Bear Creek Preserve Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Waterfall · Wildlife

The Bear Creek Preserve trail parking lot is easy to find and has space for about 20 cars. The trails are all very well-marked with round, colored-arrow markers and there’s a kiosk at the parking lot that has a good map of all the trails.

The area is near the village of White Haven, which has a diner (closes at 3 pm) and a small bar and grille, but not much else. We didn’t see any restrooms and there were no parking fees. I'm told the diner does a very good breakfast.

You start with a fairly steep walk up the access road and about 3/4 of the way up that road is a small bench on the right - this is the start of the Yellow Loop and is well marked. The trail from here is quite clear and well marked. The trail is well maintained, but as for any of the area trails there are quite a few rocks and roots along the way, as well as several marshy areas. Water-resistant shoes are preferred. There are only a few somewhat steep areas, up and down, but all are easily navigated.

About half way, you’ll hit a really pretty waterfall area and although we were there in winter I’d imagine this would be a great place to grab lunch (lots of flat rocks for sitting) and there’s even a small pool of water that might be just right for two people to take a little dip by the waterfall.

A short while after the waterfall, you’ll come upon a series of three rocky overlooks, the last of which has the best view of the opposite hillside and would make another nice place for lunch. The hike finishes by coming back down the same access road you came up on.

We saw few animals or flora but then we were there in late December and there was a dusting of snow everywhere. The area is rich in mountain laurel and I imagine in warmer weather there is a lovely range of flora. The overlooks might be particularly nice for viewing fall colors.