14 Beautiful Parks and Hikes Near Philadelphia

In Philly and itching to get outdoors and in nature? Having been a resident, I know of many beautiful parks to go walking, running, biking, or hiking near Philadelphia, PA. Listed in ascending order, by distance from Center City, this trail guide includes parks and hikes near Philadelphia I highly recommend visiting.

Pennsylvania’s rocky terrain — the original tribal land of the Lenni-Lenape — has historically been used for hunting and fishing, so you can expect to see rivers, creeks, rock formations, and bountiful fauna.

Whether you live in the area or are visiting Philly for a few days, you’ll enjoy retreating from the city for peaceful moments outdoors and low-impact exercise.  A bonus: the hikes are all less than 90 minutes away by car (and some even walkable!)

Entrance to all Philadelphia parks are free unless otherwise noted.

Schuylkill River Trail

The Schuylkill River is a distinct Philadelphia landmark. One of the first highlights a Philly local might tell you about the river is its charming Boathouse Row, which glows at night. If you run, bike, or walk along the Schuylkill River Trail, you’ll notice traversing the riverscape is equally scenic.

There are a number of access points to this 70+ mile trail. Here are four Schuylkill River trailheads I recommend:

• Hikes Near Philadelphia Center City: Go to Schuylkill Banks trailhead at Walnut St. if you want to stop by an information kiosk before beginning your walk along the riverscape. 
• Near the Art Museum
• Near South Street
• Near Manayunk: Head to Manayunk’s Main Street to find a gorgeous towpath parallel to the Schuylkill River, on the Manayunk Canal. With scenic views, historic sightings, and mixed trails (open boardwalk and wooded gravel trail), the 2-mile Manayunk Towpath is a great place to walk, jog, or bike.
• Start at Lloyd Hall trailhead in East Fairmont, just off of Kelly Drive beyond the Art Museum. There’s a restaurant, restrooms, and bike rentals there, so expect more runners and cyclists. 
• Start your trek at the southernmost tip of the trail, along the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk. Expect crowds on this promenade and its adjacent greenspace.

Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park is about a 15-minute drive from Center City, and is the largest park in the city of Philadelphia. The wooded park is divided into two sections, split by the Schuylkill River. 

As one of the largest parks for hikes near Philadelphia, the massive grounds need an entire guide in itself. So, here’s a quick list of places to hike and explore in Fairmount Park if you love wooded trails.

If you don’t want to take on the park alone, there are usually a number of guided walks, runs, and hikes on the Fairmount Park Conservancy calendar.

West Fairmount Trails

• Old Trolley Trail: Start at Chamonix Mansion and trek the Belmont Woods along Belmont hiking trails and the interpretive Trolley Trail (map).
• Concourse Lake Trail: A low-impact trail around the reservoir, near the Please Touch Museum and Shofuso Japanese House and Garden (map).
• For gorgeous skyline views head to Belmont Plateau.

East Fairmount Trails

• Boxer’s Trail (3.8 miles): Named for its historical use by boxing legends, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Reach this trail near the East Fairmount Reservoir to follow the 5k route.
• Schuylkill River Trail: You can traverse through East Fairmount Park if you continue along the river trail.

DuPont Crescent Trail

For hikes near Philadelphia in South Philly, near the southernmost part of the Schuylkill River, you can embark on a light journey along the DuPont Crescent Trail in Grays Ferry. The trail is about 1.5 miles and offers one main park trail, a few fishing opportunities, and seating for bird watching.

The Philly park is less than a 15-minute drive from Center City and will soon connect to Southwest Philadelphia across the Schuylkill River by way of the revived Conrail Crossing swing bridge.

• Entry at Schuylkill & Wharton Street: There is a small skatepark near this entrance, as well as a brief boardwalk where people fish.
• Entry at Grays Ferry Avenue: This entry also leads you to the small skatepark first, make a right at the skatepark to continue the trail.
• Entry at 34th Street: This entry to the park is off of the University Avenue Bridge.

Bartram’s Garden

Bartram’s Garden is a beautiful, scenic escape in Southwest Philadelphia, and only a 15-minute drive away. The historic house and gardens not only offer picnic, boating, and birding opportunities, there is also a one-mile trail or wooded and meadow trails throughout the grounds for anyone itching for a light hikes near Philadelphia.

• One-mile Trail: This trail runs between 56th street and the Community Boathouse. You can soon extend this hike by crossing the upcoming Schuylkill River Swing Bridge to Greys Ferry.
• Other Bartram’s Garden Trails: There are lots of short trails throughout the grounds, including the meadows and gardens. Grab a map onsite (or print out one at home) and explore at your leisure. 

