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Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center

2910 New Holland Road
Reading, PA 19607

610-796-3699

Nolde Forest encompasses more than 665 acres of deciduous woodlands and coniferous plantations. A network of trails makes the center’s streams, ponds, and diverse habitats accessible to both students and visitors.Teaching stations offer places for students to work and benches for those who wish to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds associated with the natural world.ADA accessible trails are located by the mansion and sawmill.The Nolde Mansion houses offices for the center staff. A garden featuring native wildflowers is adjacent to the mansion.The C.H. McConnell Environmental Education Hall near the mansion is the indoor site for year-round programming.Hiking at Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center10 miles of trailsThe trails of Nolde Forest wander throughout the park under tall trees and near creeks. Some trails are footpaths and others are remnants of gravel roads used by original owners of the mansion.This activity or structure is ADA accessible. A paved trail by the mansion and another in the Sawmill area are accessible for people with disabilities.Only trails with trail sign posts are maintained.Please stay on trails to protect the life that borders the pathsBicycles and motor vehicles are prohibited on any trails or roads, except the paved entrance road to the centerEnjoy plants and animals in their natural settingPicking, digging, and collecting plants and animals is prohibitedAll wildlife should be left undisturbedListed below are the main trails. Numerous connectors join all of the trails into many loops.Boulevard Trail2.3 milesThis old fire road provides easy walking under hardwood trees in a loop in the middle of the center. The trail begins and ends at the mansion.Kissinger Road0.8 mileThis old fire road provides easy walking through a conifer plantation planted for Jacob Nolde.Kohout Trail0.3 mileThis short trail in the northern corner of the park has a few steep inclines. In the spring it is a good trail to see wildflowers.Middle Road0.6 mileThis old fire road provides easy walking through a conifer plantation planted for Jacob Nolde.Watershed Trail1.1 milesThis hiking trail follows the scenic creek bottom along Punches Run. The trail begins and ends at the mansion.Dog WalkingPets are permitted on hiking trails.All pets must be controlled and attended at all times and on a leash or otherwise safely restrained.Be considerate when walking your dog and carry a container to clean up after your pet.Please be considerate of the many organized school groups that frequent the park.Picnicking at Nolde Forest Environmental Education CenterA small picnic area is by the sawmill and another is near the mansion.Wildlife Watching at Nolde Forest Environmental Education CenterThe forests of Nolde Forest are home to many deep forest birds.Fishing at Nolde Forest Environmental Education CenterAngelica Creek supports a native trout population.Cross-country Skiing at Nolde Forest Environmental Education CenterWith adequate snow cover the trails of the center can be snowshoed and cross-country skied.

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