Hillary Chybinski: Take a Walk - 5 Great Walking Trails In and Around Philadelphia

Saturday, November 07, 2015

Take a Walk - 5 Great Walking Trails In and Around Philadelphia

5 Great Walking Trails In and Around Philadelphia

Taking a walk is a great way to get in those 10,000 steps a day. Going on a walk as a couple or with your family, can also be a great way to spend time together. There is something calming and centering about immersing yourself in nature for a while. Right now, the trees are still pretty and there's still plenty of wildlife to be seen. So grab your water bottles and put on some sturdy shoes, and get out there!

Wissahickon Valley Park - The Wissahickon is located in Northwestern Philadelphia, and covers about 1,800 acres, with 57 miles of trails. The Wissahickon Creek runs throughout the seven mile length of the park. The park is so big and there lots of ways to get on the trails. Can't locate it? Search for the Valley Green Inn on your GPS or Waze. You can grab something to eat there or at the amazing Cedars House (my personal favorite).

Valley Forge National Park - In case you're not a history buff, Valley Forge was the site of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Admittance to the park is free. There are 3,500 acres of trails, statues, monuments and historic relics to enjoy. There are a couple of picnic areas, so packing a lunch is a great idea for this park! There is a snack shop and gift shop located at the Visitor's Center. It's amazing to walk along the trails and think of the history that happened right there under your feet. 

Schuykill River Trail - This trail runs from Philadelphia all the way to Phoenixville (it even cuts through Valley Forge National Park)! In total, this trail covers 26.5 miles. It's totally accessible by public transportation at a number of locations, but for me the big draw is the 2,000 foot long "Boardwalk" that runs along the river from Locust Street to the South Street Bridge. Enjoy the vistas as it loops around the Philadelphia Art Museum and past Boat House Row.

Fort Washington State Park - Located in Fort Washington, PA, this park has historical significance as it was a stop-over for George Washington in 1777 on his way to Valley Forge. There are 3.5 miles of trails and it's a great spot to catch sight of migrating birds. Plenty of picnic areas, so this is also a great place to pack a lunch.

Pennypack Park - Pennypack Park stretches for nine miles along the Pennypack Creek in Northeast Philadelphia, covering more than 1,300 acres. There are many historic buildings along the park, as well as a working farm, and the Pennypack Bridge. The Bridge was buils in 1697 and is one of the oldest stone bridges still in use in the United States.  

So there are five great choices to get you out there and walking this weekend! Do you have great access to parks and trails where you live? What is your favorite one?

The Trail in Wissahickon Valley Park

catch you soon -

2 comments:

  1. Wish I had known about these when we visited Philly a few years ago! I'd love to see it in the fall and catch some of the colors changing like this.

    Also, I don't think I realized that's where you're located. Hmmn. Have I been in a bubble?

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  2. Wish I had known about these when we visited Philly a few years ago! I'd love to see it in the fall and catch some of the colors changing like this.

    Also, I don't think I realized that's where you're located. Hmmn. Have I been in a bubble?

    ReplyDelete