Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is one of the best places for wildflower hikes in Bucks County. Located in New Hope, the preserve is a favorite outdoor spot for hikers, families, and nature lovers. There are so many plants and animals to see as you explore different habitats, plus educational programs for children and adults.

History & Mission

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve was founded by two Bucks County conservationists, Mary K. Parry and W. Wilson Heinitsh. In 1934, they were given 100 acres by the Washington Crossing Park Commission for a Pennsylvania wildflower preserve. Workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration built trails, roadways, and two of the park’s most distinctive structures: a log cabin and the Stone Arch Bridge.

Of the 2,000 species of plants native to Pennsylvania, more than 700 can be found at Bowman’s Hill. Their mission is to inspire conservation as they preserve regional biodiversity and educate visitors about the importance native plants play in our ecosystems.

Trails & Historic Highlights

The 134-acre preserve contains more than 4.5 miles of interconnected trails that wind through forests, meadows, and wetlands. Many trails are paved, making them stroller-friendly, while others are more rugged. Pick up a Trail Map at the Visitor Center to locate the following areas.

Pidcock Creek is an excellent place to spot turtles. While looking for painted and snapping ones, you’ll also see a variety of birds and insects. Along the creek, you can spot a dam and millrace (man-made canal) built in the 1830’s to power the nearby Thompson-Neely Grist Mill.

The Gentian Trail follows Pidcock Creek toward Founders’ Pond. Look for gnawed trees and the beavers that chewed them down. Cross the Stone Arch Bridge and enjoy stunning views of Pidcock Creek and the wildflowers growing along its banks. Then check out the historic log cabin just 100 feet away.

For a quiet, shaded, moss-covered clearing, visit Moss Garden in Penn’s Woods. As you continue exploring, make your way toward the nearby Azalea Trail, named after the brightly colored shrubs that bloom in the spring, and don’t miss its grove of eastern hemlocks.

Gardens, Greenhouses & Wildlife

If you’d like to grow your own native plants, be sure to visit the Nursery, which sells over 200 native species of wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and ferns. Plants are available for sale from April through October.

The Idea Garden outside the Visitor Center showcases native wildflowers for every season. From there, head to the Meadow, where more than 100 types of native grasses, rushes, and wildflowers can be found in a four-acre plot.

Across the preserve, a large variety of kinds of birds can be spotted. Look for different species in each habitat, or watch woodpeckers, chickadees, and finches at the feeding stations in the Bird Observatory.

Family‑Friendly Experiences

While at the Visitor Center, pick up a scavenger-hunt sheet that will guide kids through the most family-friendly parts of the preserve. Be sure to stop by the Children’s Library to read them a story about the plants and animals they’re about to see.

Kids love to wander through the Green Labyrinth on the Bucks County Trail or look for turtles and frogs in the Founders Pond. Then take them to the R.O.T. Plot in Penn’s Woods, where they can see how trees decompose and look for bugs and fungi.

With so much to see, you may want to pack a lunch. Find the picnic table outside the Visitor Center, or spread out a blanket on the grassy front lawn. There’s more seating in the pavilion near the preserve entrance, but it’s sometimes reserved for private events.

Hours & Admission

Hours vary seasonally, so check their website for the latest information. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Visitor Center for $12 per adult, $9 for seniors, students, active military, and veterans, and $6 for children. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month.

To further support the preserve, consider an annual membership, which includes unlimited admission and discounts for special events. Inspired to spend more time in nature? Explore other parks and gardens and outdoor experiences in Bucks County and make a full day of discovering the region’s natural beauty.