- 13270 Ardara Rd, Ardara, PA 15615
- Dawn to Dusk
- 58 Acres
UNIQUE FEATURES
Discover the Preserve
From dramatic geological formations to peaceful woodland walks, the preserve packs remarkable variety into its 58 acres.
Old-Growth Forest
Inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network in 2025, the mature hardwood forest features towering American beech, sugar maple, red oak, and sycamore trees, with some 150 years old.
Historic Quarry
Dating back to 1867, the historic sandstone quarry features towering rock outcroppings and exposed stone faces, creating one of the region’s most distinctive landscapes.
Blue Dell Run
Blue Dell Run flows through the heart of the preserve before joining Brush Creek, creating a lush stream valley and small waterfall that supports a rich diversity of plants and wildlife.
ABOUT THE PRESERVE
A Living Landscape
The Otto and Magdalene Ackermann Nature Preserve is a 58-acre nature preserve located in North Huntingdon Township in Ardara, PA. The preserve, open to the public, features mature hardwood forests, a historic sandstone quarry, wooded slopes, a waterfall off Blue Dell Run, rock outcroppings, scenic overlooks, and diverse wildlife. Ackermann was the first land conservation project completed by Westmoreland Land Trust following the property’s donation by the Ackermann family in 2009.
Visitors can explore five hiking trails that wind through old-growth forest, reclaimed quarry landscapes, stream corridors, and wildflower-filled woodlands. The preserve is recognized by the Old-Growth Forest Network for its exceptional mature forest. Today, Ackermann serves as both a place of recreation and a living classroom for nature study, conservation, and stewardship.
Click to view high resolution images.
HISTORY
The Ackermann Family
Otto and Magdalene Ackermann married in their native Germany, then settled in Wilkinsburg before moving with their children to Irwin. Otto was a lepidopterist who assembled what was believed to be one of the largest butterfly collections in the world, often raising butterflies through every stage of metamorphosis. The couple loved nature and began purchasing land near Ardara in 1939 — never intending to live there, but visiting often for bird watching, nature study, hikes, and picnicking. Eventually they opened the current property to the public.
In 2009, the five Ackermann children donated the land to ensure its conservation in perpetuity, and each contributed funds toward its maintenance. The family remains connected to the preserve today, helping share its history and support its stewardship.
GETTING AROUND
Trail Guide
All are free, open to the public, and navigable without technical equipment.
Trail Name
Highlights
DIFFICULTY
Old Dirt Road Trail
An easy, flat trail with several benches along the way, leading to a serene forested valley.
EASY
Pipeline Trail
Begins as a steep and steady climb to an old stone quarry and a lookout over Brush Creek valley.
MODERATELY
STRENUOUS
Quarry Trail
Winds through the forest to a birds-eye view of the old stone quarry. Hikers should exercise caution near the quarry.
MODERATELY
STRENUOUS
Old Growth Trail
Leads to large beech, elm and sugar maples in a remote part of the Preserve.
MODERATELY
STRENUOUS
Wedding Trail
The preserve’s main artery — winds through the upper slopes past the stone quarry. Some steep sections in process of improvement for stability.
STRENUOUS
Tip: Many trails are sloped and steep. Loaner walking sticks are available at the trailhead parking area.
Ackermann Preserve Trail Map
Includes all named trails, points of interest, trailhead parking, creek crossings & the quarry. Westmoreland Land Trust · Updated 2024
NATURE
Flora & Fauna
Ackermann Nature Preserve supports an exceptional diversity of native plants, trees, and wildlife. Spring brings displays of trillium, spring beauties, jack-in-the-pulpit, mayapple, and other woodland wildflowers, while ferns, mosses, fungi, and native understory plants thrive throughout the growing season.
Visitors can walk among impressive old growth forest including American beech, sugar maple, red oak, large sycamores, and maples, some estimated to be well over 150 years old. American hazelnut and paw paw trees are also planted.
The preserve is particularly notable for its amphibian diversity. Species documented on the property include spotted salamanders, eastern red-backed salamanders, northern slimy salamanders, eastern newts, and northern water snakes. Blue Dell Run also supports crayfish and other aquatic life indicative of healthy stream systems. Visitors may also encounter migratory songbirds, wood thrush, scarlet tanagers, zebra swallowtails, and a wide variety of insects and pollinators throughout the year.
GETTING HERE
Plan Your Visit
The preserve is located in North Huntingdon Township, in the forested hills near Ardara, PA, north of US 30 above Brush Creek.
Know Before You Go
- Leashed pets welcome
- Carry in, carry out
- Free parking at trailhead
The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk. No admission fee. Please help us keep this natural treasure pristine for everyone. WLT embraces the principles of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
PROTECT
Conservation & Stewardship
Westmoreland Land Trust works with volunteers to steward and maintain Ackermann Nature Preserve. Efforts include trail maintenance, invasive species management, habitat restoration, and ecological monitoring. These activities help protect water quality, preserve wildlife habitat, and maintain the natural character that make the preserve special.
GET INVOLVED
Volunteer at Ackermann
Volunteers play an essential role in caring for Ackermann Nature Preserve. Whether you’re looking to give back to the community, spend time outdoors, or help protect local natural resources, we welcome volunteers of all experience levels. Join us in preserving this special place for future generations.