It’s been a little while since my last post. Some unexpected medical challenges kept me away from what I love most—hiking and exploring the outdoors. But after much-needed rest and treatment, I’m slowly making my way back to the trails. Getting outside again feels like breathing life back into my soul, and I can only hope the progress continues so I can keep traveling, exploring, and sharing the journey with you.
To ease back into hiking, I’ve been testing my limits on shorter one-mile loop trails, slowly rebuilding strength and confidence. Before tackling steep inclines, I stuck to a few flatter routes, but the effort was worth it. When I felt ready for something more challenging, the Turkey Hill Trail was the perfect next step. The trail winds along the Susquehanna River, leading to a summit with sweeping, breathtaking views. Along the way, hikers can enjoy quiet paths through lush deciduous forest and the thrill of steep switchbacks. It’s also an incredible spot for birdwatching—bald eagles, vultures, ospreys, and many others can often be seen soaring above or resting near the Conejohela Flats, a rich feeding ground that has drawn wildlife (and once the Susquehannock Indians) to this area for centuries.
This scenic 6-mile loop offers a blend of solitude and stunning views, with plenty of unique features along the way. The trail winds through quiet woods and follows a ridge that overlooks the Susquehanna River, rewarding hikers with sweeping vistas. Highlights include passing the state’s most important migration stop for shorebirds, glimpsing an operational landfill, and standing at the base of the iconic Turkey Hill Dairy windmills. While the trail can be narrow in spots, the steep inclines near the beginning are the most demanding. Still, the climb is worth it—the river views from the ridge make every step worthwhile.
At the summit, hikers are rewarded with a sweeping panoramic view and a close-up look at the windmills perched on the bluff. This spot marks one of the highest points along the Susquehanna River, a distinction that continues to rise as the Frey Farm Landfill expands upward. Plans are in place to soften its impact on the landscape—once the landfill is closed, it will be covered with trees and grasses to blend more naturally into the surrounding scenery.
Turkey Point could have easily been dismissed as nothing more than a dump, but the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority has invested significant time, money, and effort into preserving and even creating new natural areas around the landfill. Through easements provided by the waste authority and Norfolk Southern Corp., the Lancaster Conservancy established the Turkey Hill Nature Preserve. From there, the Turkey Hill Trail begins with a steep one-mile climb that leads to the top of Turkey Point. A short spur trail along the landfill fence brings hikers to a wooden observation deck with a unique vantage point of the landscape.
In 1802, architect and artist Benjamin Henry Latrobe set up his easel here and captured the Susquehanna at its widest point in a watercolor painting. Today, visitors can see an image of that very painting displayed on a plaque at the observation deck.
The view remains much the same today, with the string of small islands and mudflats known as the Conejohela Flats still in sight. Every spring and fall, tens of thousands of shorebirds stop here to rest and feed on the insects buried in the mud as they migrate between breeding grounds in Arctic Canada and Alaska and wintering grounds in Central and South America. Recognized as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, the islands are truly a birdwatcher’s paradise.
From the platform, you’re immediately struck by the sheer scale of the two wind turbines towering just beyond the fence. The 135-foot blades slice through the air with a distinctive swishing sound, a reminder of their power and size. Standing nearly beneath the 397-foot-tall structures, most visitors are astonished to realize just how massive these windmills truly are.
The most common starting point for the full 6.3-mile Turkey Hill Trail is the large parking area at the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail, located at 2501 River Road in Conestoga, PA. Conveniently, restrooms are available at the trailhead. To reach it, take PA Route 999 (Blue Rock Road) west to River Road in Washington Borough, then turn left (southeast) and continue for about 1.5 miles. Note: The Turkey Hill Trail connects to the Enola Low Grade Trail.
The land is cared for by the Lancaster Conservancy in partnership with the Susquehanna Riverlands. Parking is shared with the Enola Low Grade Trail, and you’ll find the Turkey Hill Trailhead at the start of the lot on the left-hand side.
Overlook | 1.7 miles out and back
Medium | 40 min- 1 1/4 hr.
The trail begins with a narrow, sometimes steep climb up the ridge, where glimpses of the river peek through the trees. Along the way, you’ll cross two small streams—shallow year-round but often muddy underfoot. Once you reach the top, turn left toward the windmills to find the Turkey Point Observation Deck. To finish, retrace your steps back down the ridge.
You have several options for this trail, allowing you to modify it to your liking. The full Turkey Hill Trail is 6 miles in length. Pawpaw trees can be found throughout the trail, bearing fruit in the fall.
The Turkey Hill Trail is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. Dogs are permitted on a leash.
Wander Woman 