Morning walks in early spring are extra special when you can escape the city and still be in it…read more Penny pack park spans most of the city, but this section off of Pine road is one of my favorite parts. Easy to walk trails that run alongside the water and wind through the woods you don't have to wander long before the noise of the city is replaced by the sound of the breeze, ripping through the trees and the water rushing downstream. It is my quiet reminder that a little peace and stillness is easily found in our own backyard.

Seeing birds of a feather flying by it's a wonder?. Walking, running or just taking in the sights?…read more For me, exploring new areas by talking to park rangers?. Nature is a wonder to ponder with so much green like a stream!. Bird to sing a song!. Nice day to take it all in?.

Completed in Montgomery County in 2015, Pennypack Trail is actually 16 miles long (5.4 mi. in…read moreMontco), and part of the much larger trail network in eastern PA. In fact, the section extending into Bucks County reaches the Delaware River and connects with the East Coast Greenway which runs 3,000 miles from Maine to Florida. So, if you want a long hike, you can have one. The portion I was on yesterday was the border of Lorimer Park that was historically the railroad right of way since the 1860s, when first the Philadelphia Montgomery County Railroad Co., followed by the Philadelphia Newtown New York Railroad and finally the Newtown Branch of the Reading R&R used it to transport people and produce before highways took their place. SEPTA had it last and suspended commuter transportation (Fox Chase - Newtown Line) in 1983, and donated it to the Rails to Trails Project. While we all love a scenic walk, it sure would be nice to have mass transit available to get us from our bedroom communities to the heart of the city more conveniently, and redevelop the termini and old stations along the route for small commerce, too. There should be a way to have both more green space and village like economies working in tandem to attract people. Vision and capital are all that are required. Still, the Trail is a beautiful route for nature and scenic lovers as it is, and can be enjoyed in almost any weather. Walking along the heights above Pennypack Creek and watching the water course through the steep ravine cut out by erosion over eons of time, is remarkable. In the 18th and 19th Centuries many mills were busy using water wheels to grind flour, which was transported by the nearby rails to cities for further production and consumption. Some of those old structures are still there (mostly in ruins), and the stone houses built near to them were often maintained and are lived in today. Hiking further, the Bethayres Swamp beckons, with Audubon designation as an IBA - Important Bird Area. The trail goes through the town of Bryn Athyn, where the original train station has been repurposed as the local post office. Just beyond that is the site of a major head-on train collision in 1921, that killed many passengers. Not all the trail is smooth for bike riding, nor easy strolling, but with effort, grit and good footwear, these places can be reached, explored and fancied. The Pennypack Watershed is an ecological zone with long human history in the Philadelphia area. It is well worth sustaining and maintaining, even with reasonable respect for progress and our shared future.

This is such a staple to the North East Philly community and has been for decades. Trails in this…read more part wind through our area for miles and miles along Penny Pack Creek. There's usually 3 different levels of trails so no matter what your experience is, you'll have a great time. The main trail is paved and always clean. Perfect for those on bikes or brining a stroller. There's lot's of picnic areas and open fields for games. There's multIple entrances so you can go through the entire trail a bit each day. The main entrance is right across the street from Fox Chase Farm and has the biggest parking lot. Everything closes at sundown

Beautiful park with lovely trail. Great for running or walking. Hidden gem of nature in the…read moresuburbs. I would totally recommend.

Primitive and mostly unpaved. The only place in the area where I have ever seen real chipmunks. Low…read moreclass people are increasingly populating this area, so watch out for them and their vicious, unleashed pit bulls. Lots of reported dog attacks against people and their leashed dogs. Never come here without other people, defense spray, and a phone.

What other township park has a fishing pond, putt-putt, a golf course, tennis, basketball,…read morebaseball, and a free kiddie pool? This place even has a paved hiking/biking trail. Some pavilions too. Also a kids biking figure 8 loop with an overpass. Two kids playgrounds within. I love that this park is for township residents only, requiring your ID. I love that pets are forbidden. You will, however, find ducks, geese and deer. Park is generally well maintained. Alverthorpe Park is one of our favorites!

Awesome park, great for toddlers because of the wading pool open in the summer time (3rd week of…read moreJune to Labor Day) from 10AM-6PM. Lifeguard on duty. Has at least 6 lounge chairs, a few benches, and some umbrellas for shade. You can bring toys to play with in the water. Depending on age of child, might not even need swimmies since it's only ~1 foot high. They also have 2 playgrounds, a mini golf course, picnic benches basketball/tennis courts for older kids, a walking/jogging/biking path, fishing (need tag), pond, geese... I've been to birthday parties here when I was younger; they have picnic tables you can reserve. *Abington residents only - they have a security guard at entrance that checks IDs, but I feel like that's usually busier times, like weekends.

