This Little Known Trail In Pennsylvania Is Perfect For Finding Loads Of Wildflowers
We’ve all heard that tattered but true saying “stop and smell the flowers.” When is the last time you actually did that? A journey along this trail in Pennsylvania offers the opportunity to breathe in the fresh air, smell the colorful wildflowers, and reconnect with nature. While the trail is open all year, make sure you plan a visit when the flowers begin to blossom.
Considered by many locals a hidden gem, Stroud Preserve in West Chester encompasses 571 gorgeous acres, brimming with such natural beauty as grasslands, woodlands, and wildflowers.
The preserve has a sizeable parking lot, which can get full. However, even when the trails are busy, you’ll still be able to enjoy the quiet and even some solitude.
One of the best ways to explore this natural wonder in Pennsylvania is on the Stroud Preserve Red Trail, a 4.1-mile trail that usually takes around 90 minutes to complete.
However, the picturesque path scores a moderate rating, predominately due to the terrain, which can get quite muddy. The trail is popular with hikers and horseback riders, so be prepared for some muddy holes along the way.
Popular with hikers with children and dogs, the trail scores top marks from visitors for being well-maintained. Even though the red trail is marked as moderate, numerous hikers label it family and kid-friendly.
While a visit in all seasons – you can even go snowshoeing in the winter – is a must, make sure you visit during the warmer months, so you can admire the spectacular array of wildflowers.
Spring months are typically the wettest at the preserve, so wear boots or shoes you don’t mind getting wet and dirty.
The terrain varies from rolling hills and open fields to wooded areas, offering enough of a change to keep things interesting. You might even spot wildlife, like deer, along the way.
Have you followed this trail in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience (and any advice you might have for other hikers) in the comments. If you’re up for an adventure that includes a stop at Stroud Preserve, set off on this scenic drive in Pennsylvania.
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Address: Natural Lands' Stroud Preserve, 454 N Creek Rd, West Chester, PA 19382, USA
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