HomePennsylvaniaLancaster › Windolph Landing Nature Preserve

Windolph Landing Nature Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 63 Google reviews · Running trail in Lancaster, Pennsylvania · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Boardwalk
Distance
60 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Windolph Landing Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Boardwalk60 miScenicHillyTrailhead parking

What runners say about Windolph Landing Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (63 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“Beautiful walk along the water, although I was hoping the trail continued on longer but it's definitely worth it!”

A very beautiful place to go for an easy and relaxing hike. A must see nature trail 👣.

★★★★★ — John , Apr 2022

Pretty trail with a nice quick jaunt down to a creek… not quite a mile loop. Enough parking for 4-5 cars.

★★★★☆ — Carrie , Apr 2025

Steeper than many of the other reviews let on. Also multiple signs throughout the trail warning of yellow jacket ground nests. I took my 5 year old and was only worried about him leading the way at 1 point towards the end (we took the left path and came up the right) where the path is really narrow and slants towards…

★★★★☆ — Helena , Sep 2025

Nice small trail that takes you along the Conestoga river. Went in early spring and there were many flowers in bloom.

★★★★★ — Scott , Apr 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 63 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

⛰️ Hills / elevation 6 mentions

“There is a short steep section you will need to walk down and up.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 4 mentions

“Beautiful walk along the water, although I was hoping the trail continued on longer but it's definitely worth it!”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“There about 5 parking spots up top.”

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🪵 Boardwalk

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+)

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Plan your run at Windolph Landing Nature Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
  • Distance60 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websitelancasterconservancy.org
  • Phone+1 717-392-7891
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 am–8 pm
Tuesday 6 am–8 pm
Wednesday 6 am–8 pm
Thursday 6 am–8 pm
Friday 6:30 am–9 pm
Saturday 6 am–8 pm
Sunday 6 am–8 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Windolph Landing Nature Preserve

2nd Lock Rd, Lancaster, PA 17603

Get directions

Running trails near Lancaster

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Greider's Run Nature Preserve

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Lancaster County Central Park

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Various outdoor recreational features including a pool, skate park, environmental center & trails.

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Conestoga Greenway Trail

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PavedScenicDog-friendly

Riverside path for strolling alongside housing and apartments, as well as biking.

2.1 miles away

Spalding Conservancy

5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews

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Boardwalk

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Village Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 76 reviews

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PavedDog-friendly

Paved park offering sports fields, a playground and walking trails.

3.8 miles away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.