Sadsbury Woods Preserve
A visit to the deep forests at Sadsbury is like stepping back in time to what Pennsylvania looked like centuries ago.
about Sadsbury Woods Preserve
Sadsbury Woods is part of the largest remaining, unfragmented woodlands in Chester County. The preserve is an important habitat for several species of birds—such as Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Ovenbird—that are dependent on its deep, sheltering forest for their survival.
Located at the headwaters of Buck Run, a major tributary to Brandywine Creek, the preserve also helps to keep the stream clean and clear.
background
Sadsbury Woods Preserve became a nature preserve in 1996 with Natural Lands’ acquisition of 177 acres of forested land situated squarely in the path of expanding development around Exton along the Route 30 corridor in western Chester County. Additional parcels acquired in succeeding years expanded the preserve to its present size. Natural Lands’ protection of the preserve was spurred by its ecological significance as part of the region’s largest remaining, unbroken forest.
These “interior woodlands” (defined as an area at least 300 feet from any edge, such as road, lawn, or meadow) provide critical habitat for many species of birds, especially neo-tropical migrant songbirds. These colorful and melodious birds winter in South America and breed during the spring and summer in North America. To survive here, they need abundant food and protection from the weather and predators. The forests of Sadsbury Woods fill these needs quite well.
Address
443 Old Wilmington Road
Coatesville, PA 19320
directions
Visitor Hours
Daily: dawn to dusk visitor guidelines
Features
Accessible Trails
Hiking
Seasonal Hunting
what to expect
Please park at the 10-car, paved parking lot located at the Greater Chester Valley Soccer Association fields at 137 Line Road. You may also park in the gravel lot owned by the township parallel to Line Road at the same address. If neither of these are available, there is a gravel parking lot at Willistown Township’s Serpentine Preserve, 143 Line Road, Malvern, PA 19355. The trail system from the Serpentine Preserve connects with Willisbrook Preserve.
Parking is free.
Accessible parking: There is one accessible parking spot.
Trail surfaces: Trails are mostly unpaved. Expect dirt woodland trails with some rocks and tree roots. Some trails include stream crossings. The grade ranges from flat to rolling hills to steep slopes.
Areas with gentle or no slope: There is 0.11 miles of accessible, mostly sunny trails from the parking lot to the woodland area. The trail surface is loose pea gravel. The trail terminates in a small loop directly at woodland entrance where you’ll find two benches, a shaded loop, and plantings maintained to demonstrate what visitors might see if they were to hike deeper into the woods.
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 shady woodlands. There are Two primitive stream crossings (one rock hopping and one submerged cement ford), and there is one section of the Purple Trail that goes along Old Mill Road.
Check out the AllTrails app or website to find trail elevation, lengths, and reviews. Sadsbury 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.
- Spring ephemeral wildflowers
- Neotropical migratory songbirds (which rely on dense forests like those at Sadsbury)
- Afforestation in varying stages
photo gallery
Sadsbury Woods Preserve’s forest is important habitat for several species of birds—such as Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Ovenbird.
Partnering With Kennett Trails Alliance
September 3, 2024
This summer, Natural Lands had the opportunity to collaborate on a program that introduced interns from Kennett Trails Alliance (KTA) to our preserve network, land […]
