Top Hikes in the Area

Looking for fresh air and a bit of adventure? From easy family strolls to challenging ridge‑line climbs, these trails offer the best hiking within roughly a 45‑ to 60‑minute drive of the suburbs.

🥾 Mount Misery Loop – Valley Forge (Malvern, PA)

This wooded loop ascends Mount Misery, skirts Valley Creek, and passes historic sites in Valley Forge National Historical Park. Expect a rocky, steady climb rewarded with tranquil forest scenery.
Trail Info: ~3.2 mi loop • Moderate • 400 ft gain
Trailhead: Knox Covered Bridge Parking, Yellow Springs Rd, Malvern PA
More Info: nps.gov/vafo

🌳 Wissahickon Valley Park – Forbidden Drive Loop (Philadelphia, PA)

Follow the wide, creek‑side Forbidden Drive for an easy outing or branch onto rugged hillside single‑track for more challenge amid a dramatic forested gorge. Highlights include covered bridges, historic inns, and picturesque creek views.
Trail Info: 4–10 mi custom loops • Easy–Moderate • Multi‑use
Trailhead: Valley Green Rd Trailhead, Philadelphia PA 19128
More Info: fow.org

🌲 Ridley Creek State Park – White Trail Loop (Media, PA)

Gentle woodland paths trace rolling hills and a scenic creek before looping past historic stone ruins and a formal garden. Perfect for families or casual hikers wanting a longer stroll without big climbs.
Trail Info: 4.3 mi loop • Moderate • 350 ft gain
Trailhead: Area #17 Parking, 1023 Sycamore Mills Rd, Media PA 19063
More Info: PA DCNR

🦋 Stroud Preserve – Red Trail (West Chester, PA)

Meander through wildflower meadows, farmland, and riparian woods along Brandywine Creek for wide‑open countryside views and abundant birdlife. Gentle grades make it ideal for all ages.
Trail Info: 4 mi loop • Easy/Moderate • Rolling terrain
Trailhead: 454 N Creek Rd, West Chester PA 19382
More Info: natlands.org

🌾 Brandywine Creek State Park – Rocky Run & Greenway Loop (Wilmington, DE)

Old‑growth tulip poplars, rolling meadows, and Brandywine Creek vistas highlight this moderate loop just over the PA line. A gorgeous spot for spring wildflowers or fall foliage.
Trail Info: 4.6 mi loop • Moderate • 350 ft gain
Trailhead: 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington DE 19807
More Info: DE State Parks

🚩 Tri‑State Loop – White Clay Creek Preserve (Landenberg PA / Newark DE)

Stand on the marker where PA, DE, and MD meet, then wander shady hills beside White Clay Creek. Moderate terrain with short climbs and stream crossings.
Trail Info: 3.5 mi loop • Moderate • Creek crossings
Trailhead: White Clay Preserve Lot, London Tract Rd, Landenberg PA 19350
More Info: AllTrails

💧 Marsh Creek Lakeside Loop – Marsh Creek State Park (Downingtown, PA)

Circle a sparkling reservoir on forest-and-field paths with constant water views and gentle grades—great for birdwatching or a long trail run. Shorter out‑and‑backs on each shore are easy family options.
Trail Info: 7.7 mi loop • Moderate • 450 ft gain
Trailhead: 675 Park Rd, Downingtown PA 19335
More Info: PA DCNR

🌳 French Creek – Six Penny & French Trail Loop (Elverson, PA)

A longer forest trek weaving around two lakes and over rocky streambeds inside one of PA’s largest state parks. Expect peaceful woods, moderate hills, and classic mid‑Atlantic trail rockiness.
Trail Info: 6.8 mi loop • Moderate • 600 ft gain
Trailhead: 843 Park Rd, Elverson PA 19520 (Hopewell Lake lot)
More Info: PA DCNR

⛰️ Monocacy Hill Summit Trail – Douglassville, PA

A short but steep climb through hardwood forest to a rocky overlook of the Schuylkill Valley. Extend via lower loops for extra mileage and creek views.
Trail Info: 2 mi loop • Moderate (steep) • 400 ft gain
Trailhead: Geiger Rd & Monocacy Hill Rd, Douglassville PA 19518
More Info: monocacyhill.org

🏞️ Baldpate Mountain Summit Loop – Hopewell Twp, NJ

Climb wooded ridges and open meadows to the highest point in Mercer County for Delaware River views. Rolling terrain makes for a pleasant half‑day hike just across the river.
Trail Info: 5.5 mi loop • Moderate • 500 ft gain
Trailhead: Fiddlers Creek Rd Lot, Titusville NJ 08560
More Info: Mercer County Parks

🪨 High Rocks Trail – Ralph Stover/Tohickon Valley (Pipersville, PA)

Easy cliff‑top strolls with stunning gorge vistas or a rock‑scramble loop below 200‑ft walls for bigger adventure. A Bucks County classic for views and fall colors.
Trail Info: 1.6–3.5 mi • Easy–Moderate • Out & Back or Loop
Trailhead: 150 Tory Rd, Pipersville PA 18947
More Info: AllTrails

🚣 Lock 60 Canal Loop – Schuylkill Canal Park (Mont Clare, PA)

Flat, family‑friendly towpath circles a historic canal island beside the Schuylkill River, featuring the only functional lock on the old navigation system. Add a short spur to a hilltop overlook for a quick workout.
Trail Info: 1.8 mi loop • Easy • Canal towpath
Trailhead: 400 Towpath Rd, Phoenixville (Mont Clare) PA 19453
More Info: schuylkillcanal.org

Know another great trail? Tell us! We love adding new local hikes.

Top Hikes in the Area

🥾 Mount Misery Loop – Valley Forge (Malvern, PA)

🌳 Wissahickon Valley Park – Forbidden Drive Loop (Philadelphia, PA)

🌲 Ridley Creek State Park – White Trail Loop (Media, PA)

🦋 Stroud Preserve – Red Trail (West Chester, PA)

🌾 Brandywine Creek State Park – Rocky Run & Greenway Loop (Wilmington, DE)

🚩 Tri‑State Loop – White Clay Creek Preserve (Landenberg PA / Newark DE)

💧 Marsh Creek Lakeside Loop – Marsh Creek State Park (Downingtown, PA)

🌳 French Creek – Six Penny & French Trail Loop (Elverson, PA)

⛰️ Monocacy Hill Summit Trail – Douglassville, PA

🏞️ Baldpate Mountain Summit Loop – Hopewell Twp, NJ