Green Hills Preserve

about Green Hills Preserve

Green Hills Preserve is a bucolic mixture of gently rolling farm fields, woodlands, and wetlands. A tributary to Allegheny Creek, a state-designated “Cold Water Fishery” stream, bisects the preserve.

The Preserve is situated within the Schuylkill Highlands, a region at the nexus of two landscapes that have been prioritized for protection: the Highlands (as defined by the US Congress) and the Schuylkill River watershed. The area’s importance derives from the need to protect water quality, conserve habitat, and develop recreational opportunities in a region set for considerable growth over the next 20 years.

Located not far from an old stone springhouse—and fed by the cool, clear springs there—stands a towering red maple. This massive specimen has a trunk circumference of 188 inches (about five feet in diameter!) and is about 75 feet tall with a crown spread of 95 feet. In 2014, this giant was added to the official list of Pennsylvania Big Trees.

background

This expanse of rolling grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands was once destined to be paved. A developer had planned to build the “The Villages of Green Hills,” a 670-house subdivision that would have left little green in these hills.

When the developer’s fortunes changed, conserving the property was suddenly a possibility. After more than two years working to piece together critical funding from ten different sources, we were able to purchase the property, establishing Green Hills as Natural Lands’ first preserve in Berks County.

In 2012, the preserve opened to visitors. Four years later, Green Hills grew to its present size through the acquisition of two adjacent properties.

Address

553 Gunhart Road
Mohnton, PA 19540
directions

Visitor Hours

Daily: dawn to dusk
visitor guidelines

Trail Map

Features

Hiking

Seasonal Hunting

what to expect

There is a paved, 10-car parking lot at the main entrance to the preserve.

Parking is free.

Accessible parking: There is one accessible parking spot in the lot.

Trail surfaces: Trails are unpaved and range from grassy meadow trails to dirt woodland trails with some rocks and tree roots. The grade ranges from flat to rolling hills to steep slope. Trails can be wet.

Areas with gentle or no slope: Grassy meadow trails are largely flat for an out-and-back experience (not a loop).

Benches and rest areas: There are benches 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

Sorry, there are no restrooms or drinking fountains.

Trails are through both sunny meadows and shady woodlands. Check out the AllTrails app or website to find trail elevation, lengths, and reviews. Green Hills 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, trapping, or fishing.
No drones or professional photography.
No picnicking or alcohol.