Unionville Barrens

Description

From 1825 until about 1892, masses of corundum were mined at the site to be used as an abrasive. Feldspar pegmatites were also quarried here, as well as a small amount of chromite from the Baily Mine, and one quarry was worked for serpentine stone.

Visiting

The Unionville Barrens are part of the Natural Lands ChesLen Preserve, and are located in the southeast corner of the preserve. A small parking lot exists by a springhouse off of Cannery Road between Kelsall Road and the Lenfest Center. From there, follow the yellow trail as it curves east, then turn right on an unnamed trail that crosses a ridge. Descend the ridge and cross the stream at the base; the trail leads into serpentine barrens on the opposite side of the valley. Limited parking may also be available on the shoulder of Cannery Road at Kelsall Road. A trail leads east from the roadside into the barrens.