10 of the Best Hikes near Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is a bustling city of museums, art and history. If you’re hoping to escape into the outdoors, Philadelphia offers access to a variety of incredible hiking trails. Some require a significant drive out of the city, but all offer peaceful escapes from city life. Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek or a serene stroll, there’s something for you to explore.
Hawk Mountain Lookout Trail
Length: 1.6 km
Time: 35 – 45 minutes
Elevation Gain: 64 m
While there are a variety of trails to choose from at Hawk Mountain, the Lookout Trail is one of the most popular. This trail leads to various lookout points. It’s an ideal spot for photographers and bird watchers, so bring your binoculars and camera.
Read more: hawkmountain.org
Distance from Philadelphia: 125 km
Forbidden Drive
Wissahickon Valley Park
Length: 8 km
The Wissahickon Valley Park offers serenity and beautiful views right inside the city. Forbidden Drive is the park’s most popular multi-use trail. It takes visitors alongside Wissahickon Creek on a wide, flat, gravel path.
Read more: fow.org
Distance from Philadelphia: 9.5 km
White Trail
Wissahickon Valley Park
Length: 7 km
For hikers looking for more difficult terrain, the White Trail, also at Wissahickon Valley Park, is a must. The terrain is more rocky with some steep and technical climbing sections. Although the trail is rugged, it makes up for it with incredible views.
Read more: fow.org
Distance from Philadelphia: 9.5 km
Raymondskill Creek Trail
Delaware Water Gap
Length: 0.5 km one-way
Elevation Gain: 54 m
The Raymondskill Creek Trail is perfect for hikers who love chasing waterfalls. Raymondskill Falls is a beautiful three-tiered waterfall that is the tallest waterfall in the state. If you add the three tiers together, the waterfall is just a few feet shorter than Niagara Falls. This trail takes hikers to upper and lower viewpoints to appreciate the splendor of the falls.
Read more: nps.gov
Distance from Philadelphia: 150 km
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Delaware Water Gap
Length: 45 km
Stretching across the Appalachian Mountains is the famous AT. It’s over 3,400 kilometres long, with 45 kilometres of the trail reaching through the Delaware Water Gap. Take a shorter trek along part of the trail for a brilliant day hike or challenge yourself with a multi-day trek.
Read more: nps.gov
Distance from Philadelphia: 150 km
Mount Tammany/Red Dot Trail
Delaware Water Gap
Length: 1.9 km one-way
Elevation Gain: 366 m
Another popular hiking spot near Philadelphia, this trail leads up to the top of Mount Tammany. Hikers can enjoy beautiful views of the Delaware Water Gap. This trail hooks up with the Blue Blaze Trail, which offers a slightly easier way back down the mountain.
Read more: nps.gov
Distance from Philadelphia: 150 km
Chapel Trail
Valley Forge
Length: 4 km
Valley Forge is an important historic site near Philadelphia with ten hiking trails to explore. Here, visitors can view the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army. Then, hike the multi-use Chapel Trail, which is mostly shaded and features views of the Schuylkill River.
Read more: nps.gov
Distance from Philadelphia: 38 km
Pennypack Creek Trail
Length: 1 km
The Pennypack Creek Trail is part of the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust. The area is home to white-tailed deer. Hikers can also see the floodplain forest and conifer plantations.
Read more: pennypacktrust.org
Distance from Philadelphia: 24 km
Falls Trail
Ricketts Glen State Park
Length: 11.6 km loop
Waterfall lovers are drawn to Ricketts Glen State Park for the famous Falls Trail. This trail is home to 21 cascades! These waterfalls range from 11 feet to a staggering 94 feet in height. This gorgeous trail can be challenging at points and terrain is often rocky and slippery, so be sure to wear good hiking boots.
Read more: dcnr.pa.gov
Distance from Philadelphia: 222 km
Old Logger’s Path
Loyalsock State Forest
Length: 43.5 km
This unique hiking trail takes visitors through the valleys of Rock Run and Pleasant Stream. It also passes through what used to be a former mill town called Masten. The path is made up of old logging trails and railroads with beautiful views and gurgling streams.
Read more: dcnr.pa.gov
Distance from Philadelphia: 290 km
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