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The Fairmount Water Works in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PA--If you are in the mood for hiking, the Philadelphia area has plenty of scenic spots to try. The local hiking trails have an excellent reputation even outside Philly, and there are plenty of tourists enjoying the breathtaking views the area is known for. Without further ado, here are some of the most beautiful places to go hiking in the Philadelphia area.

Ricketts Glen State Park

With 26 miles of trails you can explore to your heart’s content and 22 waterfalls, the Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the first destinations that come to mind. For an almost complete tour of the waterfalls, it is ideal to follow the Falls Trail. Bear in mind that this hiking trail is considered the most challenging in the entire park. If you don’t want to put your stamina to the test, there are other trails to try.

Peace Valley Nature Center

Any hiking enthusiast will find this area to be an appropriate choice for exploring the beautiful Philly nature. Featuring 14 miles of hiking trails that will take you through woods and meadows, the Peace Valley Nature Center is another excellent option for anyone who wants to enjoy a day exploring the outdoors. The most popular is the Evergreen Trail.

West Fairmount Park

In case you don’t want to travel far from the city to go hiking, the West Fairmount Park should be high on your list. Its Belmont Plateau with its hiking trails is a pretty solid choice, and you will even be able to watch the Philadelphia skyline from your vantage point. Mountain bikers often use these trails, but exploring them by foot is always an option.

Devil’s Hole

Don’t let the ominous name of this spot scare you. Located close to Cresco, it is a 3.2-mile trail that will put your stamina to the test a little. You will have to walk up the mountain and use the same path to get down. The effort is all worth it, as the valley is beautiful, and the waterfall at its end is absolutely amazing.

Wissahickon Valley Park

You don’t have to travel far from the center of the city, to enjoy amazing views and excellent trekking for the day. Wissahickon Valley Park is only 10 miles away from the city center, and it offers you the possibility to go hiking for as long as you want.

There are no fewer than 50 miles of hiking trails crossing the park, and you will find one that will surely be to your liking. A good suggestion is the Forbidden Drive; the flat gravel road is suitable for everyone. Don’t forget to bring some equipment with you, like a Titan pocket scope, so that you can explore your surroundings thoroughly.

Goat Hill Serpentine Barrens

There are plenty of scenic routes to visit by foot in the Philadelphia area, and one that should be on your list is the Goat Hill Serpentine Barrens. Located at the conjunction between Pennsylvania and Maryland, these serpentine barrens are among the very few of this kind in the US. Pack all that’s needed for a picnic and stop by the Octoraro Creek to enjoy the views.

Blue Marsh Lake

Another spot that you should visit if you enjoy hiking is the Blue Marsh Lake. You will have to travel for about one hour and a half from Philly to get here, but the trip will be all worth it. With 36 miles of trails that can be used by hikers, it offers excellent views and a good workout for those who want to move their legs a little.  

published gloucestercitynews.net |April 23, 2019