The Lincoln Highway in Exton, PA: Hiding in Plain Sight

Although this may look like a parking lot box, it really isn’t. And although the site may look like an exploded dumpster, it really isn’t a dumpster box either. I have to admit that this is definitely not the beautiful location that I picture any of my boxes residing in, but wondering about the stories that may be hiding here intrigue me. And the fact that so many commercial and retail buildings have grown up around this location without totally destroying this site absolutely amazes me. If you are into practicing CITO, this is definitely the spot to consider spending some time.

Head to the Festival in Exton and park in the farthest northeast corner of the parking lot, the Lincoln Highway will be a few feet to your north and a group of evergreen trees will show you where to walk down the hill behind the retaining wall. When you get to the hidden surprise there, head to the southernmost edge of the structure and keeping the wheel to your back, face the woods. Look to your left to see the remnants of an old fence with concrete posts. The first post is mixed in with a three tree grouping. Check out the small pile of rocks at the base of the fence post. And don’t forget to take a bag of trash back out with you!

Length of walk: driveby
Elevation: 10 feet
Date Planted: 10/18/09
Color needed for stamp: Brown

Did You Know....

Did you know….that October is National Pretzel Month?

Did you know …that Berks countians eat an average of nine pounds of pretzels per person a year?

Did you know….that Reading is the Pretzel Capital of the World?

Did you know....that Berks countians are just as happy to use pretzels in pie crusts as graham crackers?

So now that you know all of that, come visit us and explore one of our little known trail areas. In fact, I didn’t even know about it until a couple of weeks ago and it is only a few miles from our house. Begin by parking at the intersection of renotS and smadA streets. Do not attempt to park any closer to the trail, there just isn't room.

Walk up smadA street which will become eniP Avenue and you will see this forbidding sight. But don't worry, it says No Parking and No Hunting, it does not say No Trespassing.


You will encounter three Ys. At the first, bear right, at the next bear left. Before you come to the next Y, look to your right and you will see these neat stone structures. First picture is the view of the roof from the trail, the second is from the side.

Right after you see these buildings, you will come to your third Y which has a very faint fork branching off to the right. Take the left trail and within a few steps, you will see a stone lined ditch on the left.

As you stand at the culvert, look into the woods behind it and you will see a very large two sister tree. About fifteen feet to the right of the two sister tree is a three plus one sister tree. Between the two trunks of the two sister you will find the Reading Pretzel.

PS: Archery hunting is permitted so be prepared with your orange.

Length of walk: less than 1 mile round trip
Elevation: 30 feet, the elevation is all on the road walk to the trail
Date Planted: 10/03/09
Color needed for stamp: Brown