Five Mile Woods Nature ADA Access Trail Opening

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —The Friends of Five Mile Woods will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the ADA Accessible Trail as part of an Earth Day open house on Sunday.

The Earth Day Open House at Five Mile Woods Nature Preserve takes place from Noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, kicking off with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the ADA Accessible Trail at 12:30 p.m.

The ceremony will be followed by guided tours featuring emerging wildflowers like spring beauties, jack-in-the-pulpit, and trout lilies.

The realization of the ADA Trail has been made possible through funding from the PECO Green Region Grant, coupled with unwavering support from the Township Board of Supervisors, The Disability Advisory Board, and the Park and Recreation Advisory Board, parks and recreation officials said.

The initiative, a pivotal aspect of the Township's broader Parks and Recreation ADA Transition Plan, aims to provide accessibility to nature for individuals of all abilities.

The project was driven by the dedication of volunteers who dedicated six weeks to its construction, with some volunteers laboring on-site every day.

Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity of Five Mile Woods, exploring the myriad of plants and animals that call it home.

Officials said that the trails may have uneven surfaces, so we advise wearing sturdy walking shoes, particularly for those accessing the more challenging routes.

Five Woods Nature Preserve

Spanning 300 acres, Five Mile Woods was acquired by Lower Makefield Township in 1979.

Nestled primarily within a wooded expanse, it encompasses a section of the Fall Line, where the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions converge. Beyond its role as a nature preserve, it serves as a sanctuary for residents seeking to reconnect with nature in their immediate surroundings.

Recognized as a hidden gem of Lower Makefield Township, Five Mile Woods recently gained prominence in the Lower Makefield Play for All Plan. This underscores residents' collective preference for conservation and sustainability initiatives.

The park has been earmarked as a focal point for environmental programming, with potential extensions to other community initiatives such as day camps and senior programming. Tours will set off from the parking lot situated at 1305 Big Oak Rd., adjacent to the Kohl’s shopping center.

New Trail Information

Lower Makefield Township's Five Mile Woods Preserve —Sphagnum Trail 0.28 mi

• Permitted: Hikers, including those utilizing mobility aids and/or service animals.
• Prohibited: Pets, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, smoking, littering, vandalism, collecting of any kind. Please adhere to Preserve regulations.

Portions of the trail have been improved for accessibility:

• The accessible trail length is 675 feet/0.13 mi Grade: Average 1.3 percent, Maximum 4.5 percent (12 linear feet) Cross Slope: Average: 0 percent, Maximum 1 percent.
• Trail Width: Minimum 53 inches (max. continuous length: 190’), Maximum 65 inches
• Surface Type: Composite Lumber Boardwalk (3” edge protection)

Several non-accessible pedestrian trails originate from and/or continue beyond the 675’ (0.13 mile) section of the accessible boardwalk. Please use caution.