A return to the Mason Dixon Trail
In 2020, my husband and I embarked on a journey along the Mason Dixon Trail (M-D T), starting at its western terminus near Boiling Springs, PA, and finishing 200 miles later in Chadds Ford. I documented our adventure on this site, sharing maps, photos, and tips for the entire route. In some ways, writing those posts felt more time-consuming than the hike itself. I aimed to include as many details as possible, to assist other hikers planning for their own treks.
I recorded the trail in AllTrails because the Mason Dixon Trail Club only provides paper maps divided into 10 sections. Two of these sections are available as digital downloads through the Avenza app. However, a full digital version of the trail was not available in 2020. As far as I can tell, one still isn’t—aside from my amateur map on AllTrails.
What was the reason for my recent hike? Well, there were actually a few. I wanted to explore a trail within 30 minutes of home since I had negotiated babysitting duties with my youngest daughter. The deal? She’d watch our four-month-old puppy, Miles, in exchange for kisses—not from me, but from the adorable black pup (photo at the end of the post).
A blog follower had emailed me, saying, “Did you know there was a reroute through Hellam Hills that added three miles to the trail?” I was grateful for the heads-up and our subsequent email exchanges, but I didn’t immediately jump on the chance for a redo. Finally, I had the perfect opportunity. And so, my husband, Faith, Zin, and I headed to “The River” to walk the updated path.
Robert A. Kinsley Nature Preserve
I have to admit, I’d lost touch with the Mason Dixon Trail. My 2024 miles had been logged in Shenandoah National Park, Michaux State Forest, Italy, and Eastern Europe. That left the M-D T sidelined on my mental hiking to-do list—something I now regret. My first surprise of the new section was new signage. The Hellam Hills Nature Preserve had been renamed in honor of Robert A. Kinsley, or “Bob” to those who knew him. That first mile became a walk down memory lane. My husband shared stories of collaborative work projects with Bob, while I, ever the nonprofit representative, rattled on about his philanthropic generosity.
My second surprise of the hike was an unexpected overlook at the trail’s halfway point. Buzzards Roost, perched at 840 feet above sea level, offers stunning views, even on a dreary winter day. From the high vantage point, hikers can see the winding Susquehanna River, the town of Marietta, the sprawling Armstrong World Industries plant, and both current and future nature preserve lands. The Kinsley Nature Preserve is part of the Lancaster Conservancy’s Hellam Hills Conservation Area. From the overlook, hikers can also see Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve and the future Round Top Preserve, which crowns another hilltop in the distance. Large boulders at the overlook offer hikers a perfect spot to rest, take in the views, and soak up the natural beauty of the Susquehanna River Corridor.
The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, making our hike enjoyable. Our winter trek wound alongside frozen creeks, through a forest of leafless trees, and high above the river that separates York and Lancaster counties. The morning was a brisk 22 degrees, and the previous day’s rain had left a slick layer of ice on the path. The slippery slopes only added to the day’s adventure. I look forward to returning in the spring to walk along a lush corridor of vibrant greens for a striking contrast to the icy, winter wonderland we experienced on this trek.
M-D Trail through Kinsley Nature Preserve Map and Details
Trail Parking
There is road side parking at the western entrance of the trail on River Drive near the intersection of Furnace Road. There is room for 5 to 7 vehicles, depending on car size and how closely the vehicles are parked. From River Drive, .5 miles southbound on Furnace Road, there is a small parking area for two or three cars. From that parking spot, a connector trail leads to the M-D Trail. Similar in size is the parking area on River Drive, at the eastern entrance to the trail. River Drive is bordered by the river on the east and private properties on the west. For this reason, it could be challenging to park at the River Drive entrance on a lovely weekend day.
AllTrails Map
Download or print the AllTrails map at this link or by clicking the image below.
| Trail Scale (Link) | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Geographic location | Hellam, PA |
| Trailhead parking options | Road side parking on River Drive: western entrance (5-7 vehicles), eastern (2) |
| Trail amenities | None |
| Elevation – trailhead | 746′ (western entrance), 250′ (eastern) |
| Elevation – highest peak | 848′ |
| Elevation gain | 686′ |
| Total mileage | 5.2 |
| Water sources | Water from Dugan Run may be accessed at trail crossing; use a filter. |
| Highlights | Dugan and Wildcat Runs border the trail; lovely views from atop Buzzards Roost. |
Learn more about the Lancaster Conservancy and The Robert A. Kinsley Nature Preserve
- Robert A. Kinsley Nature Preserve Trail Map
- Robert A. Kinsley Nature Preserve
- Lancaster Conservancy – Hellam Hills Master Plan
Explore my Mason Dixon Trail series
My doggos: Faith, Zin and Miles
