Best Hiking Trails Near PhiladelphiaWithin 3 Hours of Philly
Escape the city and discover the most spectacular hiking trails near Philadelphia. From the legendary Ricketts Glen with 21 waterfalls to the famous Bushkill Falls and hidden gems throughout Pennsylvania, explore 15+ incredible hiking destinations within easy driving distance of Philadelphia, complete with detailed directions, difficulty ratings, and insider tips.
Best Hiking Trails by Distance from Philadelphia
Organized by drive time from Philadelphia for easy trip planning
Within 2 Hours of Philadelphia
Perfect for day trips and weekend adventures
Bushkill Falls
Pennsylvania's most popular waterfall destination with 8 falls and well-maintained trails for all skill levels. Perfect for Philadelphia area families.
Delaware Water Gap
70,000 acres of hiking trails including Dingmans Falls (130ft), Raymondskill Falls (470ft - tallest in PA), and dozens of scenic trails.
Wissahickon Valley Park
Philadelphia's backyard wilderness with 50+ miles of trails through old-growth forest and along Wissahickon Creek. Perfect for quick escapes.
2-3 Hours from Philadelphia
Worth the extra drive for spectacular hiking experiences
Ricketts Glen State Park
The ultimate hiking destination near Philadelphia. This 7.2-mile Falls Trail features 21 named waterfalls including the spectacular 94-foot Ganoga Falls. Considered Pennsylvania's premier hiking experience and worth every minute of the 2.5-hour drive from Philadelphia. This National Natural Landmark offers unparalleled waterfall diversity and challenging terrain.
150 miles, 2.5 hours
Most Difficult
4-6 hours
21 waterfalls
Hickory Run State Park
Famous for its unique Boulder Field - a 16-acre field of glacial boulders. Multiple trails through diverse ecosystems in the Pocono Mountains.
Promised Land State Park
Family-friendly park with lake loops, forest trails, and easy waterfall access. Perfect stepping stone before tackling more challenging hikes.
Best Times for Philadelphia Area Hiking
Seasonal considerations for the best hiking experiences near Philadelphia
Spring
Peak waterfall season with snowmelt creating maximum flow. Perfect for Ricketts Glen and Bushkill Falls.
- • Best For: Waterfalls, wildflowers
- • Top Choice: Ricketts Glen Falls Trail
- • Drive Time: 2.5 hours worth it for peak flow
- • Crowds: Moderate, arrive early
Summer
Best weather for long hikes but can be crowded. Start early to beat heat and crowds.
- • Best For: Long day hikes, camping
- • Top Choice: Early morning at Ricketts Glen
- • Strategy: Start 6-7 AM to avoid crowds
- • Crowds: Highest, especially weekends
Fall
Peak foliage season makes the 2.5-hour drive to Ricketts Glen absolutely worth it for photography.
- • Best For: Photography, foliage
- • Top Choice: Ricketts Glen in October
- • Book Ahead: Accommodations fill up
- • Crowds: High during peak foliage
Winter
Closer trails recommended as Ricketts Glen Falls Trail is closed. Focus on Delaware Water Gap and Wissahickon.
- • Best For: Solitude, frozen waterfalls
- • Top Choice: Wissahickon Valley Park (30 min)
- • Note: Ricketts Glen Falls Trail closed
- • Crowds: Minimal
Philadelphia Area Hiking Trip Planning
Make the most of your hiking adventures from Philadelphia
Perfect Day Trips from Philadelphia
Ricketts Glen Adventure (2.5 hrs)
Leave Philadelphia at 6 AM, arrive 8:30 AM, hike 9 AM-3 PM, drive home by 6 PM for dinner. The ultimate Pennsylvania hiking experience.
Bushkill Falls Family Day (2 hrs)
Leave Philadelphia at 8 AM, arrive 10 AM, hike/explore until 3 PM, return by 6 PM. Perfect for families with kids.
Wissahickon Quick Escape (30 min)
Perfect after-work hike or weekend morning adventure. Philadelphia's backyard wilderness with 50+ miles of trails.
Weekend Trip Ideas
Ricketts Glen + Bushkill Falls Weekend
Day 1: Ricketts Glen Falls Trail (camp nearby), Day 2: Bushkill Falls + Delaware Water Gap exploration. Two of PA's best destinations.
Find Accommodations →Pocono Mountains Exploration
Base camp in the Poconos and explore multiple destinations: Bushkill Falls, Delaware Water Gap, Promised Land State Park, and Hickory Run.
Philadelphia Hiking Challenge
For experienced hikers: Ricketts Glen Falls Trail on Saturday (most difficult), recover with easier trails Sunday (Wissahickon or Delaware Water Gap).
Philadelphia Area Hiking FAQ
What are the best hiking trails near Philadelphia?
The best hiking trails near Philadelphia include Ricketts Glen Falls Trail (2.5 hours, 21 waterfalls), Bushkill Falls (2 hours, 8 waterfalls), Delaware Water Gap trails (2 hours, multiple options), and Wissahickon Valley Park (30 minutes, 50+ miles of trails).Ricketts Glen is the ultimate destination despite the longer drive.
How far is Ricketts Glen from Philadelphia?
Ricketts Glen is 150 miles from Philadelphia, approximately 2.5 hours driving time via I-476 North and I-80 West. While it's the furthest major hiking destination from Philadelphia, the 21-waterfall experience makes it absolutely worth the drive, especially for serious hikers and waterfall enthusiasts.
What hiking trails are within 2 hours of Philadelphia?
Hiking trails within 2 hours of Philadelphia include Bushkill Falls (2 hours, 8 waterfalls), Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (2 hours, multiple trails), Hickory Run State Park (2 hours, Boulder Field), and Wissahickon Valley Park (30 minutes, urban wilderness). These offer excellent day trip options with shorter drive times.
Are there good hiking trails close to Philadelphia?
Yes! Wissahickon Valley Park is only 30 minutes from Philadelphia and offers 50+ miles of well-maintained trails through old-growth forest along Wissahickon Creek. It's perfect for after-work hikes, weekend adventures, and when you want a nature escape without driving far. The park offers trails for all skill levels within Philadelphia city limits.
Start Your Philadelphia Area Hiking Adventure
Whether you choose the legendary Ricketts Glen Falls Trail or start with closer destinations, Pennsylvania's incredible hiking awaits just hours from Philadelphia.