12 Fun Hikes in Berks County, PA

Berks County is such a beautiful county! With the mountains in the northern part of the county and all of the lakes, there is no shortage of gorgeous locations to hike in Berks County.

We’ve been able to explore some of the best hiking trails in Berks County, including ones along the Appalachian Trail, at French Creek State Park, and some hidden gems, like Monocacy Hill Recreation Area.

If you’re looking for a fun, challenging, or easy hike in Berks County, check out the list below!

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Prepare For Your Hike in Berks County

What to Bring on Your Hike

• Proper footwear: Many of these trails can be completed wearing sneakers. However, you might want to consider wearing hiking boots on some more challenging trails, especially at Hawk Mountain and along the Appalachian Trail.
• Water: You should have water with you any time you go on a hike, whether it’s a short and easy trail or a longer, more difficult hike.
• Bug Spray: This is our favorite brand, and you’ll need it for any hike from spring through fall.
• Snacks: Nothing tastes better than a snack on the trail
• Towel: Several of the trails listed below run close to a creek. You might be tempted to stick your feet in on a hot day!
• First-aid kit: Accidents happen. It’s always best to be prepared.

Be a Responsible Visitor

Remember, as you visit these places, 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.

Best Easy Hikes in Berks County

1. Hopewell Lake Loop at French Creek State Park

At over 7700 acres, French Creek State Park is the largest state park near Philadelphia. Thanks to its size, there is no shortage of hiking trails (over 35 miles, according to the PA DCNR). And yes, the park has several easy trails, but none are as beautiful as the Hopewell Lake Loop.

At 2.5 miles, the Hopewell Lake Loop makes for a perfect morning or afternoon out. There is limited elevation gain, and the trail is mostly flat. It’s easy to access the trail from the boat launch parking lot on the southwest side of the lake. Follow the brown circular trail markers and enjoy the views of the boaters and wildlife as you walk around the lake.

You can always combine the Hopewell Lake Loop with the Boone Trail or Lenape Trail to make a longer, more challenging hike.

2. Green Loop at Neversink Mountain

There are several trails on Neversink Mountain, one of the closest hiking places near Reading. Visitors have options of easy to more challenging trails on the mountain. And the easiest trail is the Green Loop, which is made up of the St Lawrence, Promenade, and East Ridge Trails.

The 2.7-mile loop offers views of Reading in the distance along the wide trail. There is a slight incline along the trail, including sections of loose gravel, but overall, it’s a relatively easy trail for anyone to enjoy.

Like French Creek, visitors have the option to increase their hike length and difficulty by adding on any of the other trails (you’ll have to take the Purple Loop to access the other trails from the Green Loop). Check out a map before you leave.

3. Lower Trail at Monocacy Hill

Monocacy Hill Recreation Area feels like a hidden gem hiking spot in Berks County. The trails are beautifully maintained and clearly marked. And it’s not as crowded as other more popular trails in the county.

When you hike at Monocacy Hill, you can choose from easier to more moderately challenging trails. For an easy hike, stick to the Lower Trail. Although some sections have a bit of an incline (particularly near the quarry building ruins), overall, the trail is wide and mostly flat.

The Lower Loop is about 2 miles, but you can lengthen that with the Creek Trail, which is also an easier trail.

4. Silhouette Trail at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the only place on this list that offers a fully wheelchair-accessible trail. And it leads to a gorgeous overlook! The Silhouette Trail is a 900-foot-long trail with grading no more than 8.3%. It also has several benches along the trail, giving visitors a place to sit and rest if needed.

The Silhouette Trail leads to a gorgeous overlook where you can see the mountain ridge and the boulder fields (known as the River of Rocks) below. The section is cleared of the rocks and boulders you’d typically find.

Good to know: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary charges a fee to access its trails.

