Ready for some outdoor fun and adventure that is fun and free? Hit the trails for a family hike!
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some of the best area trails for your family hike right here. You can also find an alphabetical list of all PA state parks or search for trails by county and zip code right on the Pennsylvania State Parks website.
Wissahickon Valley Park – Forbidden Trail
Valley Green Road
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Explore 50 miles of hiking trails across 2.5-acres of parkland along Wissahickon Creek. The 5+ miles of wide, gravel trail is perfect if you have a stroller in tow or just want to take an easier route. From there, you can branch off onto many smaller, marked trails with varied terrain, so there’s always something new to discover.
Pennypack Park
8500 Pine Road
Philadelphia, PA 19111
Pennypack Park is another perfect spot for family hikes, with 9 miles of paved and unpaved trails on 1,600 acres. Enjoy stunning views of the Delaware River at one end of the trail, plus a working farm, environmental center and historic sites along the way.
Rolling Hill Park
1301 Rose Glen Road
Gladwyne, PA 19035
This well manicured, 100+ acre park in Lower Merion Township offers miles of trails and (of course) rolling hills to explore on your family hike. Have a four-legged family member? There’s even a large, fenced-in area where dogs can run and play off-leash.
Lorimer Park
183 Moredon Road
Abington, PA 19006
At Lorimer Park, you and your family can hike over 6 miles of multi-use trails though the 230-acre sanctuary in Lower Moreland Township. Most of the trail system is easily walkable, though there are few hilly sections that are more challenging. The three internal trails also connect to Pennypack Trail, a 5.5-mile, crushed stone trail that’s the easiest to navigate with a stroller or younger hikers.
Ridley Creek State Park
1023 Sycamore Mills Road
Media, PA 19063
There’s plenty of room to explore the 2,600 acres of parkland that make up Ridley Creek State Park in Delaware County. Walk through tranquil woods, stop for a picnic and even check out the formal gardens near the park office. There are over 13 miles of paved and unpaved trails ranging in difficulty, so you can find the right route for your family hike.
Skunk Hollow Park
600 Darby Paoli Road
Villanova, PA 19085
Skunk Hollow Park offers 2 miles of trails on 93.7 acres in Radnor Township. You’ll find some challenging terrain, as well as lots of great scenery and historic ruins to discover along the way. Be sure to check out the large split boulder at the creek’s edge on the western side of the loop. It’s a popular landmark, especially for kids who love to climb!
Haverford Reserve Trail
Parkview Drive
Haverford, PA 19041
The Haverford Reserve is home to a network of trails covering more than 5 miles of woodland, creeks and streams. The trails are mostly natural surface rather than paved, with varying levels of steepness, though their online trail map offers a good description of each trail to help you plan your route.
Treweryn Farm Trail
1312 Sumneytown Pike
Lower Gwynedd Township, PA 19002
Treweryn Farm Trail is a great spot for family-friendly hiking with some stunning water views. Explore the 2.1-mile out-and-back trail, which travels around two ponds with lovely stone bridges at both ends.
Marsh Creek State Park
675 Park Road
Downingtown, PA 19335
For a longer family hike with lake views and lots to explore, check out Marsh Creek State Park in Chester County. The park sits on over 1,700 acres, including 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake, and boasts almost 20 miles of popular hiking trails. The trails are generally rated a moderate difficulty, but there are areas that are easy enough for all skill levels.
Nockamixon State Park
1542 Mountainview Drive
Quakertown, PA 18951
To turn your family hike into a day trip worth the drive, check out the miles of trails to be explored at Nockamixon State Park in Bucks County. With so many trails available, you can easily find one to match the difficulty and distance that works for your family. Plus, many of the trails lead up to the 1,450 Lake Nockamixon, for gorgeous water views and opportunities for lakefront adventures.
For more great hiking trails in the area check out our directory. Have a favorite not included in the list? Let us know at info@elementaryconnections.com