Pennypack Park & Pennypack Preserve

A 20-minute drive from Center City, Pennypack Park in Northeast Philadelphia offers over 1,000 acres of land to explore. Its creek runs to the Delaware River, and you can find miles of rambles and woodland trails to hike. 

Pennypack Park Trails (maps)

Park upkeep has declined in some areas, though still plenty of wooded scenery to take in.

• MODERATE – Pennypack Park Trail (13 miles)
• EASY – Pennypack North Trail (7 miles)
• EASY – Pennypack South Trail Loop (4 miles)

Pennypack Preserve

Not far from Pennypack Park is the Pennypack Preserve, a smaller nature reserve with scenic historical sites and short hikes near Philadelphia (trail map).

Lorimer Park

Connected to northern Pennypack Park, Lorimer Park’s picturesque namesake loop (4 miles) treks through meadows, woodland, and over creeks and bridges.

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

Over by the Philadelphia International Airport, 20-30 minutes outside of Center City, is the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. It was established in 1972 as the country’s first urban refuge and offers over 10 miles of nature trails through wood and marshlands. With a variety of hikes near Philadelphia, you can take advantage of their bird-watching opportunities with binoculars on loan for free.

Popular Refuge Trails (map)

• EASY- Darby Creek Trail (1 mile via Tinicum Trail; ideal for skyline views)
• EASY – Wetland Loop (3.5 miles; observation tower for viewing wildlife)
• EASY – Big Boardwalk Loop (<1 mile and wheelchair accessible)

Wissahickon Valley Park

There are over 50 miles of trails in Wissahickon Valley Park — perfect for the avid hiker seeking some of the best hiking trails in Philadelphia. Historically used by the Lenni-Lenape tribe for hunting and fishing, this free park is located right in Northwest Philadelphia and citygoers love its 25-minute proximity by car, outdoor gorge escape, and historical structures.

This might be one of the most popular hikes near Philadelphia due to its remote vibe yet convenient location.

• Upper Trails: For rugged, challenging hikes stick to the upper trais (trail guide)
• Forbidden Drive: Runners and low-impact hikers prefer the 5-mile Forbidden Drive (wide and flat; wheelchair accessible)

Scenic Hikes in Wissahickon

• EASY – Andorra Meadow Trail (2 miles)
• EASY/MODERATE – Wissahickon Creek Loop (2-6 miles)
• MODERATE – Wissahickon Gorge North Loop Trail (5 miles)

Valley Forge National Historical Park

A 25-minute drive away from Philadelphia Center City, you can visit the Valley Forge National Historical Park for a hike, run, bike, and closer look at parts of Revolutionary War history. There are over 30 miles of trails here (20 of which are designated hiking trails).

Scenic Trails in Valley Forge (map)

• EASY – Joseph Plumb Martin Trail (5 miles, along a road)
• EASY – River Trail (6 miles)
• MODERATE – Valley Forge Historical Trail (8 miles)
• MODERATE – Mount Joy Trail to Mount Misery Trail Loop (4 miles, elevation)

Ridley Creek State Park

This Pennsylvania state park is only a 30-minute drive from Center City Philadelphia and offers over 2,500 acres of land for free outdoor recreation, as well as $10 access to a restored pre-Revolutionary Quaker plantation, listing it on the National Register of Historic Places. 

(Note: This is for informational purposes; I’d visit the connected park but prefer not to visit plantations.) 

At Ridley Creek State Park you’ll find group tent campgrounds, a winding creek, small waterfalls, and 13 miles of designated trails.

Scenic Trails at Ridley Creek (map)

• EASY – Park Loop Trail (4.4 miles, paved)
• MODERATE – Yellow Trail (7.6 miles)
• MODERATE – White Trail Loop (4 miles)
• MODERATE – Blue Trail (3.4 miles)
• EASY – Sycamore Mills Dam (near parking lot)

Tyler State Park

Tyler State Park is a popular Pennsylvania state park in Bucks County. A 50-minute drive away from Philadelphia, the park’s 23 miles of trails, wildlife sightings, and location on Neshaminy Creek attracts hikers of all ages. 

Popular Trails at Tyler State Park (map)

• EASY/MODERATE – Tyler State Park Trail Loop (7.3 mile)
• MODERATE – Nature Trail (1 mile)

Brandywine Creek State Park

Drive 45-minutes outside of Philadelphia and across the Delaware border to visit Brandywine Creek State Park’s historic nature preserve. Among the historic stone walls you can access hiking trails through a Tulip Poplar Tree forest and marshland, hawk migration viewing, and a nature center.