Beautiful morning for a hike! This park is dog friendly, but I wouldn't bring my 8lb pooch as the…read moreterrain is a lil rocky in certain places of the trail. I noticed a few benches and tables along the path if you want to stop and picnic. Overall, it was such a peaceful and serene setting, especially by the water, and the many sweet smelling honeysuckle paths. The park is basically a 2mi loop which took me about 35 mins to complete from beginning to end, with a couple stops for pics, and to take it all in. I only noticed one other person when I started, but as I was leaving, quite a few groups were arriving. So if you want to avoid crowds maybe early is best, or an afternoon start for those who want a lot of company.

Very beautiful natural park on the border of NJ and PA. Pet-friendly, has some great beaches and of…read morecourse beautiful sunsets.

Intro to Rock Climbing with Valley to Summit on September 18, 2022…read more This was my second trip to Chickies Rock with VTS and it was wonderful! There were only 5 of us, so plenty of time to climb. Our Guide, Bob, was so patient, engaged and informative. I learned a lot of great things that I had not known before about clothing, ropes and technique. Bob was so patient with me and was there with his " green pointer" to help me over the tough spots. You should know that I am 74 years old and tho I have climbed indoors for a few years, my stamina was not that of the youngsters who were there! Nonetheless, it was a great time! I highly recommend Valley to Summit, this being my 3 rd trip with them. They Rock!

We were scheduled to do a 1/2 day ice hike at Ricketts Glen. I had spoken to the owner Dave and…read morelet him know of my disabilities. He asked a few questions, then determined that it should be OK for me to go on the hike. Shortly before the hike we received an email from Dave saying that because of the warm weather the trip would not have as much ice as it normally does. He offered to reschedule or refund our money if we wanted, but also said we could go if we wanted. We wanted. When I got there Dave and the guides were fantastic. Very personable. They were helpful but without being intrusive. One of them carried one of my forearm canes in his backpack in case I needed it. (This was to have one hand free for the ice axe.) The hike was great. At the end of the hike I asked one of the guides if he thought I could do the repelling they offer... he conferred with the owner and the lead repeller guide, and they agreed that I would be allowed to do that in the Spring. I highly recommend Valley to Summit for a great time. I look forward to a full day ice hike in February.

I wish I had taken pictures, but this is one of the best rails to trails around. It has history…read morealong with beauty. The path is an easy walk/run/bike that goes on for miles. People along the path are friendly and just enjoying the day. It's a perfect path to practice for the Broad Street Run if you are local. A pleasant surprise if an eatery around Bryn Mawr I believe that offers food & drinks if you need to take a break. It's so easy that in an hours time you realize you have walked 4 miles. Very clean & well taken care of. Highly recommend!

I've said it before and I'll say it again, trail people are the best people! My friend and I…read morevisited on a Sunday afternoon and it basically looked like a Rockwell painting out there...older couples strolling, families riding bikes, kids with fishing rods, etc. Everyone is super friendly and the vibe is just wonderful. The trail is great for the novice bike rider like myself. It is paved which is good for my ridiculously impractical cruiser three speed bike. Mile markers as well as historical little signs help you keep your bearings and learn a thing or two along the way. There is plenty of parking, which makes it easier to come out and enjoy the outdoors!

This is such a nice park and I'm so happy it's only ten minutes from my house!…read more We were invited a hs graduation/birthday party last Sunday. The host had rented an eagles bus so that was parked where the friends and family were gathering. He was grilling and had tables out with food. We brought our camp chairs and table and set up under a big tree. It was a really nice day and the party turned out great. This was my first time to this park for a gathering. I normally find myself just heading here if I want to enjoy the Delaware River, the quiet, the sunshine, etc. they also have a gazebo that I've eaten lunch with my mom in years ago.

POD is a large park with a lot to offer. There are fields and benches, paved trails and more rugged…read moreones. Meadows, trees, open spaces. It has it all, and tons of parking. You can come here with your kids or dog, observe the flora and fauna, run, bird, have a picnic, or just take in the views of the river. As a birder I was especially interested in the vast meadow area past the sports fields. There's so much to see and do!

Servicing the neighborhood today. Pest control is great but with the fam drama with the holidays I…read moredecided to take a break here. Parked up enjoying the views and peace for a bit. It's been a while since I've been here. Hasn't changed much. That's pretty cool. I'd absolutely recommend

After a random stop here on the way back to Philly from Jenkintown, I'm still a little puzzled…read moreabout Tookany Creek. Part of it was very nice and well maintained, and another part was deserted and boarded up--literally. There were bridges that were blocked but didn't have any signs not to use them, and they were sound enough to us to use... so of course we hopped over the baracades, haha. There also happens to be an above-ground large black-colored gas pipeline running through the span of the park. So much for enjoying nature. Regardless, if I lived in the area I would definitely use this as a running trial!