This beautiful ravine is well known to nature-lovers and biologists, and is a favorite destination for field trips from local schools and colleges. The heavily wooded glen has almost everything a naturalist would want to preserve: a well-named stream whose clear water tumbles along a fairly steep gradient with pools along its length. Tall, mature trees shade the stream; stands along the hillsides are varied and impressive.
Trout Run is a 198 acre nature preserve comprised of mature forested areas and the Trout Run stream corridor. There is a heavily wooded ravine with more than 12 species of ferns, a colorful palette of spring-blooming wildflowers and other lush foliage that line the footpaths near Trout Run, which flows into the Pequea Creek. The nearby Susquehanna River is a major draw for migratory birds so it is little wonder that it is a known nesting area for Louisiana water thrush, as well as warblers and woodland bird species. A trail overlooks the stream for the entire length of the property. There is also a trail that branches right along with the branching of the stream.
For more information on what you'll see at the preserve, as well as a trail map, visit: Lancaster Conservancy: Trout Run
Directions to The Trout Run Nature Preserve Stump Road parking:
From Lancaster City, take PA Route 272 South, (Willow Street Pike/Lancaster Pike), toward Willow Street. Continue South on PA Route 272 to Smithville. Turn right on Pennsy Road (just past Frey's Evergreen Plantation on the left and before the large stone arch railroad bridge over the highway). Follow Pennsy Road for approximately one mile, then turn left on Kreider Road. At the stop sign, proceed straight, crossing over a bridge spanning the old low grade rail line. At the next intersection, bear right on Rawlinsville Road. Follow Rawlinsville Road for approximately one mile, then turn right at the fork on to Stump Road. Follow Stump Road for approximately one and a quarter miles. The lot will be on your left and is well marked. The trailhead starts further down Stump Road on the right. It is an old road next to a large Steinman Run Nature Preserve sign.