Ray’s Woods, in Providence Township, affords visitors a chance to
look at Lancaster County from one of its highest spots –
about 600 feet above Lancaster City. Cache is an ammo
can.
While the 46-acre tract once was logged and few trees have
diameters greater than 12 inches, it has a beautiful fern
understory and is an excellent habitat for deer and other woodland
critters. Spring wildflowers bloom about a week later in Ray’s
Woods (early May) and are a little sparse because of the shortage
of water.
Ray's Woods is a 52.7 acre nature preserve comprised of mature
forested areas, early succesional forested areas and the stream
corridor for a tributary of Trout Run. It is also excellent habitat
for a variety of wildlife. A trail starts at the parking lot by
Laurel Drive and continues down the hillside before it loops back.
For more information on what you'll see at the preserve,
as well as a trail map, visit:
LCC
Directions to Ray's Woods Nature Preserve:
Take PA Route 272 South (the Willow Street Pike) out of
Lancaster City and Willow Street. Continue south toward the Buck.
When the split highway becomes two lanes (now the road is known as
Lancaster Pike), continue south past the WDAC-FM radio station
which will be on your left. At the top of the hill, turn right on
to Truce Road. Head west on Truce Road until you reach the stop
sign at the intersection at the village of Rawlinsville. Turn right
on to Rawlinsville Road. Head north on Rawlinsville Road. The first
right-hand turn you can take is Laurel Drive. Be careful not to
miss it because the road is somewhat hidden by the trees. Turn
right on to Laurel Drive and proceed to the end of the road which
is a dead end. Look for The Conservancy's sign indicating the
nature preserve. Park in the cul-de-sac.