Natural Lands' Crow's Nest Preserve
About the Business
Natural Lands' Crow's Nest Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 201 Piersol Road in Elverson, Pennsylvania, United States. It serves as the gateway to the Hopewell Big Woods, a vast 73,000-acre forest that extends into Berks County. Surrounded by French Creek State Park and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Crow's Nest is part of one of the largest areas of protected land in the region.
French Creek, a pristine waterway, flows through the preserve, enhancing the natural beauty of the area and providing a habitat for various wildlife. Visitors may encounter Wood Ducks, beaver activity, and a variety of bird species in the dense forests. The preserve is part of the Hay Creek/French Creek Forest Block "Important Bird Area" designated by the National Audubon Society.
In addition to its natural wonders, Crow's Nest is a haven for children, offering after-school programs, a summer day camp, and a NaturePlayGround for creative play. The preserve also hosts outdoor education programs for all ages.
Comprising several 19th-century farms and surrounding forests, Crow's Nest has a rich history of land use, including charcoal production and timber harvesting. The property was once owned by John Dorrance, former chairman of Campbell Soup Company, who later donated it to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Subsequently, a local family purchased and donated a significant portion of the land to Natural Lands.
Today, Crow's Nest is dedicated to saving open space, caring for nature, and connecting people to the outdoors. The preserve offers a glimpse into Chester County's past with its undeveloped woodlands and fields, providing a peaceful retreat for visitors to enjoy.
Photos
Location & Phone number
201 Piersol Rd, Elverson, PA 19520, United States
Hours open
Monday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Reviews
"This is an unknown gem!! So quiet and not many people. Beautiful flat ground to walk around through the grass. Just what the doctor ordered!"
"Another one of Natural Lands treasures. Well marked, with diverse landscape. Walk across creeks and open fields. Crows Nest also had a book box and two chairs to sit and take in the sights, Actually there are many seats to take in the sights. If you take your dog and use a poo bag, I didn’t not see any trash cans, so be prepared to pack the poo bag out."
"This is an easy, flat hike with good parking. Enjoy the scenic views all the way around, especially during the fall time. Wear fluorescent clothing during the hunting season as when you hike to the outer bounds of this preserve you will see signs indicating an active hunting area. Better safe than Swiss cheese."
"We visited on a hot summer weekday and had the preserve to ourselves. The visitor center is impressive but was closed. The full restroom was open and appreciated. We briefly tried hiking 2 of the trails with our leashed dog, but they were somewhat overgrown and buggy. The paved parking lot fits several vehicles."
"A fantastic area to hike and enjoy the outdoors. The visitor center was closed. We hiked the Creek Trail which is a 2.5 mile loop. With all of the recent rain, the trail was wet and muddy in some places. The trails are well maintained and grass was recently cut. Natural Lands is doing a great job in acquiring land and making it available for the public to enjoy."
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