Binkey Lee Preserve
1445 Pikeland Rd, Chester Springs, PA
About
Binkey Lee Preserve is part of the Natural Lands Trust. It is reclaimed agricultural land with mostly wooded trails and a large central meadow. The generous, yet easily accessible, elevation gain allows for a beautiful scenic overlook. This preserve has multiple water crossings and bountiful wildlife including adjacency to a horse farm.
Logistics
# of Trails: 2
~6 miles total with side trails
Hours
Wed-Mon, Dawn to Dusk
Parking
Paved lot available with approximately 14 spots
Bathrooms
A single unisex toilet available at the parking lot
Dogs: Yes
Horses: Yes
Mt Bikes: No
TIPS
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This preserve is closed on Tuesdays.
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Parking is limited and a gate will limit acess when the lot is full. If the lot is full, some parking is available at the Bridge-to-Bridge trail near Rt 113 (a 5-10 minute walk to the preserve).
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After heavy rainstorms, the trails tend to get eroded and many puddles form. Be aware that the trails near the horse farm can be exceptionally muddy.
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Pay close attantion to trail markers if trying to follow a specific trail since there are many gray side trails which can be confusing.
Red Trail Loop
Binkey Lee Preserve has essentially two main trails, the red and yellow, with several smaller side/connecting trails (gray on the map). I enjoy the red trail since it is the longest and includes all of the different terrains availble at thhis preserve. The red trail begins at the parking lot. I have always taken the loop counter-clockwise since it is easier to find the trailhead by following the asphalt sidewalk. Once past the guidepost on the right the trail follows up the hill to the right and around the outside of the meadow in tandem with the yellow trail. At the top of the meadow-covered hill there is an overlook with a nice view of the surrounding countryside. The trail continues down the hill and then the two trails seperate and the red trail enters into the woods. This wooded pathway is wide and mulch covered. The trail leads toward the horse farm and passes beside the pasture where there are often grazing horses. This part of the trail is often eroded and retains a lot of moisture. Puddles and mud is common here.
The trail turns sharply away from the pasture and private property back into the deeper woods. There is a choice to take a gray trail or stay on the red; either will take you the same place. I stay on the red as to not lose my way and come to the driveway crossing for the farm. I have never waited for passing cars here, but keep an eye on your kids as you never know.
Across the driveway there are a few trail choices where keeping a close eye on the trail markers will help you take the right path. The wrong path really just ens up being a shortcut back to the parking lot. The red trail continues through mashland and over stream crossing with a few raised walkways (rarely wet enough to bother with). The end of the trail is not far ahead. It winds up the hill around an old structure and behind the bathrooms before returning to the asphalt path beside the parking lot.
This hike is great for some excercise any time of day sepecially when you just need to get out for a short hike with the family.
