12 miles. Explore a corridor of recently opened preserves connected by private properties accessible on this hike only. Our hike begins overlooking Red Clay Creek, and later rejoins its West Branch as we pass through meadows, farms, and forests of Southern Chester County. We begin in the Marshall Bridge Preserve, crossing sections of the historic Mason Dixon Trail (including a Mason Dixon Line marker), pass through private lands, along Chandler Mill Road, walk over the historic Chandler Mill Bridge (recently decommissioned for pedestrian use only), hike atop an old mill race in the Chandler Mill Preserve under development, visit the Bucktoe Cemetery (built to honor local African American soldiers who fought in the Civil War) and continue into the Bucktoe Creek Preserve. We take a break at the newly opened Walnut Hill headquarters of The Land Conservancy of Southern Chester County (where we can refill on water!). TLC will co-lead this hike. We retrace our steps to return to the parking area. Some muddy, wet areas. Bring lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Boots recommended.
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at TLC’s Marshall Bridge Preserve (39.812688, -75.683206). Enter off Benge Road in Yorklyn, DE just west of Rt. 82. Follow brown and white signs for Delaware State Parks Auburn Heights Preserve on the right - you will see TLC's solar gate and sign just past the DE parking area (people can also park in DE lot but there is a $6 fee). TLC's parking is via a gravel road to top of hill. Small cars may find the incline difficult, in which case you can park in the Delaware State Park lot. Cost:$1.00. Leader: Peter Doehring, pjdoehring@gmail.com. Co-Leaders: Abbie Wysor, abbiewysor@gmail.com, 610-742-5967; Peter Kelly, setzkell@mac.com, 609-442-5830.
