Crow’s Nest Preserve

about Crow’s Nest Preserve

Crow’s Nest’s forests are filled with oak, hickory, tuliptree, black gum, beech, and maple trees. The preserve’s meadows feature native grasses and wildflowers, while the tradition of Chester County farming continues in areas dedicated to agriculture.

Crow’s Nest is part of Hopewell Big Woods, a vast, unbroken forest about 114 square miles—almost the size of the City of Philadelphia. Just next door, you’ll find French Creek State Park and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, making Crow’s Nest part of one of the largest areas of protected land in the region.

The pristine French Creek runs through Crow’s Nest, flowing from French Creek State Park’s Hopewell Lake on its way to the Schuylkill River. The preserve’s streamside forest helps protect the creek’s water quality.

Wildlife abounds at Crow’s Nest. You may spot Wood Ducks or see signs of beaver construction along French Creek; hear the songs of Wood Thrushes, Vireos, and warblers in the dense forests; or track the footprints of fox, raccoon, and deer. The preserve is part of the Hay Creek/French Creek Forest Block “Important Bird Area” (a National Audubon Society designation).

Crow’s Nest is a haven for other wild creatures: children! For decades, the preserve has hosted both after-school programs and a summer day camp to help combat the nature disconnect today’s kids face. The preserve includes a NaturePlayGround to encourage creative, unstructured play, and hosts a variety of outdoor education programs for all ages.

background

Crow’s Nest Preserve is composed of several 19th-century farms and the forests that have grown up around them. The first parcels of the preserve were donated to Natural Lands in 1991. The Visitor’s Center is located in a restored barn, and period farmhouses on the property have been restored for staff housing and program uses.

Most of the forests in this area were cut repeatedly in the 1800s to make charcoal to fuel iron-making furnaces and in the early 1900s for timber. Over the past century, the forests have regenerated. Today, they represent diverse habitats—from dry, rocky, oak-dominated upland forest to swampy floodplain forest. Here and there, the native but nearly extinct American chestnuts can be seen sprouting from decaying stumps.

Address

201 Piersol Road
Elverson, PA 19520
directions

Visitor Hours

Daily: dawn to dusk
visitor guidelines

Trail Map

Features

Hiking

Playground

Restrooms

Seasonal Hunting

what to expect

Crow’s Nest Preserve has one gravel parking lot with 20 spaces.

Parking is free. Cell phone service is spotty.

Accessible parking: The parking lot has one accessible parking space.

Trail surfaces: Trails are unpaved with grass, rocks (sometimes loose), and tree roots. The varied grade includes flat and rolling areas. The Creek Trail along French Creek may be seasonally wet.

Areas with gentle or no slope: The Visitor’s Center (both upper and lower levels) can be accessed via ramps and pathways. This building is open for events and educational programs only. The Warwick Woods section of the preserve (the white trail) has a gentle grade with largely gravel surfaces.

Benches and rest areas: There are benches and Adirondack-style chairs throughout the preserve with significant distance in between.

Motorized wheelchairs and other power-driven mobility devices are welcome for visitors with disabilities.

Service animals providing assistance for visitors with disabilities are welcome.

Learn more about accessibility at Natural Lands. accessibility

One accessible restroom located at the Visitor’s Center is open during preserve hours. The Visitor’s Center main area is open by chance or appointment, and there is a picnic table near the Visitor’s Center.

Sorry, there are no drinking fountains.

Trails are through shady woodlands and sunny meadows/farm fields. Check out the AllTrails app or website to find trail elevation, lengths, and reviews. Crow's Nest on AllTrails

Leashes required. Pets are permitted but must be leashed at all times to keep people, other pets, and wildlife safe. No exceptions. Violators may be asked to leave.
Leave no trace. Please leave all plants, flowers, animals, rocks, and artifacts for all visitors to enjoy.
Take your trash. Please pick up all trash, even biodegradable materials like food scraps.
Stick to trails. Please stay on designated trails to protect fragile plants, prevent erosion or wildlife disturbance, and reduce the chance of tick-borne illnesses.
No motorized vehicles or mountain bikes. Motorized wheelchairs and other power-driven mobility devices are welcome for visitors with disabilities.
No hunting or trapping.
No drones or professional photography.
No picnicking or alcohol.

learn more before you go

Chief’s Grove along the Chief’s Grove Trail
Trail connections with Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and French Creek State Park
Pooh sticks basket along the Creek Trail
Nature play area in the woods near the Visitor’s Center

photo gallery

Crow’s Nest Preserve is part of a vast forest known as Hopewell Big Woods, which offers critical habitat for myriad wildlife species including migratory songbirds. The preserve is also a haven for children who enjoy year-round education programs.