11 Awesome Hiking Trails in Montgomery County, PA

There are so many beautiful places to hike in Montgomery County!

Thanks to the area’s amazing parks, including Valley Forge National Historical Park, there is no shortage of hiking trails in Montgomery County, PA. It’s the perfect place for those looking for easy trails or something a little more moderate.

After exploring several trails around the county, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best hikes in the area. They are great for beginners and beyond. So, let’s start planning your next outdoor adventure!

What to Bring on Your Hike

• Proper footwear: Many of these trails can be done in sneakers, but you might want to consider wearing hiking boots on some of the more challenging trails
• 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.
• 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.

1. Valley Forge National Historical Park – Valley Creek Trail

The Valley Creek Trail at Valley Forge National Historical Park is an easy, 2.5 mile, out and back trail that is beautiful any time of year.

The trail is almost flat and made of dirt. It runs from the Knox Covered Bridge to the Horse Shoe Trail. It follows Valley Creek, so along the trail, you’ll find a dam and waterfall. This is a popular spot in the summer months to cool off.

You can combine the Valley Creek Trail with the Mount Misery Trail to make a more challenging loop.

2. Four Mills Nature Reserve – Green Ribbon Trail

Although the entire Green Ribbon Trail is 12 miles long, we love the one-mile section inside the Four Mills Nature Reserve for an easy hike.

This section of the Green Ribbon Trail is primarily flat dirt. However, there are several bridges along the trail, including some that require navigating stairs, making it not accessible.

There are several spots along the trail that bring you close to Wissahickon Creek where your kids can throw stones and wade around.

3. Robbins Park Environmental Education Center – Multiple Trails

The Robbins Park Environmental Education Center is a beautiful 38-acre township park not far from Temple University’s Ambler campus. There are several trails that meander through the park, including a one-mile, paved, accessible trail.

The unpaved trails are relatively easy, though they can be uneven in spots. Several benches are also along the trails, allowing you to sit, rest, and observe birds and other animals.

4. Green Lane Park – Multiple Trails

In northern Montgomery County, the 3400-acre Green Lane Park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails. Several of those miles are easy trails, including the Perkiomen Trail (four miles run through the park) and the Green Lane Connector Trail.

Green Lane also has moderate and more challenging trails for those who’d like more of a challenge. Some of these are multi-use, so you may encounter bikers and horses along the trails.

5. Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust – Multiple Trails

There are several short trails that interconnect within the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust, making it an excellent place for easy hiking. Some of the trails meander through the woods, and others are in open fields. You can enjoy access to the Pennypack Creek Trail as well.

Some of the trails are grass and dirt. The Creek Trail is a wider gravel path. All of the trails are easy, though there are inclines and hills to navigate.

7. Evansburg State Park – Multiple Trails

Evansburg State Park is one of the larger state parks near Philadelphia but has few dedicated hiking trails. According to the state park website, Evansburg has six miles of hiking. However, hikers can also use the multi-use trails, which include 15 miles of horseback riding trails.

Trails in Evansburg State Park range from easy to moderate. For a short but interesting trail, try the Overlook Trail on the park’s west side.

8. Fort Washington State Park – Multiple Trails

Another state park in Montgomery County, Fort Washington State Park, has limited hiking trails but still offers beautiful scenery. Several of the trails meander through the forest and fields and offer grass or dirt paths. You can also access the 12-mile-long Green Ribbon Trail within the park.

Fort Washington State Park is an excellent place for bird-watching. While you’re there, stop by the Hawk Watch Observation Deck, especially during migration months, to try and see some of the raptors in the area.

9. Rolling Hill Park – Blue Trail

Rolling Hill Park is a dog-friendly park with fun trails in Gladwyne. The 1.5-mile blue trail is moderately challenging and leads to the gorgeous Mill Creek and some fun ruins along the trail. Because of that, it’s one of our favorite creek trails near Philadelphia.

Dogs can be off-leash during certain hours of the day and with an off-leash permit. Learn more about the program here.

10. Valley Forge National Historical Park – Multiple Trails

Your eyes are not deceiving you. Valley Forge National Historical Park is on this list twice! This time, it’s to showcase some of the park’s more challenging trails.

Both the trails on Mount Misery and Mount Joy are fun and challenging. The Mount Misery/Wolfinger/Horseshoe Trail loop is about 3 miles long. You’ll end with an easy stroll along the Valley Creek Trail.

Mount Joy is not as challenging, but it’s a little longer than Mount Misery. The 3.8-mile out-and-back trail has some steep sections and will even take you past some old encampments.

11. Lorimer Park – Multiple Trails

Lorimer Park is a small but beautiful park in Huntingdon Valley. It has several features within the park, making it an ideal place to hike in Montgomery County without traveling too far.

The park has several miles of trails, mainly easy to moderate. The South Park Loop is about 2 miles long and will take you past Pennypack Creek, Fox Chase Farm (look for the cows!), and the pretty Harper’s Run. You might see other animals along your hike, like deer or horses.

Take the paved path under Mordeon Road along Pennypack Creek to enjoy the pretty red-covered bridge (made by a local Boy Scout Troop) and hike up to Council Rock. The views in the summer are lacking due to the trees, but in the winter, you can see the creek from above.