Nature preserve in Coatesville, Pennsylvania

The Laurels Preserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located on Apple Grove Road in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, United States. This stunning institution offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature, with sprawling green spaces, scenic walking trails, and beautiful gardens to explore. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day out or a chance to connect with the natural world, The Laurels Preserve is the perfect destination. With its serene atmosphere and breathtaking views, this institution is sure to enchant visitors of all ages.

Located at 1199 Cannery Road in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, the Natural Lands' ChesLen Preserve is the largest privately owned nature preserve open to the public in Chester County. Visitors can explore miles of marked hiking trails that wind through shady woodlands, flower-filled meadows, farm fields, and stream valleys. The Ollie Owl’s NaturePlayGround is a highlight for young explorers, where they can climb logs, build stick tee-pees, hunt for bugs, and get a little dirty while gaining an appreciation for nature. History buffs will appreciate the Star Gazers’ Stone, a reference point placed by surveyors and astronomers Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in 1763 to mark the astronomical meridian line. The preserve was once part of a 17,000-acre tract owned by the legendary King Ranch, known for grazing cattle on the lush fields. Visitors can also discover a small cemetery that is a remnant of the Chester County Poorhouse, which operated as a refuge for orphans and indigent adults.

Corcoran's Bridge, located at 1722 Embreeville Road in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, is a park within the ChesLen Preserve, the largest privately owned nature preserve open to the public in Chester County. This beautiful park offers miles of marked hiking trails that wind through shady woodlands, flower-filled meadows, farm fields, and serene stream valleys. Visitors can also enjoy Ollie Owl’s NaturePlayGround, where young explorers can engage in free play activities like climbing logs, building stick tee-pees, and hunting for bugs. One of the unique historical features of Corcoran's Bridge is the Star Gazers’ Stone, a reference point established by surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in 1763 to mark the official boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland. This stone and the surrounding land are now part of the preserve and are accessible to visitors. The park also showcases remnants of the Chester County Poorhouse, which once provided refuge for orphans and indigent adults.