Harmony
Hill
Nature
Area
1200 Skelp Level Rd, Downingtown, PA
About
Located on the hill between the East Branch of Brandywine Creek and Skelp Level Rd, this nature area boasts a large number of trails in a small area. The trails are frequented by mountain bikers, so keep your head up when hiking. The trails are open to hikers and dogs, but closed to horses and are not open to hunting. The nature area can be access by several parking areas depending on your activity and start point. The parking area is also used for access to the Hog’s Hollow Trail in Paradise Farm’s property.
Logistics
# of Trails: 6 with numerous connecting trails
6.2 miles of trails not including Brandywine Trail, Hog’s Hollow Trail 1.8 miles
Hours
Daily, Dawn-dusk
Parking
40 spots (skelp level and HH parking lots)
Bathrooms
Yes
Dogs: Yes
Horses: No
Mt Bikes: Yes
TIPS
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Hikers need to announce themselves at corners and steep areas to avoid conflicts with Mt. Bikers.
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Hunting is only allowed on the Hog’s Hollow Trail area.
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Pay close attention to the rule changes between the Harmony Hill NA and the Hog’s Hollow Trail.
Hog's Hollow Trail at Paradise Farm
This trail is not technically part of the Harmony Hill Nature Area, but it shares a parking lot and the trail starts on HHNA land. The trail is a single loop with no side or connecting trails. There are however, multiple connections to skelp level road for nearby residents to access from their neighborhoods. From the Harmony Hill NA parking area, you have to backtrack toward Skelp Level Rd on the Harmony Hill trails until you cross the road. Hog’s Hollow trail is all in the woods and can be densely brush covered in some areas. The trail starts at the top of the hill and by midway is all the way at the bottom near the creek. There is an option to stay on the trail and miss the creek views and access, but you have already hiked all the way down, you wont want to miss the best part. This trail is relatively short at 1.8 miles total, but there is significant elevation change which makes it a moderate hike. There are no scenic vistas of the surrounding countryside, but it is nice to just be in the woods without the bikers. Remember there are no dogs, horses, or bikes allowed on this trail contrary to the rest of Harmony Hill Nature Area just accross the way.
