Stone Hills Preserve
Though Stone Hills is a small preserve, it’s part of the vast Unami Forest and home to myriad birds and other wildlife.
about Stone Hills Preserve
Stone Hills Preserve is part of one of the largest contiguous woodlands in Montgomery County. Known as the Unami Forest, it is a vast, interconnected mosaic of mature forests, rocky outcrops, and more than 24 miles of streams. The high ecological value inherent in this landscape results from an extraordinary combination of overall size, unique forest and meadow plant communities, interior forest nesting bird species, and high-quality streams. To date, Natural Lands has helped to preserve more than 2,000 acres of the Unami Forest.
In the spring, Stone Hills is filled with ephemeral wildflowers including Virginia bluebell, yellow trout-lily, and spring beauty. But no matter what time of year, the forest trails are a treat for visitors seeking a quiet patch of nature.
background
The property that comprises Stone Hills Preserve was once the home of Frank Hartmaier. Frank was raised there and later lived there with his wife, Elizabeth, and their daughter. Frank and Elizabeth shared a deep love for the land and its beauty. Shortly after Elizabeth’s death in 1989, Frank donated the land to Natural Lands in her honor.
Address
124 Laver Road
Schwenksville, PA 19473
directions
Visitor Hours
Daily: dawn to dusk visitor guidelines
Features
Hiking
what to expect
There is a three-car gravel parking lot located .04 miles west of Neiffer Road on Laver Road.
Parking is free.
Accessible parking: Sorry, there is no accessible parking at this time.
Trail surfaces: Trails are unpaved with dirt surfaces that may contain leaves and roots. Trails are often wet. The grade is largely flat.
Areas with gentle or no slope: All trails are generally flat but tend to be wet with some primitive stream crossings.
Benches and rest areas: Sorry, there are no benches or rest areas at this location.
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 areas and are often wet. Check out the AllTrails app or website to find trail elevation, lengths, and reviews. Stone 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.
- Stream and wetland habitat
photo gallery
Though Stone Hills is a small preserve, it’s part of the vast Unami Forest, home to myriad birds and other wildlife. We welcome your visit.
