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The Harmony Hill Nature Area is now open to the public. East Bradford Township is working with a group of volunteers to improve and modify the existing trail network.  This project has been progressing since the spring of 2005 when the Township first purchased the property.  Over the past two years, East Bradford has met with conservation organizations, area residents, and professional consultants to discuss the future of the property.  In 2006, the Township commissioned a trail study to evaluate the feasibility of developing a sustainable, non-motorized trail network designed to accommodate pedestrians, mountain bikers, equestrians, and people with special needs.  In June 2007, the Board of Supervisors decided to retain ownership of the property and work with several volunteer groups to implement the "Recommended Concept Plan" outlined in the trail feasibility study.

(Click here to view the full study) 
(Click here for Recommended Concept Plan)

The Chester County Trails Club (CCTC) and West Chester Cycling Club (WCCC) are the primary groups offering volunteer assistance. If you are interested in joining either club, contact information is provided below:

Chester County Trail Club – www.cctrailclub.org

West Chester Cycling Club – www.westchestercycling.com

Volunteers, click here for information about trail construction and work days

Hunting: The Brandywine Valley Archery Club will be hunting the Harmony Hill Nature Area this fall (archery only).  Deer hunting dates for 2008-2009 are September 20, 2008 to January 24, 2009.  For your safety, please remain on marked trails, wear bright clothing, and keep pets leashed.  If you have questions about the hunting activity, please email the Township at info@eastbradford.org or call 610-436-5108.

Updated Trails Map (click here): Trails will be signed and blazed this summer in accordance with this new map.  Paper copies of the map are available at the Township office for $5.

Directions to the Harmony Hill Nature Area site: 

From West Chester to the Skelp Level Road parking area:

Take Route 322 west towards Downingtown.  Make a right on Skelp Level Road (PECO substation will be on your left).  Go approximately 0.8 miles to the intersection of Harmony Hill Road.  Continue straight on Skelp Level Road.  You will pass Overhill Drive and Winchester Trail on the left; the next left – 1200 Skelp Level Road – is the parking area.  If you reach Wilderness Trail, you went a little too far.

From Downingtown to the Skelp Level Road parking area:

Take Route 322 east towards West Chester Borough.  Make a left onto Boot Road (Wawa is at the intersection).  Continue for approximately 0.6 miles.  Turn right onto Skelp Level Road.  You’ll pass Shadow Wood Drive and Wilderness Trail on your right.  The next right – 1200 Skelp Level Road – is the parking area.  If you reach Winchester Trail, you went a little too far.

From West Chester to the Harmony Hill Road parking area:

Take Route 322 west towards Downingtown.  Make a right on Skelp Level Road (PECO substation will be on your left).  Go approximately 0.8 miles to the intersection of Harmony Hill Road.  Make a left on Harmony Hill Road and continue for approximately 0.5 miles.  The parking area is on the right just before the covered bridge.

From Downingtown to the Harmony Hill Road parking area:

Take Route 322 east towards West Chester Borough.  Make a left onto Boot Road (Wawa is at the intersection).  Continue for approximately 0.6 miles.  Turn right onto Skelp Level Road and go about 1.8 miles to the intersection of Harmony Hill Road.  Make a right on Harmony Hill Road and continue for approximately 0.5 miles.  The parking area is on the right just before the covered bridge.

Know the property boundaries of the Harmony Hill Nature Area:  Please be aware that the Harmony Hill Nature Area property does not extend on the east side of Skelp Level Road (click here for map).  If you cross a road during your walk or ride, you are crossing onto privately-owned property that currently is not open to the public.  This property is owned by the Children’s Country Week Association (CCWA).  In 2004, East Bradford Township purchased a conservation easement on this property; Chester County, Natural Lands Trust, and East Bradford co-hold this easement.  Public access is planned for the future, but there is no public access at this time.  CCWA owns and operates Paradise Farm Camps and has been active in the Trails Committee in the Township.  They are monitoring the Sonoco multi-use trail system to inform future decisions regarding timing, use, and locations of public trails on their property.  Past trespassing on CCWA property has been a concern and continued infractions could negatively impact future public use.  Accordingly, please respect the property rights of CCWA and stay off their land.  Thanks for your cooperation.

Rules, regulations, and emergency contact information:  Click here for information about what is and is not permitted on the property and emergency contact procedures.

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