary of the Susquehanna River, making it the perfect habitat for a multitude of birds and other wildlife. In particular, Ferncliff is a favorite spot for observing bald eagles as they soar high above the trees from their nearby nesting and hunting spots along the river.

Managed by the Lancaster Conservancy, Ferncliff is one of only 600 National Natural Landmark sites recognized for their biological and geological resources. Due to this designation, hiking is the only activity permitted in the preserve. The marked out-and-back trails totaling 1.4 miles start with a lovely walk along a babbling stream surrounded by massive trees. Keep going across the stream on the Blue Trail and cross the railroad tracks to see incredible views of the Susquehanna River. The Overlook Trail adds a fairly narrow, challenging climb up the steep ravine and switch back across the riverside ridge, with nature's stunning beauty around every turn.

“To be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring—these are some of the rewards of the simple life.” – John Burroughs

Ferncliff Wildflower and Wildlife Preserve
1650 Benton Hollow Road
Drumore, PA 17518