Four of us (AMC-DV members) went for a Monday scouting hike in the Lancaster Area. Driving from the meeting point to the trailhead was hike leader Tom (Sherwood) and with us are AMC-DV No. 1 Hiker, Dale (Brandeth) and Bob (Lentz). We took 202S to 30W and hit US 322 on our way there. We passed by the scenic towns of Ephrata and Clay, Pennsylvania. Weather changed from cloudy (from the time we left Valley Forge) to sunny (when we got to the trailhead).
Tom suggested that we used the ''Orange vests" because it is still considered as hunting season and it is safe for hikers to do so. So, after prepping ourselves for the hike, we decided to take the 1.4-mile Conservation Trail first. Then, we proceeded to follow the Middle Creek Trail and onto the Deer Run Trail, passing thru some of the intersecting Horshoe Trail and the Valley View Trail. And finally, we took the SpiceBush Trail on our way back to the Wildlife Management Parking Area. We started the hike at around 10:45am and finished it by 2:40pm (almost four hours of hiking). Along the way, we climbed two (2) hills, saw the migrating birds on the lake, got 'side-tracked' twice :), and most of all, enjoyed the scenic spots that this wildlife reserve offers. Dale suggested that hikes on this area would be highly enjoyable in late Spring (around April-May)...and we promised we will be back then.SIDETRIP: Clay Bookstore which sells various maps.
