The best walks and hikes around Brickerville

The Elder Run Loop offers a delightful journey through varied terrain, starting with wooden planks along the swift-moving Middle Creek and transitioning to a logging road. You'll wander through the shade of tall trees like oak and American beech, spotting diverse ferns and mosses, before encountering stony and rocky sections with moderate inclines. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, combining forest paths with glimpses of historical ruins.

This easy 2.4-mile (3.9 km) hike, with a gentle 365 feet (111 metres) of elevation gain, takes just over an hour to complete, making it ideal for a quick nature escape. Parking is readily available at the trailhead within the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. For the most comfortable experience, especially if you prefer firmer ground, consider visiting during colder months when the earth is frozen, as some parts can get muddy.

Beyond its natural charm, the trail holds a fascinating historical secret: the Ruins along Elder's Run Trail. Here, you can explore the remnants of an old homestead, complete with a large fireplace, outbuildings, and a functioning stone springhouse dating back to the 1930s. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers, especially during the annual snow goose migration from mid-February to early March, offering chances to spot a variety of migratory birds and local woodpeckers.

This easy 2.6-mile (4.2 km) hike on the Horseshoe Trail, from Furnace Hill Pike to Seglock Road, is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature without committing to a full-day trek. With a manageable 254 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, it's perfect for a refreshing outing. You'll experience a delightful blend of rocky singletrack, gravel paths, and old furnace roads, winding through woodlands and past a scenic River Crossing. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as the route skirts the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, known for its diverse bird species and deer.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is clearly marked with yellow blazes and is open to hikers, equestrians, and dogs. If you're hiking during hunting season, remember to wear blaze orange for safety, as parts of the trail cross game lands. While specific parking details aren't provided, both Furnace Hill Pike and Seglock Road offer convenient access points to this segment.

This particular section is part of the much longer 140-mile historic Horseshoe Trail, which once served the iron industry. Its passage through the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area makes it a prime spot for birdwatching, with opportunities to see snow geese, tundra swans, and even bald eagles. The blend of natural beauty and historical significance makes this a unique and rewarding experience in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The Conestoga Trail's section around Speedwell Forge Lake offers an easy and scenic hiking experience, perfect for a quick escape into nature. This 1.0-mile (1.6 km) route, with a gentle 45 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 25 minutes to complete. You'll wander through upland woods and wetlands, enjoying picturesque views of the 106-acre lake and spotting diverse wildlife, including numerous songbirds and woodland wildflowers in spring.

This accessible trail is ideal for families or anyone looking for a relaxed outing. Parking is generally available near the lake, and the best time to hike for wildflowers is from mid-April to mid-May. Keep an ear out for the unique sound of wolves howling from the nearby Wolf Sanctuary of PA, especially as evening approaches.

Beyond its natural beauty, the area holds historical significance, being near the site of the 1760 Speedwell Forge ironworks, with the restored iron master's mansion still standing. This segment is part of the much longer Conestoga Trail System, but this particular section stands out as an easy, high-reward option within Speedwell Forge County Park, offering a glimpse into Lancaster County's natural and historical landscape.

The Eagle Rock from Furnace Hills Road trail offers a surprisingly engaging experience for its short length. You'll navigate a path that can be rooty and leaf-covered, with small wooden steps aiding your ascent through beautiful forest. The journey culminates at Eagle Rock, a prominent pile of conglomerate rocks that serves as a lookout point, providing rewarding views of the surrounding valley.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as no permits or fees are required for this hike in State Game Lands 156. Just remember to keep your dog on a leash if you bring them along. The trail is accessible throughout the year, with winter offering a unique, snow-covered landscape for those brave enough to venture out.

Despite its easy rating, the consistent uphill climb of 364 feet (111 metres) over 1.2 miles (2.0 km) in about 36 minutes makes it feel more like a moderate effort. Eagle Rock is notable as the fifth-highest peak in Lancaster County, and from its summit, you can continue onto the Horseshoe Trail for longer hiking options.