Hike the Conestoga Trail and the Muddy Run Lakeshore Trail
Did you know that Pennsylvania has 650 trails covering 12,000 miles? That's a lot of hikes to choose from! The list of mixed-use trails that traverse through Lancaster County is long, but we have two favorites that we always share with our guests: the Conestoga Trail and the Muddy Run Lakeshore Trail. Each of these scenic trails offers challenging terrain, breathtaking views, and diverse vegetation and wildlife. During your next getaway at After Eight Bed and Breakfast, lace up your hiking shoes and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of these two nearby hiking trails.
The Conestoga Trail is, by far, the longer of the two trails at 63 miles. Developed and maintained by the Lancaster Hiking Club, it runs from the north end of the county where it links with the Horse-Shoe Trail to the southwest where it crosses the Susquehanna River to link with the Mason Dixon Trail. Portions of the trail are strenuous, with steep climbs and stream crossings. But the trail also comes with rewards including five covered bridges, numerous old mills, and scenic vistas of Lancaster County’s rich farmland and the Susquehanna River.
The Conestoga Trail connects to several nature preserves and local parks for even more exploration. One such point along the trail is Kellys Run Nature Preserve in Holtwood. A ravine and a large tributary of Kellys Run create this beautiful hollow that features one of Lancaster County’s few remaining old-growth forests. Inside the 458-acre preserve, a Pollinator Park is in progress that will restore 14 acres of an abandoned community park into pollinator and wildlife habitat. From Kellys Run, hikers can access the Pinnacle Scenic Overlook, renowned for its cliffs and rock outcrops that provide an expansive view of the lower Susquehanna River Valley.
For those seeking a shorter but equally rewarding hiking experience, the Muddy Run Lakeshore Trail is an excellent choice. Located within the Muddy Run Recreation Park in southern Lancaster County, this 3.8-mile loop trail is considered moderately challenging. It takes you around Muddy Run Reservoir, a beautiful 100-acre lake surrounded by an abundance of different scenery. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
One of the unique features of the Muddy Run Lakeshore Trail is its accessibility to other recreational activities at Muddy Run Park. The park itself is 700 acres of woodlands and rolling fields. After your hike, enjoy a picnic by the water's edge, rent a kayak or canoe for a paddle on the water, try your hand at fishing, or play a game of disc golf. The seasonal snack bar is a great place to grab an ice cream cone after your hike. Muddy Run Park is also home to the Ryan Observatory, a public outreach facility centered on the astronomical sciences. Be sure to come back at nighttime to enjoy some guided stargazing under the dark skies.
Add the Conestoga Trail and the Muddy Run Trail to your must-hike list during your next stay at our historic bed-and-breakfast. Both trails provide hikers with an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature — providing the perfect combination of adventure and respite for your Lancaster County getaway.
"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." — John Muir
