Where in the Schuylkill Highlands Am I?!?

In December 2025 Estelle (Schuylkill Highlands Program Manager) took a hike at this township park, which offers a welcome bench for respite beneath a tree. Where in the Schuylkill Highlands was she?!?

In Chester County at West Caln Township’s Layton Park, where visitors can find the ninth-largest black oak in the commonwealth, according to the PA Champion Tree Program. Layton Park’s trails and scenic vistas offer a serene outdoor experience, in addition to a “Book Box” (Little Free Library), a playground, and ball fields. There is also ample parking and public restrooms (port-a-potties in winter).

Check out January’s partner site visit here and give it your best guess!

  • A leafless tree stands beside a grassy path under a partly cloudy sky, with fields and distant woods in the background.
  • Open grassy field with a road and scattered trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • Leafless tree stands near a wooden fence by a grassy field under a partly cloudy sky. Two signs are posted on the fence.
  • A grassy field with a dirt path leading toward leafless trees and bushes under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A dirt path curves through a grassy field with bare trees and shrubs under a partly cloudy blue sky.
  • A grassy field with a worn path leads to a road, with trees and scattered buildings in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A sign near leaf-covered ground and bare trees reads, Please remain on designated trail. Dogs must be leashed at all times! A lake is visible in the background.
  • A grassy field under a partly cloudy sky with a sign in the foreground that instructs people to remain on the designated trail at all times.
  • A red sign labeled BOOK BOX with a left-pointing arrow is posted next to a tree in a grassy park area under a cloudy sky.
  • Informational sign about Layton Parks historic black oak tree, featuring details about its height, age, and significance in Downingtown, along with quotes from local experts.
  • A tree with a fence and grass.

In November 2025 Estelle found herself at Berk’s County Parks and Recreation Department’s Berks County Heritage Center, a historic park that includes the Distelfink sculpture, Mildred the Houseboat, the Gruber Wagon Works, Wertz’s Covered Bridge, the Deppen Cemetery, the Bicentennial Eagle Memorial, and many other buildings and sites of interest.

  • A red covered bridge spans across a calm river with autumn trees and bare branches on the riverbank under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A colorful bird sculpture on a concrete base is displayed outdoors, with trees, grass, and a white building in the background.
  • A weathered informational sign for Deppen Cemetery stands in front of an old graveyard enclosed by a wooden fence, with tombstones visible in the background.

In October 2025 Estelle visited Natural Lands’ Green Hills Preserve, which features rolling wooded hills, meadows, and a seemingly out-of-place gazebo. This site is now preserved open space due to a failed development project, and as evidenced by the abandoned backyard feature meant to lure homebuyers. Read more on the photo of the on-site interpretive signage.

  • Informational sign titled close call stands on a wooden deck in a nature reserve, with trees, a gazebo, and sunlight in the background.
  • A wooden bench sits on grass with tall dry plants and leafless trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
  • A wooden footbridge with railings leads to a small white gazebo in a lush, green, wooded area.

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