What is better than hiking in Philadelphia? Well, hiking in Philadelphia in the fall. The gorgeous season of the changing leaves and vibrant nature hues brings with it crisp air and a promise of beautiful weather. If you are in or near Philadelphia, you have plenty of places for hikes all through the year. If you are keen to get out of the house and explore the fall season on a hiking trail in Philly then you will never be short of places to go. Consider these 5 best hikes near Philadelphia for the fall season.
Tyler Arboretum
Situated in Delaware County, Tyler Arboretum has some 17 miles of hiking trails and walking paths. Minshall Trail is the longest trail here at about 7.4 miles and covers most of the 650 acres of the arboretum. During the hike, you will come across the 200-year-old farm on the property. The arboretum has lilacs, magnolias, crabapples, cherries, rhododendrons, and conifers; making it a really scenic hike near Philadelphia. You will find yourself winding through woodlands, streams, and meadows. There is an entry fee of $15 at the Tyler Arboretum. You can reach it after a 40-minute drive from Philly.
Wissahickon Valley Park
Imagine hiking through some 1800 acres of serene land with meadows, forests, and a beautiful creek. Hiking in Wissahickon Valley Park is good around the year. But the fall colors shine through the foliage; making everything here prettier. It takes around 25 minutes to drive down to the park but the actual time will depend on the park entrance you choose. You may see woodpeckers, blue jays, chickadees, owls, cardinals, goldfinches, and many more birds during your hike. This is one of the best fall hikes near Philadelphia. Some of the best trails here are the Wissahickon Gorge North Loop, Orange to White Trail, and the Yellow Trail Loop.
Also Read: Best Road Trips from Philadelphia You Can Make with Your Family
Valley Forge National Historical Park
A historical site, the Valley Forge National Historical Park is spread over 3500 acres. There are monuments, woodlands, and meadows on the property; some honoring the sacrifices of those who participated in the Revolutionary War. Some of the best trails here are the Mount Misery Trail (4.7 km), Mount Joy Trail (6.1 km), River Trail (9.5 km), and Valley Creek Trail (4.7 km). It is one of the best fall hikes near Philadelphia.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
A 22-minute drive from Philly will take you to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. The place is located by the Delaware River and covers around 1000 acres. This is a protection zone for one of Pennsylvania’s largest fresh tidal marshes. John Heinz Lake Loop (5.6 km) and the Big Boardwalk Loop Trail (1 km) are the main trails here. You will find native plants and wildlife in the park. The marsh here is quite popular with birdwatchers.
Also Read: Philadelphia Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
Neshaminy State Park
It is located in Bucks County, some 30 minutes away from Philly via road (some 15 miles from downtown Philly). The park is by the Delaware River and adds to the main trail’s charms. The River Walk Trail (1 km) is easy and offers a path through the forest. You can also see Philly’s skyline from the trail. There is also a small beach in the park, which is worth exploring. Several smaller trails all along the park merge into the main trail. So, you can do a shorter or longer loop. If you hike along the main trail, you will find the tidal marsh by the Neshaminy Creek. The path may look like something out of a fairytale forest. Locust Lane surrounds the woodland and will lead you back to the start of the River Walk Trail. It is a nice spot for family hiking trips near Philly. Kids may also love names like Beaver Walk and Eagles Forest Trail!
If you are visiting Philadelphia in the fall, make sure you include a hiking trip in your itinerary. If you are in Philadelphia on a flag end of your business or family trip, perhaps you will like to extend your stay and enjoy the fall season in the region. For instance, you can easily change your plans by booking last-minute flights from Philadelphia to India. How to do so easily? Well, you can use the Indian Eagle flight-booking services.
