Stroud Preserve
Explore hiking trails through Stroud’s 571 acres of culturally and ecologically important land in Chester County.
about Stroud Preserve
Stroud Preserve is a mosaic of grasslands, working farmlands, and woodlands that serves as a unique site for scientific research, education, and recreation. The needs of people and nature are balanced through careful stewardship of both cultivated and “wild” areas, restoration of vital wildlife habitat, and protection of Stroud’s wetlands and streams. These waterways travel downstream to the Delaware River, providing drinking water for millions of people.
background
Stroud Preserve was once part of the Laird farm, a massive tract that stretched from the city of West Chester west to Wawaset Road. The Laird family raised beef cattle and, later, the Stroud family used the farm to train Labrador Retrievers.
In 1990, Dr. Morris Stroud donated his 332-acre Georgia farm to Natural Lands, establishing Stroud Preserve. Since then, the preserve has nearly doubled in size through additional donations and purchases of neighboring properties.
Remnants of the preserve’s agricultural past include the 19th-century farmhouse and barn, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Please respect the privacy of residents and appreciate the buildings from a distance only.)
Dr. Stroud’s will stipulated that Stroud Preserve be available as a long-term study site for the Stroud Water Research Center, internationally acclaimed for its pioneering research on streams and rivers. Scientists from the Center have set up experiments on the preserve to evaluate how to create riparian forest buffers and how they can filter out sediments, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other chemicals that threaten downstream waters. Because the Center has permanent access to the preserve, they are able to conduct studies that last decades instead of just a few years.
Stroud Preserve has been part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Monitoring Program, a network of sites established across the nation to evaluate how land use and human practices affect water quality. It is the only such site in Pennsylvania.
Address
454 North Creek Road
West Chester, PA
directions
Visitor Hours
Thursday-Tuesday: dawn to dusk Closed Wednesdays visitor guidelines
Features
Hiking
Historical Features
Kayaking/Canoeing
Seasonal Hunting
what to expect
There is a 40-car gravel parking lot at the main entrance to the preserve, 0.3 miles south of Route 162 on North Creek Road.
Parking is free.
Accessible parking: Sorry, there are no accessible spots.
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 rolling hills to steep slopes with some flat areas.
ADA accessible areas: none
Wheelchair-friendly areas (assistance may be required): From the parking lot, cross the bridge and follow the gravel trail. This wide access road is largely flat until you reach the middle of the preserve for an out-and-back experience.
Benches and rest areas: There are benches throughout the preserve along the Red, Yellow, and Green Trails 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.
The homes in the middle of the preserve are private residences, and the barn is used for preserve management and some events.
Trails are through both grassy meadows and shady woodlands. Check out the AllTrails app or website to find trail elevation, lengths, and reviews. Stroud 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.
- Diverse and vibrant birds
- Spring ephemerals
- Serpentine barrens
- Vibrant wetlands
photo gallery
Stroud Preserve is a mosaic of grasslands, working farmlands, and woodlands, a unique site for research, education, and recreation. We welcome your visit.
Christmas Bird Count At Stroud
January 7, 2025
by volunteer Kathy Dale. National Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count has been conducted since the year 1900. The program began as an alternative to the Christmas […]
