Local Hikes: Philadelphia, PA

The best hikes near Philly.

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Your Guide


Appalachian Mountain Club, Delaware Valley (amcdv.org)



Your Hikes


» Lavender Loop, Wissahickon Valley Park Enter a stream-and-waterfall-filled gorge and traverse surprising stands of old-growth umbrella magnolias on this seven-miler in the city limits. Start at the Lavender trailhead on Crefeld Street and follow this trail progression: lavender, white, green (passing a sculpture of a Native American overlooking the Wissahickon Creek), yellow, orange, and back to lavender. Miles from city center 15; Trip ID775349

» Parvin Lake-Long Trail-Thundergust Loop, Parvin SP Hike quiet trails along the seam where oak forests, hardwood swamps, and pitch pine lowlands meet. Cross streams tinted brown by cedar and bog iron, and take a dip in the park’s large, centerpiece lake on this easy 4.6-miler in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens. Miles from city center 40; Trip ID775350

» Pinnacle Loop, Berks County Park Deep hardwood forests and the state’s best view from the Appalachian Trail lie on this 6.8-mile loop from Hamburg Reservoir. Ascend Kittatinny Ridge and hike to the Pinnacle (1,635 feet). “You’re on the same level as the turkey vultures,” says Susan Charkes, club member and author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes Near Philadelphia ($19; outdoors.org). “You’ll feel like you’re in midair.” Miles from city center 78; Trip ID5718

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