Living in the city can get pretty tiring from time to time. All the hustle and bustle can be a lot to handle. If you’re getting tired of city life there are easy ways to escape for a day or two. All you need to do is put on your hiking shoes and find a willing participant to join you on your endeavors. Here are five trails to visit to help you escape from city life by changing your scenery.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1972, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is America’s first urban refuge. The main purpose of the refuge is to preserve the Tinicum Marsh and promote environmental education. However, there are multiple trails to walk and bike on and because the refuge protects a variety of habitats you’re bound to see wildlife all around. This trail is perfect for those who don’t want to travel too far from their home but still want to experience wonderful wildlife.
Wissahickon Valley Park
With over 50 miles of trails for walkers and bikers alike, Wissahickon Valley Park is a perfect place to visit to escape from city life for a couple of hours. With four different trails you won’t be able to fit everything in in one day! So spread it across a couple of weekends and keep exploring all that Wissahickon Valley Park has to offer! Also, if you aren’t into hiking don’t worry; there are other activities you can do! Enjoy a picnic or go fishing or biking, you can even bird watch!
Ridley Creek State Park
Encompassing more than 2,606 acres, Ridley Creek State Park has a lot to offer individuals who are trying to escape from city life for a couple of hours. It offers a lot more than hiking as well. Fishing, camping, horseback riding, biking, picnicking, and wildlife watching are some of the activities that you can enjoy at Ridley Creek State Park. Visit before it gets too cold to enjoy and take in the beautiful fall foliage!
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Discover all that Valley Forge National Park has to offer by walking their trails. However, you can also explore Valley Forge by going on a tour of the encampment. They even have activities and ranger programs for children, which is perfect for a fun-filled family weekend! Or you can visit Valley Forge when they have one of the many events they host! Check out their events calendar to see what’s happening!
Fort Washington State Park
On the smaller side, Fort Washington State Park is only 493 acres, but don’t ignore this awesome getaway. Like Ridley Creek State Park, Fort Washington State Park has a lot of activities to offer their visitors and they take good care of the park. Don’t feel like hiking or fishing? Then go disc golfing on their 9-hole course or get a ball game going with a group of friends and play 9 innings on the ball field!
Bonus: Glen Onoko Falls
Most of the trails on this list were fairly close to Philadelphia. However, this amazing trail is located further out in Jim Thorpe in the foot hills of the Poconos, about a 2 hour drive from the city. Glen Onoko Falls is only about three miles long, but it’s a challenging hiking trail for experience outdoor enthusiasts. Be sure to wear hiking boots rather than sneakers to keep you from slipping. Even though the trail might be harder to hike, it’s totally worth it. There are multiple waterfalls that will take your breath away.