Tacquan Glen Nature Preserve Hike

TACQUAN GLEN NATURE PRESERVE HIKE:

Tacquan Glen is a pristine glen in a "loop" format located in lower Lancaster County close to the Maryland border. This hike runs a little more than 2 miles total and is primarily shaded and has many access points of to water fun and stream hiking. The trail runs along the creek from the top of the glen to the bottom where you get a scenic view of the Susquehanna River  from a railroad bridge. The best part of this hike is that there are two trails on either side of the creek for the beginning half mile of the hike and either trail has beautiful views of the creek....you can cross the creek (it is pretty shallow when we went in July) at numerous points to mix it up. After you reach the actual Glen the trail is located on the left side of the creek until you reach the railroad tracks (There is a trail that goes up the mountain to the right but save that path for the way home if you want...you will come down that trail on the way back). There is really no way to get lost! At the end you can either turn around and hike back up the Glen or go to the right about 100 feet and their will be a trail up the mountain that will take you along a mountain road (minus the creek views) until you get to the point where it goes down the mountain to where the two trails connect. Very easy!

The Explorers Ready To Go!!!!

From this first sign at the parking area the trail goes to the right up a small mountain and then quickly decends to the creek...at this point there is a trail on both sides of the creek for the next .45 of a mile or so....

Hiking up the Creek!!!

Enjoying the Sun and the Creek Life!

A neat rock formation!!

Shortly after this formation you will hit a dense patch of Rhododendrons on the left side trail and then the glen will actually begin with some small but beautiful waterfalls about 3-4 total. 

Small Waterfall!!

Resting at a small Waterfall!!

A woodland creature!!

Some Cool Mushrooms (The kids and I love taking pictures of these)

The last small waterfall at the bottom of the Glen

View of the Susquehanna River from the Railroad Bridge

At this point you can walk a bit to the right and see the trail that will "Loop" you back up the mountain and back down into the Glen. We decided to go back up the Glen the way we came to have more creek fun!!

Another Beautiful Picture of the Glen

Another Set of Cool Mushrooms

Walking back along the trail

Guess Who Choose The Stream With Dad?

We Made It!!!

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 

This was a great hike and even though it was 2 miles it took us 4 hours to get through because of alot of stopping to have FUN....which is the best kind of stopping. Very few people here though there were a few younger folks swimming at the first waterfall. Very rocky when the glen starts but thats more fun for us that a road! Very shady and humid on a 90 degree July day but the kids and us loved it!