Below is a list of the top-rated Hiking Trails in Philadelphia. To help you find the best Hiking Trails located near you in Philadelphia, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Philadelphia’s Best Hiking Trails:
The top-rated Hiking Trails in Philadelphia are:
- Wissahickon Valley Park – picturesque views await hikers
- John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum – diverse collection of plants and animals
- Pennypack Park – guarantees physical, social, and mental wellness
- Grays Ferry Crescent Trail Park – has a greenway connecting hikers to wildflowers and native grasses
- Fairmount Park – consists of a series of guided hike trails
Wissahickon Valley Park
Wissahickon Valley Park’s trail got its other name Green Ribbon Trail because of the picturesque view often witnessed by hikers frequenting the trail. The multi-use trail passes through the Fort Washington State Park then connects to the Forbidden Drive and finally reaching the southern part which is marked by the Lincoln Drive Trails. It ends near the creek that merges with the Schuylkill River and Schuylkill River Trail. It should be noted that the Forbidden Drive and Lincoln Drive Trails are both part of the circuit trail that comprises close to 800 miles of urban system trails in Philadelphia.
Products/Services:
Forbidden Drive, Lincoln Drive Trail, Schuylkill River Trail
LOCATION:
Address: Valley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: (215) 247-0417
Website: www.fow.org/visit-the-park/activities
REVIEWS:
“This park is absolutely awesome. So much great hiking trails. Beautiful scenery. The creeks are great. I’m not sure if swimming is still allowed at Devils Hole or in the main creek.” –Sean McLaughlin
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum consists of a network of lands that are purposely dedicated to the native wildlife and plants. It is an active player in the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System. Guests and hikers can observe hundreds of plant species, together with insects, birds, trees, and mammals living in the refuge area. It is the perfect place to do a walk, bike ride, and a hike to witness the unique behavior of wildlife creatures and achieve the ideal space for relaxation. The trail is a combination of easy to follow trails that anyone can go and explore. Individuals with fishing licenses can even do fishing in some locations.
Products/Services:
Wetland Loop, Big Boardwalk Loop
LOCATION:
Address: 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153
Phone: (215) 365-3118
Website: www.fws.gov/refuge/john_heinz
REVIEWS:
“Beautiful natural area. The paths are well maintained and wide, some ADA accessible. The signage is informative about the birds and other wildlife. And during the week it is not that populated.” –Aletheia M.
Pennypack Park
Pennypack Park acts as a bridge for the people to be connected to the natural world. It not only guarantees excitement and physical well-being but promises a boost in social opportunities as well. The park has many amenities and facilities to make the guests comfortable throughout the duration of their visit. It boasts more than 300 neighborhood parks and playgrounds to the delight of the younger visitors. Their hiking trails are approximately measuring 166 miles with 40 historical sites to visit. The trail features unique plant species, beautiful flora, and refreshing experience for every hiker.
Products/Services:
Bike, Inline Skating, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Walking, Hiking, Wheelchair Accessible
LOCATION:
Address: Pennypack Trail, Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: (215) 685-0470
Website: www.phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-parks-recreation
REVIEWS:
“Paved trails along a wooded creek, mildly hilly terrain. Several spots were ankle to knee deep, other spots deep enough for fishing. Not too crowded, kids ages 2-13 enjoyed fresh air and water play.” –Becky Scudder
Grays Ferry Crescent Trail Park
Grays Ferry Crescent Trail Park’s trail can be accessed from several locations namely 34th Street Bridge, Wharton Street & Schuylkill Avenue, and the Grays Ferry Avenue & 36th Street. The trail is bordered on the east side by the Schuylkill from 34th Street, then proceeding to the Wharton Street at the back end of the DuPont Marshall Labs, and reaching a FedEx distribution center. It has been provided with a greenway to aid access to the nearby river with a backdrop of native grasses and wild floral collections.
Products/Services:
Greenway, Bicycle & Pedestrian Trail, Walking Trails, Fishing
LOCATION:
Address: 1300 Schuylkill Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: (215) 309-5523
Website: www.schuylkillbanks.org/projects/grays-ferry-crescent
REVIEWS:
“I and my boyfriend love this place the trail is nice in the summer and now that is winter it will look so much beautiful when the snow hits can’t wait to take pictures.” –Char Wilson
Fairmount Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAfqJSkMFG8/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Fairmount Park maintains its beauty and grandeur through the combined effort of the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. The two agencies work together to establish a thoroughly maintained park trail within Fairmount Park. It offers guided hikes and trails held in Fairmount Park and sometimes in Wissahickon Valley Park. One popular trail is the Trolley Trail which is a 4.5-mile multi-purpose loop trail that passes through lush segments of sceneries. Another is the boxing trail, which has 3.8 miles of trail that crosses the eastern part of the park. Lastly, the plateau is a collection of cross country trails that has been the venue for numerous youth championship events since the 1960s.
Products/Services:
Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail, Lincoln Drive Trail, Schuylkill River Trail, Blue Bell & Forbidden Drive Loop, Trolley Trail
LOCATION:
Address: Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Phone: (215) 683-3600
Website: www.phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-parks-recreation
REVIEWS:
“In these troubled times, we all need a quiet place to relax and clear our minds. That’s the place, with a nice breeze blowing watching the squirrel s scurrying about without a trouble in the world. I wished today that I was a squirrel. 🤣🤣” –Charles Coulbourn
Jeanie Burford is a reporter for Kev’s Best. After graduating from UCLA, Amy got an internship at a local radio station and worked as a beat reporter and producer. Jeanie has also worked as a columnist for The Brookings Register. Amy covers economy and community events for Kev’s Best.