8 Fun Hiking Trails In Bucks County

There are so many beautiful places in Bucks County! Thanks to the many creeks, lakes, and even the Delaware River, Bucks County has some beautiful hiking trails that range from easy to difficult.

As Bucks County natives, we’ve been hiking and exploring the area for what feels like forever. And we’ve been back to these places multiple times since they are all so beautiful and offer something different.

The guide below shares some of the best hiking trails in Bucks County, ranging from easy for beginners or those needing accessible trails to difficult but really fun! So, let’s start planning your next adventure!

What to Bring on Your Hike

• Proper footwear – Most of these trails can be done in sneakers, but some of the most difficult trails would be better done wearing hiking boots
• Water – Anytime you go on a hike, whether it’s a short and easy trail or a longer, more difficult hike, you should have water with you!
• Bug Spray – You’ll need it for any hike from spring through fall. This is our favorite brand. It works great without the smell!
• Snacks – You don’t want to go hungry!
• Towel – Many of the below trails are near water, and you’ll probably be tempted to stick your feet in, especially 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.

The paved and boardwalk trails and wheelchair and stroller accessible. They lead to an overlook of Springfield Lake, where there is a bench you can sit on and enjoy the wildlife.

The Green Trail loop at Churchville Nature Center is less than a mile long and follows the perimeter of the property. There are some rocks and roots to navigate, but overall, it’s an easy trail. It’s not access to wheelchairs and strollers. You can shorten or lengthen your hike by taking the Blue or Red Trail.

You also don’t want to skip the walk through the gardens. The garden trails are made up of various materials and require navigating a few steps, but they are still easy.

2. Neshaminy State Park – Multiple Trails

Neshaminy State Park is so beautiful as it is set against the Delaware River. There are several trails throughout the park that range from paved to gravel to dirt and sand.

The paved trails are perfect for biking, walking, and running, and they are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Logan Walk leads to the old garden of the Logan Estate, where a wall still stands, along with unique features like playing cards and a large checkerboard in the ground.

Other trails like Buck Alley and Beaver Lane are flat and unpaved.

Our favorite trail is the River Walk, which follows along the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek. It’s one of our favorite creek trails near Philadelphia. This trail has more rocks and roots to navigate and can be uneven in places, but it is still considered easy. And it leads to one of the best views in Bucks County! From the end of the River Walk, you can see the Philadelphia skyline in the distance.

3. Silver Lake Nature Center – Multiple Trails

Like the Churchville Nature Center, the Silver Lake Nature Center has a range of trails made up of boardwalk, gravel, and dirt. Many of the trails near the Center are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

The Silver Lake Trail is 3.5 miles and loops around the entire lake. There are some interesting finds along the trail, including a deserted car and remnants of an old pool. Although there are roots and rocks to navigate, it is still an easy trail.

There are even more easy trails across the street in the Delhaas Woods. You can find the Willow Oak Trail, 2.5 miles long, and the Bucks Trail, 1.35 miles long. Both of which have sections of boardwalk but also dirt trail.

4. Ringing Rocks County Park Loop Trail

Ringing Rocks County Park is the perfect place to introduce your children to hiking! The 1-mile loop trail is easy but still requires navigating large boulders and has some inclines and declines. The trail leads to the top of a waterfall. The waterfall’s flow is highly dependent on rainfall, so you might only get a trickle in the summer.

You’ll also want to bring your hammer to Ringing Rocks! The large boulder field contains rocks that “ring” when you hit them. It can be tricky to walk over the rocks, so keep that in mind when visiting. However, it’s a lot of fun and the main draw to the park.

5. Tyler State Park – Multiple Trails

Tyler State Park is one of the most popular outdoor places in Bucks County. It offers everything from boating and fishing to hiking and horseback riding. We love that there is a mix of trails available in the park. It’s a great park to visit for all abilities.

There are several paved trails throughout the park, the easiest and flattest being the Tyler Drive Trail, which follows the Neshaminy Creek. The other paved trails are beautiful but can ascend some steep hills.

Our favorite trail at Tyler State Park is the Nature Trail. It’s a 2-mile loop trail that follows a tributary to the Neshaminy Creek and showcases some gorgeous rock formations. This trail has many rocks and roots and can be steep in sections, but it’s still relatively easy.

6. Ralph Stover State Park – High Rocks

The High Rocks Trail at Ralph Stover State Park is interesting because it’s actually shared between Tohickon Valley Park and Ralph Stover State Park.

If you park at the Tory Road lot, the walk to the view is pretty easy. But you’ll want to hike down to the creek, which is downhill. And that means uphill for the return to the lot, which can turn that easy hike to moderate very quickly, thanks to the steep incline.

There are several trails at High Rocks. Some of them are unofficial trails that lead to steep drops and ledges. Others are well-marked by Yellow, Orange, and Blue Blazes. You can also access the trails by parking at Tohickon Valley Park. The nice thing is that you can make your hike as long or short as you like by combining these trails.

7. Nockamixon State Park – Multiple Trails

As the largest state park in Bucks County, there are plenty of things to do at Nockamixon, including boating, fishing, mountain biking, and even hunting.

However, with 39 miles of trails of various levels, Nockamixon is a great place to hike in Bucks County. There are so many trails that you can experience a new section of the park each time you visit. Which is what we do! Some of our favorite sections are the High Bridge Trail, the Quarry Trail, and the Mink Trail. All of them give you views of the lake.

Of those three, the Mink Trail is the easiest, as there is little elevation change, and the trails are pretty clear. The High Bridge Trail would be considered more moderate due to the steep sections of the trail and the numerous rocks you have to navigate.

The hiking trails at Nockamixion can be as short or as long as you like, making it a great place to introduce anyone to hiking.

8. Haycock Mountain – Top Rock Trail

Right near Nockamixon State Park in State Game Lands 157 is the Top Rock Trail. This trail is popular with boulderers thanks to the large boulders on the trail. It’s not unusual to find someone carrying a fall mat on their back on the trail.

The trail starts at the parking area and is unmarked for about the first half-mile. However, as it has been worn down by many visitors, it’s easy to know where to go. Once you reach the rocky section, the trail is marked by white reflectors tacked to the trees.

To get to the top of the Top Rock, you’ll have to scramble up multiple boulders, using three or four points of contact during the ascent. It’s a fun and challenging hike, but not appropriate for little kids (under 7) due to the size of the rocks. This is one of those trails that can get you in good shape if you do it once a week!

You’ll know you’ve reached the top by the large flat rock. Someone was kind enough to paint a smiley face on the last white reflector. The trail is about 1.5 miles, out and back, and has an elevation gain of 465 feet, most of which is during the last section.

Other Hikes Near Bucks County

We are so lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing hiking trails in southeastern PA, like the ones in Montgomery County.

Some of our favorites include the trails at Ridley Creek State Park, Valley Forge, and Hawk Mountain. We also love hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail, including Bear Rocks and the Pinnacle and Pulpit Loop.