Take a hike, literally! With the nice weather and fall season ahead, it is the perfect time to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the beautiful nature around Philadelphia. Whether you’re craving fresh air, scenic views, or just need a break from Philly’s nonstop energy, the city is full of green spaces and hidden trails waiting to be explored. From riverside strolls to wooded escapes, Philly’s parks offer something for every mood: peaceful solo walks, weekend adventures, or a quick recharge in nature. Lace up your sneakers, pack a snack, and let’s explore some of the best trails and parks in and around the city.
Tookany Creek
700 Tookany Creek Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19012
(Photo credit: My Philly Park)
Tookany Creek Park is a peaceful green space in Cheltenham Township that offers a little something for everyone, whether you’re looking to break a sweat or simply unwind in nature. Spanning multiple sections along Tookany Creek Parkway, the park features scenic jogging trails, outdoor fitness equipment, playgrounds, and even a stocked fishing pond. It’s also home to community sports fields, such as Gimbel Field and Veterans Memorial Fields, each with its own local history and charm. With its mix of active and passive recreation areas, Tookany Creek Park is the perfect spot to stretch your legs, catch your breath, and reconnect with the outdoors.
Ridley Creek State Park
1023 Sycamore Mills Rd, Media, PA 19063
(Photo credit: Travel With Lolly)
Ridley Creek State Park in Delaware County is a 2,600-acre escape into nature offering something for every type of person. Ridley Creek has over 12 miles of scenic hiking and a paved five-mile path that is perfect for bike riding or jogging, and a well-stocked trout creek for fishing. It’s an ideal spot year-round. Horseback riders can enjoy guided trail rides along a dedicated 4.7-mile equestrian loop, while families can relax at one of the park’s 14 picnic areas. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, history, or just some fresh air and open space, Ridley Creek offers a perfect natural retreat just outside the city.
Forbidden Drive
Valley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128
(Photo credit: Friends of Wissahickon)
Wissahickon Valley Park’s Forbidden Drive is an 8.5-mile trail that winds through one of Philadelphia’s most beloved green spaces, offering a peaceful, shaded escape along the Wissahickon Creek. Once bustling with logging mills, the valley is now a haven filled with waterfalls, forest paths, and historic stone bridges. The trail is part of the expansive Circuit Trails network features a mix of gravel and asphalt, making it perfect for walking, running, biking, and even horseback riding. Whether you start near the Schuylkill River or Morris Arboretum, you’ll find scenic views, wildlife sightings, and side trails that lead to hidden gems deep in the woods. With multiple access points, including public transit and parking in Chestnut Hill and Flourtown, Forbidden Drive makes it easy to find nature right in Philly’s backyard.
Cobbs Creek
Cobbs Creek Trail, Philadelphia, PA
(Photo credit: The Circuit Trails)
Cobbs Creek Trail is a scenic 4.2-mile paved path that weaves through tree-filled neighborhoods just west of Philadelphia, offering a peaceful and accessible route for walking, biking, and exploring nature. Stretching from the 63rd Street Station down to 70th Street, with a disconnected portion in Eastwick Park, the trail links communities while connecting to the larger Circuit Trails and East Coast Greenway networks. Along the way, it provides access to gems like the 58th Street Greenway and historic Bartram’s Garden, with future plans to connect to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Whether you’re commuting, getting active, or just out for a stroll, Cobbs Creek Trail blends urban and natural beauty right in the heart of Delaware County.
Delaware River Trail
Begins at Pier 70 in South Philadelphia
(Photo credit: Visit Philadelphia)
The Delaware River Trail isn’t just a path; it’s a wonderful waterfront experience packed with amenities and attractions that make every visit special. Along its 3.3-mile stretch, you’ll find beautifully landscaped planting beds with seasonal shrubs and hundreds of new trees. The trail features solar-powered pedestrian lights to keep it safe and welcoming day and night, plus plenty of benches and distinctive bike racks, including a two-tier bicycle shelter at Spruce Street Harbor Park for your comfort and convenience. Whether you’re stopping by for some exercise, a stroll, or to explore Philly’s vibrant waterfront culture, the trail connects you directly to popular destinations.
Cresheim Trail
Lincoln Drive & Allens Lane and Germantown Avenue & Cresheim Valley Drive
(Photo credit: Cresheim Trail)
Cresheim Trail has transformed over two miles of parkland into a sustainable, natural-surface trail that winds through the Wissahickon Woods in Fairmount Park. This community-built trail is a favorite among hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and dog walkers, offering a peaceful, wooded escape with convenient urban access. Friends of the Cresheim Trail, a nonprofit that partners with the Cresheim Trail, also offers guided hikes. The Cresheim Trail connects neighborhoods to nature, bridging long-standing divides created by development and infrastructure.
No matter your energy level or experience, Philly’s parks have a trail with your name on it. From tranquil creeks to vibrant waterfronts, these local gems are here to help you slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. This month, challenge yourself to try a new trail and rediscover the city one step at a time. Happy hiking!
