NEW HOPE WILDLIFE FIELD GUIDE
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve — All-day admission to New Hope’s native-plant sanctuary
All-ages, all-day entry to Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope; this guide explains access, trails, rules and practical tips for a visit.
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve — All-day admission to New Hope’s native-plant sanctuary.
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve near New Hope is a compact sanctuary of native plants and easy, linked trails—an accessible place for a leisurely meander or a purposeful walk among gravel-surfaced paths and paved pedestrian roadways. This entry covers how to reach the Visitor Center, what to expect on the trails, and the preserve’s simple rules that protect its habitats and wildflowers.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Visitor Center, parking and paved access
Free parking is available in the Visitor Center lot, with additional parking along the left side of Continental Drive or by the Captain James Moore Pavilion. The main floor of the Visitor Center, restrooms and the parking lot are accessible, and a paved pedestrian roadway links many of the trails.
Gravel trails and stroller-friendly routes
Trails are surfaced with gravel and linked by paved walkways; many are quite flat and suitable for either a slow wander or a brisk walk. The paved main pedestrian road and the pond loop accommodate standard strollers, while most other trails are best with strollers that have all-terrain wheels.
Simple rules that protect plants and habitat
To protect native plants and habitats the preserve allows service dogs only within the fenced area, prohibits picking plants, and limits activities—no fishing, hunting, swimming, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, motorcycles, snowmobiles, off-road vehicles or bicycling on the trails.
What the day feels like
What a visit feels like
A visit is a self-paced experience along a network of paved and gravel trails that ease visitors through plantings and around a pond; the layout supports everything from stroller rolls on the paved loop to more intentional walks on flatter gravel paths, and access centers on the Visitor Center and its amenities.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this preserve visit suits—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trails are surfaced with gravel and linked by a paved pedestrian roadway; the paved main road and pond path are suitable for standard strollers, while most other trails are best navigated with strollers that have all-terrain wheels.
The main floor of the Visitor Center, restrooms and the parking lot are accessible; paved walkways connect many trails for easier access.
For convenience of all-weather walking, trails are surfaced with gravel and linked by paved pedestrian roadways; many trails are quite flat and suited to both leisurely and brisk walks.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is there parking at the preserve?
Yes. Free parking is available in the Visitor Center parking lot, with additional parking along the left side of Continental Drive or by the Captain James Moore Pavilion.
Are the Visitor Center and restrooms accessible?
Yes. The main floor of the Visitor Center, the restrooms and the parking lot are accessible to all.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets are not allowed within the fenced portion of the Preserve; only service dogs are permitted.
Are strollers OK on the trails?
Standard strollers travel easily on the paved main pedestrian road and the path around the pond; most other trails are best with strollers that have all-terrain wheels.
Can I ride a bike on the trails?
You may ride your bicycle or motorcycle up to the Visitor Center and a bicycle rack is provided, but bicycling on or off the trails is not allowed.
Can I pick wildflowers or collect plants?
No. Please do not pick or collect the wildflowers or other plants in order to protect the Preserve's habitats and native species.
How long can I stay?
Admission is all-day entry during operating hours.