Turkey Hill Trail - Conestoga, PA - Hiking and walking trailheads on Waymarking.com

The Turkey Hill Preserve is home to the Turkey Hill Overlook Trail, a steep trail going almost straight up the side of the hill but...if you make it...the rewards are so worth it. At the top of the hill, you will have a panoramic view of the Susquehanna River, looking across to York County from a wooden deck containing a NGS marker but almost better than that, you will be right next to the two wind turbines that are normally seen from a much lower vantage point.

Managed by the Lancaster Conservancy, the trail is described on their website (visit link) :
"Spectacular vistas and secluded paths through a deciduous forest. The world’s largest paw paw (Asimina triloba) patch north of the 39th Latitude is along the northern trailhead. Pawpaws have very large elliptical leaves, and short banana-like fruit ripest when black-smudged following a frost. Sassafras trees add yellow, orange, or pink fall color. The trail next enters a grove of oak, maple, and sweet birch. At 25 minutes into the walk, start a 15 minute climb up Turkey Hill in a series of very narrow switchbacks, to panoramic vistas of the Susquehanna River. The white sails of regattas on Lake Clarke can be seen on summer weekends.
Along the summit, the trail splits. Follow the grassy left fork south along a fence line for 20 minutes to a sharp right back into an open forest of large trees, mountain laurel, and scattered rocks. After 5 minutes, a short side trail leads to an excellent vista above a sharp precipice. To the northwest are the Conejohela Flats, a resting area for migratory waterfowl. After another stand of pawpaw, the trail descends through hemlocks to Mann’s Run. A slow ascent follows yellow markers through open woods. Beyond the run, turn sharp right and follow a fence to the hilltop, then a grass trail for 20 minutes to southern trailhead."

The name Turkey Hill came from the original citizens of the area, the Susquehannock Indians who occupied approximately 100 miles along the Susquehanna River. According to a Lancaster History article (visit link) :
"The Susquehannocks were the most numerous tribe that lived here. In 1608, according to Capt. John Smith's narrative, he found them all along the Susquehanna River for 100 miles northward from Chesapeake Bay. They were tall, athletic and courageous. He describes their appearance both with pen and pencil. At one time they could put 600 warriors in the field from their stockaded fort at Turkey Hill, in Manor township. They were unable to adapt themselves to eivilization, and were swept out of existence."

Combining the Turkey Hill Overlook trail with hiking the Enola Low Grade trail which is a rail trail running along the base of Turkey Hill can provide you with hours of hiking enjoyment.

Parking is provided right at the trailhead.

Trailhead/trail website: [Web Link] Trail type: dirt, roots and rocks Parking: Not Listed Trail allowances or restrictions: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   03/08/2024 philflyboy visited it