Wawa Preserve

about Wawa Preserve

Wawa Preserve is cared for by Natural Lands and operated in partnership with Middletown Township. Visitors can enjoy trails that traverse a variety of habitats, including dense woodlands along Rocky Run Creek and sunny meadows filled with milkweed, goldenrod, and little bluestem.

background

In 1890, George Wood established a 1,000-acre farm at what is now Wawa Preserve. The fertile land was ideal grazing for Wood’s herd of Guernsey cows. The location allowed for delivery of fresh, raw milk to homes throughout the Philadelphia region. Thus, Wawa Dairy was founded.

The land became Wawa Preserve in 1973 when George Wood’s youngest daughter gifted a portion of the family’s “Home Farm” to Natural Lands.

The word “wawa” is an Ojibwe word meaning “wild goose” that was given to this area not by Native peoples but by a European settler who lived nearby.

Address

Valley Road
Media, PA, United States 19063
directions

Visitor Hours

Daily: dawn to dusk
visitor guidelines

Trail Map

Features

Hiking

what to expect

There is a gravel 12-car parking lot at the preserve entrance, 2/10 of a mile northwest of Route 1 (Baltimore Pike) on Valley Road.

Parking is free.

Accessible parking: Sorry, there are no accessible parking 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 flat to rolling hills.

Areas with gentle or no slope: The trails to the east of the parking lot, across Valley Road, are generally grassy and flat. This section of trail offers an out-and-back experience.

Benches and rest areas: There are benches throughout the preserve, along the Red and Yellow 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.

Trails are through both sunny meadows and shady woodlands and may include bridges or boardwalks. Trails connect with township parks on either side of preserve. Check out the AllTrails app or website to find trail elevation, lengths, and reviews. Wawa 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.