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Pequea Creek Wildlife Management Area adventures

Pequea Creek Wildlife Management Area Adventures

Pequea Creek Wildlife Management Area is a protected natural area in southeastern Pennsylvania offering diverse habitats, recreational fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation opportunities along Pequea Creek and surrounding woodlands.

1,200
Acres Protected
8
Miles of Trails
10,000+
Annual Visitors
1970s
Year Established

About Pequea Creek Wildlife Management Area

 

Pequea Creek Wildlife Management Area encompasses a mix of riparian corridors, forested lands, and open fields located along Pequea Creek in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The area protects important aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, supporting species like migratory birds, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and an assortment of warm-water fish, particularly smallmouth bass and trout in Pequea Creek. The wildlife management area serves as a critical habitat for waterfowl and provides a valuable conservation corridor within an agricultural landscape. Historically, the land around Pequea Creek was used for farming and milling, with remnants of old mills and stone bridges still visible nearby. Today, it is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to balance habitat protection with public outdoor recreation. Popular activities include fishing, hunting in season, hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Anglers are drawn to Pequea Creek’s cool waters, known for trout stocking and bass fishing, while hunters find ample opportunities for upland game and waterfowl. Visitors appreciate the quiet natural setting with access points close to nearby towns. The area’s networks of informal trails and access roads make exploring the varied terrain accessible for visitors seeking wildlife encounters or serene outdoor experiences. Pequea Creek Wildlife Management Area is an appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts interested in experiencing Pennsylvania’s natural waterways and woodlands in a largely undeveloped setting.

Highlights

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Pequea Creek – Renowned for trout and smallmouth bass fishing

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Riparian woodlands supporting migratory bird habitat

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Remnants of historical stone bridges and nearby old mill sites

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Quiet access points ideal for solitude and wildlife photography

Notable Natural Features

Pequea Creek

A cold-water stream supporting trout populations and excellent fishing access.

Riparian Habitat

Vegetated creek buffers providing critical habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds.

Historic Nearby Mill Locations

Legacy sites reflecting the area's 18th and 19th-century agricultural and milling past.