There is nothing like enjoying a walk through the woods with the sound of water rushing nearby. A trail that follows along a creek or river is one of the best, especially on a hot summer day.
Thankfully, there are several creek trails near Philadelphia where you can enjoy a peaceful walk in the woods. From the Wissahickon and Pennypack creeks in Philadelphia to the Neshaminy and Skippack creeks just outside of the city, you’ll find a fun trail that is perfect for you. And it might even become your favorite!
Over the years of hiking in and near Philadelphia, I’ve explored many of the fun trails in the area. The list below includes some of the best hiking trails near creeks. Let me share them with you!
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Be Prepared
Wear the Right Shoes
I love a good creek trail, but due to the nature of their location, they can be wet and muddy. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Towel Off
Many of these trails have access points where you can dip your feet into the water. Bring a small towel to dry off before heading back to the trail.
Don’t Forget the Insect Repellent
You’ll want to protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks, especially in the spring and summer months. My favorite is this non-scented spray, but they make a lotion, too.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit these parks, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Beautiful Creek Trails to Hike In Philadelphia
1. Forbidden Drive at Wissahickon Valley Park
- Trail Location: Wissahickon Valley Park between Northwestern Ave and Lincoln Drive
- Trail Length: 5.35 miles (one way)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 70 feet (Forbidden Drive)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Forbidden Drive is a popular creek trail in Philadelphia that follows the Wissahickon Creek in Wissahickon Valley Park. The gravel road is open to pedestrians and bicyclists and provides an easy and shaded way to enjoy this oasis inside the city.
You can also hike the Orange Trail on the opposite side of the creek. It follows the Wissahickon and offers several spots along the trail to get close to the creek, where you can fish and skip stones.
2. Pennypack Creek Trail
- Trail Location: Northeast Philadelphia to Huntingdon Valley – Various access points
- Trail Length: Up to 15.5 miles
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: Up to 200 feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Another popular trail starts in Philadephia and ends in Huntingdon Valley in Montgomery County. The Pennypack Creek Trail is over 15 miles long and features gravel and paved sections. Several spots along the trail allow you to access Pennypack Creek easily.
One of the best areas to access the creek is Lorimer Park in Huntingdon Valley, where you can enjoy other easy trails through the woods.
Interesting Fact: You might encounter some unique wildlife in Pennypack Creek. Penny, the alligator who resides at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, was found in Pennypack Creek! She was abandoned there by her owner.
3. Wetland Loop at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
- Trail Location: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Wannamaker Avenue
- Trail Length: 3.5 miles (Includes the Woodland and Long Hook Creek Trail)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 40 feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
There are so many beautiful trails at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a gorgeous property with fun views of the planes arriving and departing the Philadephia International Airport.
One of the best trails is the Wetland Loop (also known as the Darby Creek Trail), which follows Darby Creek on the southwestern side of the park. The trail is easy and mostly dirt and gravel, and it offers views of the Darby and Long Hook Creeks.
Easy and Fun Creek Trails Near Philadelphia
4. Valley Creek Trail at Valley Forge National Historical Park
- Trail Location: Valley Forge National Historical Park (between Yellow Springs Road and Owen Drive)
- Trail Length: 2.5 miles out and back
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 60 feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
The Valley Creek Trail at Valley Forge National Historical Park is an easy trail that almost anyone can enjoy.
The almost flat dirt trail runs from the Knox Covered Bridge to the Horse Shoe Trail and follows Valley Creek. Along the trail, you’ll find an artificial dam and waterfall, which, during the warmer months, is usually busy with visitors wading around to cool off.
If you’d like more of a challenge, you can loop the Valley Creek Trail with the Wolfinger/Mount Misery Trail.
5. Skippack Creek Loop at Evansburg State Park
- Trail Location: Evansburg State Park in Collegeville, PA
- Trail Length: 4.5 miles
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 250 feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Although it’s not a large park, Evansburg State Park in Collegeville still offers a pretty trail near Skippack Creek.
The entire loop is 4.5 miles and requires some walking along the road. However, the sections within the trees are relatively easy, though there are some roots and rocks to navigate around.
6. Blue Trail at Rolling Hill Park
- Trail Location: Rolling Hill Park in Gladwyne, PA
- Trail Length: 1.5 miles
- Trail Difficulty: Easy (some steep sections)
- Elevation Gain: 255 feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes (dogs are allowed off-leash with a permit during select hours)
Rolling Hill Park is a hidden gem in Gladwyne and offers some of the nicest hiking in Montgomery County. Dog owners love this park since they have off-leash hours.
The Blue Trail is a fun, short trail that follows Mill Creek. Along the route, you’ll find the old ruins of a tent house and other buildings. The dirt trail is mostly easy, but some steep sections and stairs are along the way.
7. Orange Trail at Ridley Creek State Park
- Trail Location: Gradyville Road in Ridley Creek State Park in Media, PA
- Trail Length: 2 miles
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
We love hiking at Ridley Creek State Park. Several trails intersect, creating a unique hiking experience each time.
However, the Orange Trail is on the opposite side of Ridley Creek, making it the perfect trail to escape the crowds. The Orange Trail is a loop that follows alongside Ridley Creek for about half the trail. It can be muddy in spots, especially after rain. It’s on the easy side of moderate, though some steeper sections exist.
8. Green Ribbon Trail at Four Mills Nature Reserve
- Trail Location: Four Mills Nature Reser
- Trail Length: 1 mile
- Trail Difficulty: Easy (stairs and stepping stones along the route)
- Elevation Gain: 25 feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
The Green Ribbon Trail is 12 miles long and follows Wissahickon Creek. Although the entire trail is worth visiting, we love the section inside the Four Mills Nature Reserve.
The mile-long section of the Green Ribbon Trail is primarily flat dirt. However, it is not accessible due to several bridges along the trail that require stairs. There is also a unique step-stone trail that crosses the creek.
9. River Walk at Neshaminy State Park
- Trail Location: Neshaminy State Park
- Trail Length: 1 mile
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 40 feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Neshaminy State Park has some of the easiest hiking trails in Bucks County, but only one follows the water.
The Neshaminy State Park River Walk Trail follows the Neshaminy Creek and Delaware Rivers. Although it is a dirt trail, it is mostly flat and easy.
Several places along the trail offer access to the river and water to take in the beautiful views. You can even see the Philadelphia skyline from the park!
10. Multiple Trails at Tyler State Park
- Trail Location: Tyler State Park
- Trail Length: Up to 2.6 miles along the Neshaminy Creek
- Trail Difficulty: Easy to easy side of moderate
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
The Neshaminy Creek runs through Tyler State Park, offering a mix of trails on either side. The Tyler Drive Trail is a paved, mile-long trail with little elevation gain. It follows the Neshaminy Creek on its north side and leads to a dam (the trail to the dam is a dirt/grass trail).
On the southern side of the creek, various trails, including the paved Mill Dairy Trail and multi-use trails, follow along the water. The Schofield Ford covered bridge offers views of the Neshaminy Creek.
Wrapping Up Creek Hikes Near Philadelphia
There is something so relaxing about hiking or walking near water! The Philadelphia area has no shortage of beautiful and mostly easy hikes along gorgeous creeks. From the beauty of Wissahickon inside the city to Valley Creek at Valley Forge, there are plenty of options to enjoy a quiet stroll along the water.
There are also several places to enjoy a waterfall hike near Philadelphia. We love the quick hike to the waterfall at Ringing Rocks or even Hawk Falls in Hickory Run. Or the longer waterfall hike at Ricketts Glen. There are so many beautiful places within a short drive of the city to enjoy nature’s wonders!
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