The Otto and Magdalene Ackermann Nature Preserve in North Huntingdon Township is the forested hills north of US 30 and above Brush Creek.  The Leger Road Bridge over Brush Creek from Ardara/PA 993 has reopened, so now it is possible to approach the Preserve from Route 993.

To reach the reserve from points west (Pittsburgh/Allegheny County)

From Pittsburgh’s Parkway East (I-376), the intersection of US 30 and PA 48 can be reached by driving 7 miles on US 30 east/Ardmore Blvd from Exit 78A – Forest Hills, or by driving 5 ½ miles south on PA 48 from Exit 84A – Monroeville.

At the intersection of PA 48 and US 30, travel east on US 30 for about 3/8 mile to make a left onto Ardara Road.

Turn left onto Ardara Road and travel through the countryside for about 2 miles. Look for the Ackermann Preserve sign on the right and park at the end of the grassy strip between two homes.

To reach the reserve from points east (Greensburg/Irwin turnpike interchange)

Travel US 30 west through Irwin and North Huntingdon. Two miles from the light at Robbins Station Road (after several Kenny Ross car dealerships), continue 2 miles on US 30 west to Leger Road (Sheetz is on the left-hand intersection).  Look for the Ackermann Preserve sign on the left and park at the end of the grassy strip between two homes.

To reach the reserve from Route 993

Look for a turn south from Route 993 onto Leger Road.  Cross the bridges, then bear right onto Leger Road.  Continue up the hill (Leger Road becomes Ardara Road), and look for the Ackermann Preserve sign on the left.  Park at the end of the grassy strip between two homes.

GPS coordinates: 40.36105, -79.74410