Natural Lands' Meng Preserve - Schwenksville, PA
Natural Lands’ Meng Preserve: A Gem for Dog Owners and Nature Lovers in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania
Located in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, Natural Lands’ Meng Preserve offers over 100 acres of beautiful, pet-friendly forest and more than 3 miles of scenic hiking trails. Known for its dog-friendly atmosphere, the preserve is ideal for exploring with your furry companion. Trails of varying difficulty are well-marked, leading visitors past impressive diabase rock outcrops, serene wetlands, and peaceful woodlands. Whether you’re looking to tire out your energetic pup, enjoy an afternoon stroll with the family, or experience dog-friendly hiking in Montgomery County, this preserve stands out for its natural beauty and accessibility.
Dog owners will especially appreciate the variety of terrain, from relatively easy loops around the pond to more challenging rocky and wetland paths (just beware that some trails, like the Blue Trail, can be muddy or flooded after rain). There’s an information kiosk explaining local geology, and while amenities are minimal, the site is well-cared for and provides a tranquil escape—perfect for birdwatching, walking your dog, or introducing kids to the outdoors. Parking is available both onsite and nearby, making access easy during busy times.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are allowed, but there is no specific mention of off-leash areas; it’s recommended to keep dogs leashed unless otherwise posted.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is no fenced dog area at this preserve.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs are allowed, but you should keep them leashed, especially due to wildlife and other hikers.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are over 3 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails and connections to nearby open spaces.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, certain trails—particularly the Blue Trail—can be wet, muddy, or flooded after rain. Waterproof footwear is recommended.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a small lot at the preserve, and overflow parking is available nearby at the Limerick Township Open Space lot on Ryanford Road.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? The preserve is good for kids and offers kid-friendly hikes, though there’s no dedicated playground.
Reviews
Love the outdoors but you should label the blue trail as hard since it is very rocky and i can forsee sprained ankles if not wearing proper shoes.
This 101 acre preserve in Lower Frederick Township has over 3 miles of trails through aa beautiful forest. The huge moss and lichen covered outcrops of diabase rock are most impressive on the purple trail.
This preserve is adjacent to Lower Frederick Township and Limerick Open Space. If the small parking lot is full you can park in the Limerick Township Open Space lot on Ryanford Road.
The only reason I have not given this preserve a “5” is that the blue trail through the wetland is prone to flooding. Hope drainage improvements are made like they have in other Natural Lands properties.
Just visited this preserve for the first time today, nice place and a short hike with a decent mix of terrain for those looking to get a little bit of exercise. I look forward to returning in the future, hopefully when the weather is warmer and there are leaves on the trees.
Do’s: Check out what’s called Edna’s Trail or the Purple Trail. The diabase (boulders) on the top of the hill are pretty cool with some really large ones. There’s an information kiosk in that area explaining the diabase and how long its been there.
Don’t: Hike the Wetland Trail (Blue) unless you’re prepared to get your feet wet and muddy, especially a day after a good rainfall. Since it was my first time there, I’m not sure this area dries up with a lack of rain but I don’t mind the wet and muddy part so I checked it out. It was pretty soggy to say the least. Waterproof footwear is recommended.
In all, it’s a nice spot to explore if you have an hour and a half or two to burn.
This is a great wooded hike across a variety of terrains. We took the yellow trail around the pond to the blue trail (marsh land) to the red trail, to the yellow trail and up to the purple trail and back down to the yellow trail. Afterwards we went to the Stone Hills Preserve as it was nearby and it ended up being the perfect cool down hike.
Meng Preserve is one of my favorite nature preserves. There are several long trails with paint on trees that direct your adventure. Be prepared to avoid muddy puddles by hopping across intrusive igneous Diabase rock. Nature? Meng has tons of it along with informative displays through the trails. Whether you need to tire out the children, get away from your spouse, or walk the dog; you will not be disappointed by this park!