5. Birdsboro Reservoir/Quarry Trail at Birdsboro Preserve

There are many trails at the Birdsboro Preserve. Some are easier, and some are more moderate. For an easy trail that takes you past the Birdboro Reservoir, park at the Old 82 parking area on Hay Creek Road. The trails are not marked, so using an app like AllTrails or Strava is recommended.

This 3-mile loop features little elevation gain. The trail is mixed with old paved roads, dirt, and gravel.

6. Lake Ontelaunee Trail at Ontelaunee Lake

Another beautiful and easy hike in Berks County is the Lake Ontelaunee Trail in Hamburg. This trail is primarily flat and about 4 miles out and back. However, if you continue further, you’ll eventually reach Grafitti Bridge, a popular spot in Berks County.

Moderate Hikes Near Reading

7. Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle on Appalachian Trail

Probably one of the most popular hikes in Berks County, the Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop leads to two gorgeous overlooks along the Appalachian Trail.

This 9-mile loop can be shortened to 5 miles if you choose to turn around at Pulpit Rock. The whole trail is very rocky, and it’s pretty steep at the beginning and end. The views at both overlooks make it worth the effort!

Good to know: You can park (and pay a fee) at Blue Rocks Campground to shorten the hike to 6.5 miles and have access to running water bathrooms (totally worth it!)

8. Lookout Trail at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

The Lookout Trail at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a fun and moderate trail that takes you to an overlook with 270° views. At 2 miles out and back and with stone “stairs” along the steeper sections, it’s still easy for a moderate trail.

If you’d like something more challenging, try the other trails at Hawk Mountain. We love what they call the “Inner Loop,” which connects the Lookout, Skyline, Golden Eagle, River of Rocks, and Escarpment trails in a 3-mile-long loop.

Good to know: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary charges a fee to access its trails.

9. Monocacy Hill Trail at Monocacy Hill Recreation Area

The Lower Trail at Monocacy Hill is beautiful, but if you want something a little more challenging and a pretty view, add the Monocacy Hill Trail to your hike. The trail isn’t too steep, but it is rocky at the top. They have a bench you can sit on to take in the scene before you head back down to the Lower Trail.

Combine the Monocacy Hill Trail, Lower Trail, and Creek Trail for a fun and scenic hike. One of the best in Berks County!

10. Multiple Trails at French Creek State Park

As noted above, French Creek State Park has over 35 miles of hiking trails in the 7700+ acre park. Many intersect, making it easy to make a hike that is the perfect difficulty level and length for you.

We’ve done a few different combinations, including the Boone and Lenape Trails with the Mill Creek Trail, Horseshoe Trail, and more. It’s whatever you want to do! The recreation guide gives detailed information about each trail so that you can plan the best route for your visit.

Good to know: Some of the hiking trails at French Creek State Park travel through hunting areas. Make sure to wear organge when hiking during hunting season!

11. Orange Loop at Neversink Mountain

There are multiple trails at Neversink Mountain that offer a bit more of a challenge than the easier Green Loop. The Orange Loop connects the North and South trails using the West Valley and Upper Glen Trails, making a 4.5-mile loop. The trail is rocky and steep in sections, but it leads to fun features, like the Witches Hat and scenic overlook of the Schuylkill River.

You can always shorten the loop by taking the West Woodland Trail (the Blue Loop), which is about 2.3 miles.

12. Multiple Trails at Blue Marsh Lake

Like French Creek State Park, Blue Marsh Lake is an enormous park with over 30 miles of hiking trails. Many are considered easy to moderate, depending on the trail. Feel free to check out the trail map before your visit to pick the best trail for you!

Other Hikes Near Berks County

Southeastern PA has so many beautiful places to get out for a hike and enjoy nature. We love the many hikes in Montgomery County (Mill Hill is right at the Berks County border) and the fantastic trails in Bucks County (Top Rock Trail isn’t too far from southeastern Berks County).

Berks County is lucky since the Appalachian Trail runs through part of the county. There are several sections just east of the county that are challenging and fun, like the Lehigh Gap East Loop.

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