Where Can You Go Hiking Near Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is more famous for its cheesesteaks than for its outdoor activities. Tourists from all over the country come to Philadelphia to run up the stairs of the Museum of Art like Rocky. There are many parks and trails in the city to work out. Philly is a city that attracts nature lovers because of its nearby trails in the Alleghenies and hilly countryside. The three hikes around Philadelphia will make you want to jump in your car for an outdoor adventure.

You can find out where to go Hiking near Boston.

Mount Joy Valley Forge

Most people are familiar with Valley Forge because they learned about it in their middle or elementary school textbooks. It was the location of George Washington’s winter during the American Revolution. It’s not the same place it was 250 years ago. Instead, there are inviting walking trails along verdant hillside – just a 30 minute drive from Philadelphia.

The Chapel Trail and Mount Joy Trail can be combined to create a 7.5 mile out-and back hike that takes in most of the sights of Valley Forge. The Chapel Trail begins next to the Valley Forge Park Train Station. It runs along the railroad tracks but is shielded by trees during the spring and summer. In the fall and winter when the trees are less dense, you can still see the stone-built ruins of the home. After 2.25 miles on relatively flat terrain, you will come across the Washington Headquarters Building, a large house that George Washington rented in 1777 to serve as his command post. You can walk along the Valley Creek Road until you reach Mount Joy Trail.

Mount Joy’s path is the most difficult part of the hike. However, it is still not very challenging. The trail is split into two sections, both of which will get you to the top in the same amount of time. The summit does not have spectacular views, but there is a lovely meadow that’s perfect for a lunchtime picnic.

Falls Trail At Ricketts Glen State Park

GFDL and Link

This trail is a paradise for waterfall lovers, as it has 21 in a 7-mile circuit. You’ll have to drive almost three hours in order to reach Ricketts Glen State Park, but great hiking sometimes requires sacrifices. Parking is available at the Lake Rose Trailhead. You’ll use the Highland, Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh Trails from here. The latter two are home to nearly a dozen falls each.

After a 10-minute hike, you will reach a fork. The right branch leads to Ganoga Glen while the left one is Glen Leigh. Right is the way to go, since it’s easier to descend on the Ganoga Glen end. There are 10 waterfalls within a mile. They’re all so close together, you will feel as if you’re always next to one. Ganoga Falls is the tallest waterfall in the park, at 94 feet. You’ll soon reach Waters Meet where you can climb up the Glen Leigh Trail by crossing a bridge. Continue up Glen Leigh to see eight other falls, including Onandoga Falls at 60 feet. Take the Highland Trail back to the parking area 1.2 miles after the falls.

The trail is steep and slippery due to the many waterfalls. The more people on the trail, the harder it is to navigate this slippery mess. This hike is on the bucket list of many Penn residents, so it’s best to do it during a weekday, outside of summer.

The Pinnacle and the Pulpit Rock

One of the most popular hikes along the Appalachian Trail is only 90 minutes away from the city. Many AT enthusiasts recognize Pennsylvania as the toughest section of the trail, but the Pinnacle & Pulpit Rock defy the stereotype. They lead hikers to some of the best views of the trail within a nine-mile round-trip hike.

The trail begins at Hamburg Reservoir, and then follows a spur for a half mile before joining the main Appalachian Trail. White blazes guide you 2.5 miles to Pulpit Rock and two miles to Pinnacle. You’ll get a great view of the Lehigh Valley from both peaks. You’ll need to climb about 1,300 feet. Some of it is covered with the rocky piles, which are a staple of AT thru-hiker tales. The precarious mini-boulders are a challenge that requires sturdy boots and a lot of determination. But the views at the top of the vistas make the effort worthwhile.

The conclusion of the article is:

The wilderness areas surrounding the City of Brotherly Love are home to some hidden gems. While hiking in Philadelphia may not be the most convenient, the trails nearby are usually low in elevation. There’s no reason not to spend the weekend outdoors. With the Appalachian Trail running through Pennsylvania for 230 miles, the dense waterfalls of Ricketts Glen, and the Allegheny Mountains just a few hours away, you’ll never be bored. Remember, cheesesteaks don’t taste good when they are cold. Pack a healthy lunch to take on your hike.