The Best Hikes Within 2 Hours of Philly

The crispness of autumn makes it a great time to be out in nature, and the Philadelphia area — including the city itself — has plenty of hiking spots. Here’s a sampling of the best hikes two hours or less from Philly.

⛰️ H/T City Cast Philly producer Abby Fritz and Jim Cheney of the blog Uncovering PA for providing the recommendations for this article. Hear them talk about even more Pennsylvania hikes on the City Cast Philly podcast, including some that are further-flung … but absolutely breathtaking.

For an Urban Escape: The Wissahickon Gorge

Northwest Philly

Inside Wissahickon Valley Park right here in the city, you can find 50+ miles of challenging trails, hidden statues, Philly’s only covered bridge, and sparkly rocks.

For Birding: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

Southwest Philly

Along the Delaware River near the edge of the city you can observe over 300 bird species along 10+ miles of trails. This spot is good for family-friendly walks and less experienced hikers, and one of the trails is wheelchair accessible. You can even borrow binoculars and fishing rods for free!

For Backpacking: Batona Trail

South Jersey (~1 hour from Philly to northern trailhead)

If you’re looking to tackle the full 53 miles of this trail within New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, expect a multi-day venture. The trail passes by ancient hills, old rail lines, ghost towns, and more.

For an Interactive Experience: Ringing Rocks County Park

Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania (~1.5 hours from Philly)

This one’s a little quirky. The trails in this park in northern Bucks County are pretty short, Cheney says, but the landscape is unique: If you strike some of the rocks in the park’s boulder field with a hammer, they’ll ring out like a bell. You can also see Bucks County’s largest waterfall.

For Gorgeous Vistas: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Kempton, Pennsylvania (~2 hours from Philly)

This raptor conservation site is one of Abby’s favorite hiking locations. You have to pay $10 to get in, but you’ll find a range of rocky trails and scenic overlooks, some of which require scrambling to traverse. One of the trails is ADA accessible.

For a Strenuous but Rewarding Journey: Mt. Tammany

Knowlton Township, New Jersey (~2 hours from Philly)

This 3.5-mile rocky, steep climb is a popular hike in New Jersey and will offer you a view of the Delaware Water Gap.

Before You Go …

Pack and plan accordingly, and be sure to leave no trace. Read these hiking safety and preparedness tips from the National Parks Service.