Popular Trails at Brandywine Creek (map)

• EASY – Brandywine Trail (3 miles)
• EASY – Nature Preserve Tulip Tree Loop Trail (0.8 miles, connect Hidden Pond Trail to add 1.5 miles)
• MODERATE – Rocky Run Trail (1.8 miles)

Entry Fees: $4 in-state, $8 out-of-state

Baldpate Mountain

For scenic views of the Delaware River, drive 45 minutes from Philadelphia to New Jersey’s Baldpate Mountain. These hikes near Philadelphia offer 1,800 acres of forest and meadows, and 12 miles of hiking trails.

Popular Trails at Baldpate (map)

• EASY – Ridge Trail (2 miles, white)
• EASY – Summit Trail (1 mile, blue)
• MODERATE – Red/Green/White Trail (7 miles)

Views Nearby

• EASY – Goat Hill Overlook (1 mile loop, more info)

Peace Valley Park

An hour’s drive away from Philadelphia you can find a peaceful outdoor escape that lives true to its name. Peace Valley Park is located in Doylestown, PA and open to the public, offering trail, boating, and wildlife spotting opportunities. 

Its main paved trail loops around Lake Galena (Peace Valley Reservoir) which is at Neshaminy Creek’s northern branch; the trail is quite popular so expect crowds in the afternoon.

Popular Trails at Peace Valley

• EASY – Lake Galena Loop (6 miles)
• Various rustic trails throughout the park, like Evergreen Trail and Upper Woods Trail (map)

Hawk Mountain

Located in Kempton, PA and a 90-minute drive from Philly, the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary offers great places to watch for raptors, hike over eight miles of nature trails, and experience year-round picturesque views of the Appalachian Mountains (some of the best hiking views near Philadelphia!)

Scenic Trails at Hawk Mountain (map)

• EASY – Lookout Trail (1.9 miles)
• EASY – South Lookout (which connects to the Silhouette Trail)
• EASY – Silhouette Trail (0.5 mile)
• MODERATE – Inner Loop (3 miles)
• MODERATE – River of Rocks Loop (4.5 miles)
• HARD – Outer Loop (5.5 miles)

Trails admission fee: $10 per adult

Willing to Drive Farther for Hiking Trails Near Philadelphia?

I prefer to take day trips under 90 minutes, even for hikes near Philadelphia. But if you are willing to take a longer drive for some amazing hiking trails, check out these parks and scenic hikes as well.

• Ricketts Glen State Park (2.5 hour drive, amazing waterfalls)
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (2-3 hour drive)
• Mount Minsi (scenic views, Appalachian Trail on PA side)
• Mount Tammany (scenic views, Appalachian Trail on NJ side)

Before you start planning your Philadelphia outdoor escape, remember to check for operation, regulation, and park safety information first. Here are some ideas:

1. Park Rules

• Many parks require large gatherings (20+) to obtain a permit or provide advance notice
• Many parks are alcohol and smoke-free facilities
• If you have a dog, a leash is often required (or dogs may not be allowed to walk certain trails)
• Fishing may require permits
• Leave no trace, always (carry out the same stuff you carry in)

2. Park Details

• What are park hours?
• When is the best time to visit the park to avoid crowds?
• Is parking free and available?
• Are there restrooms in the park?
• Are there current restrictions due to COVID-19?

3. Park Safety

• Always have a fully charged phone in case of an emergency
• Even though these are hikes near Philadelphia, always bring a map of the park and trails
• Do not swim unless explicitly permitted by the park
• Bring sunscreen, snacks, and water
• Prepare for ticks (wear coverage, stick to designated trails, do a tick check immediately upon return home)
• Bring a friend! Some of the aforementioned parks are out in the open and plenty busy, but I would bring a hiking partner along more wooded trails. 
• Wear bright-colored clothing to be more easily spotted, and be sure to have rain gear to keep you dry if necessary.

What to bring on your Philly hike

• Hiking shoes: I use Adidas Terrex’s Primeblue Free Hiker the most
• Daypack with hydration bag
• Quick dry hiking pants
• SPF Quick Dry tshirt

Enjoy Your Outdoor Adventure near Philly!

I hope you enjoyed this list of parks and best hikes near Philadelphia! As you start to plan new adventures in the United States, you now know to also include hiking near Philly as a viable option. Tag me in your outdoor adventures on Instagram @ochristine if you end up visiting one of these parks.

xx, O.

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