Ferncliff Nature Preserve, in Drumore Township, PA, has been
recognized as a National Natural Landmark because of the
exceptional old growth forest that has been maintained there. The
mile-long dirt road that intersects the wooded ravine of Barnes Run
and takes visitors past giant beech, hemlocks and white oak.
Profuse amounts of ferns and spring wildflowers that carpet this
natural cathedral.
Features include old-growth trees - a 300-year-old red oak may
be seen from a return trail on a ridge. The ravine also has
rhododendron, hemlocks and mountain laurel. An easy trail follows
Barnes Run to the Susquehanna. Return trip can be on ridge trail
through trees. Wildflowers are abundant. Access is from Bald Eagle
Road in Drumore Township.
Henry Huffnagle, a Lancaster urologist, spent his summers at
Ferncliff while he was growing up. Owned by his family since the
1940s, his father used the 75-acre property to teach young Henry
all of the common and Latin names of the plants, flowers and trees
found there. This made a huge impact on Huffnagle's life and
fostered his appreciation of wild places, particularly the
Susquehanna River hills. When his father died, Huffnagle wanted to
preserve the property and decided to donate it to the Lancaster
County Conservancy. It has been under the group's care since the
1970s. Huffnagle is the process of donating two more plots,
equaling 70 acres, to the conservancy, in the Fishing Creek
watershed. "It is a pleasure to know someone is taking care of this
land," Huffnagle said. "There are great educational benefits to be
found on the property and I want the youth to be able to go there
and enjoy it like I did."
Ferncliff Wildflower and Wildlife Preserve, located in southern
Lancaster County’s Drumore Township, is a one of only approximately
600 National Natural Landmark sites, which encourage the
conservation of outstanding examples of our country's natural
history. That’s why hiking is the only permitted activity.
It is a scenic wooded ravine that is a favorite spot for bald
eagles that nest nearby and often are seen soaring above or hunting
for fish. Barnes Run, which flows through the preserve, is a direct
tributary of the Susquehanna River.
Ferncliff also features an old-growth forest including tulip
trees, red, chestnut and white oaks, ironwood and redbuds. It also
contains tons of spring wildflowers, notedly the round-leaved
stemless violet, putty root and cranefly orchis,
NOTE: The Lancaster County Conservancy does
not allow the public to hide geocaches on lands it protects. If you
would like to work with the Conservancy to place additional
geocaches, please contact us at above link