Hiking

Philadelphia and the Countryside

The Philadelphia area is historically rich and diverse in natural resources. From the longest continuously intact canal built in the 1800s (the Delaware Canal) to the beautiful scenery of White Clay Creek Preserve, this beautiful area beacons as a vacation destination. The Lehigh Valley is a major flyway for migratory birds.

Select the park that you would like to visit from the map or from the text links below.

This is a map of the southeast corner of Pennsylvania with the state parks highlighted.

Phildadlphia and the Countryside

Delaware Canal	The 60-mile long Delaware Canal towpath runs from Easton to Bristol and is a National Recreation Trail. Once trod by mule teams pulling cargo-laden boats along the canal, the towpath is used today by walkers, joggers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers and bird watchers. For 30 miles, the Delaware Canal towpath parallels New Jersey's D&R Canal towpath, separated only by the Delaware River. Six bridges link the two trails.
Evansburg	6 miles of trails Most portions of the trails are easy walking with some sections of moderate difficulty.
Fort Washington	3.5 miles of trails Moderate difficulty trails wander through forest and open fields.
French Creek	More than 30 miles of well-marked trails cover a large portion of the park's 7,339 acres. Trail maps are available by the park office. Hikers at French Creek have a wide variety of opportunities for quiet reflection, nature study and physical challenge. Trailhead parking is located in many convenient areas. Explore French Creek for detailed trail descriptions.
Jacobsburg	18.5 miles of trails The network of trails makes the center’s fields, woodlands and streams accessible to both students and the casual visitor. These facilities are for use by hikers, all-terrain bikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. Non-hunters should wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.
Marsh Creek	The trails explore a variety of habitats including forest, field and wetlands.
Neshaminy	4 miles of trails Explore Neshaminy for a detailed trail descriptions.
Nockamixon	3 miles of hiking trails.
Nolde Forest	Nolde Forest encompasses more than 665 acres of deciduous woodlands and coniferous plantations. A network of trails makes the center's streams, ponds and diverse habitats accessible to both students and casual visitors. There is a short, ADA accessible trail by the mansion.
Norristown	8 miles of trails Most trails are paved and used for walking, rollerblading and bicycling. NOTICE: There are no park roads or trails open to equestrian use.
Ralph Stover	1 mile of trails The easy walking trails pass through many habitats and pass near the millrace.
Ridley Creek	12 miles of trails The trails pass through a variety of habitats throughout the central portion of the park.
Tyler	23 miles of trails Hikers are permitted on all trails. Gravel hiking trails to the east of Neshaminy Creek link each picnic area. If you want a longer hike, cross over Neshaminy Creek to the west side of the park via the causeway at the center of the park. There you will find most of the park’s bicycle and equestrian trails. The trails give excellent views of the park and surrounding countryside. You can take a short walk or a long hike covering many miles. Several parking lots near the outer perimeter of the park allow access to remote areas and trails. Explore Tyler for a more information.
White Clay Creek Preserve	A hiking trail, over three miles in length, runs the entire length of the northern portion of the Preserve and ties in with trails in the White Clay Creek Preserve in Delaware.

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