Hiking at the gorgeous Four Mills nature preserve in Pennsylvania

I loved living in the Philly metro area as I had easy access to both the city and beautiful Main Line suburbs. After. a few days dealing with tourist crowds around Old City, I recommend exploring one of the beautiful lush suburban parks and preserves in the gorgeous Main Line region. There are more than enough choices to appeal to every type of nature lover. Whether you are seeking a short nature stroll, a serene place to birdwatch, a paved biking trail, an all day hiking adventure, or a nice shady place to picnic, there is a great option within a 45 minute drive of Center City.

1. Norristown Farm Park

  • Distance from Center City: 40 min
  • Address: 2500 Upper Farm Road East Norriton, PA
  • Norristown Farm Park trail map
  • Fuel up: Enjoy a great Italian meal at Dino’s, a local gem in nearby East Bridgeport.
Quiet winter walk at Norristown Farm Park in Pennsylvania

This tranquil park in Montgomery County is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a laid-back easy walk far away from any city crowds. Living nearby, this became my go-to park for anytype of exercise. The park never gets overly busy even during the warmer months. You will get to choose amongst 7 miles of paved & rustic trails which are great for running, walking, biking, and cross country skiing after a storm. More than 70 wildlife species and 170 species of bird currently call the park home. Be sure to check out the park’s monthly events calendar which include guided bird walks.

This park is quite unique as it is a working farm which has been in operation since colonial times. Numerous historic buildings can be seen during your visit, the earliest dating back to 1764. See the map above for details on the 15 historic buildings located on-site.

2. Fort Washington Park

  • Distance from Center City: 45 min
  • Address: 500 S Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, PA
  • Ft. Washington Park map
  • Fuel up: Stop by Feine, a great local coffeeshop in Conshohocken serving excellent pastries
Beautiful spring day at Ft Washington State Park in Pennsylvania

Fort Washington is another beautiful park in Montgomery County. This gem is most well-known for its’ abundance of flowering dogwood trees in the spring, although it is a gorgeous destination anytime of year. Hikers, fishermen, picnickers, and birdwatchers will all be pleased with the amenities found here.

Serene Wissahickon Creek passes through the park and adds scenic vistas to each trail, as well as spring trout fishing opportunities. The 2.5 mile long Green Ribbon Trail, perfect for hiking and cross country skiing, offers beautiful views of the creek. Lace up your gym shoes and enjoy a lovely hike, followed by a peaceful picnic amongst the natural surroundings.

3. Dixon Meadow Preserve

  • Distance from Center City: 45 min
  • Address: 548 Flourtown Rd, Lafayette Hill, PA
  • Dixon Meadow Birding guide
  • Fuel up: Treat yourself to an authentic Indian lunch at Nirvana Indian Bistro, by far the best Indian restaurant in Philly! The Veggie Korma and Aloo Gobi are awesome!
Beautiful countryside scenery at Dixon Meadow Preserve in Lafayette Hill, PA

The best birdwatching destination in the Philly suburbs is Dixon Meadow preserve in beautiful Lafayette Hill. This quaint park features a 2180 foot boardwalk trail with numerous observation stations. As you enjoy a nice easy stroll amidst the fresh wide open countryside surroundings, you will see all sorts of small wildlife. To date, more than 150 bird species have been sighted, as well as deer, groundhog, and fox.

It’s a great place to enjoy a light workout, soak up some vitamin D, see lots of birds, and enjoy Pennsylvania’s native flora and fauna. In August, monarch butterflies migrate to the region from central Mexico. While they are a beautiful sight to see, unfortunately, numbers are dwindling by the year due to climate change.

4. Willow Lake Farm

  • Distance from Center City: 45 min
  • Address: W Butler Ave, Ambler, PA (Parking behind CVS)
  • Fuel up: Enjoy a homestyle lunch at the cozy Farmer’s Daughter restaurant
Gorgeous horses at Willow Lake Farm preserve in Ambler, Pennsylvania

This preserve is quite unique as it is located adjacent to a working farm, so you will likely see horses during your visit. I’ve seen many adorable mini horses. The 2.4 mile trail is easy and relaxing, with scenic vistas of both open pastures and woodsy forests. You will see lots of birds, butterflies, and small forms of wildlife along the way. Be on the lookout for deer and foxes which often make appearances.

Of all the trails in the Wissahickon Valley watershed, Willow Lake is one of the best choices for anyone looking to spend some quality time in nature. It’s so quiet here with lots of opportunity to see wildlife and enjoy native scenery. And thus, Willow Lake is a fantastic oasis where you can really disconnect from it all.

5. Ridley Creek State Park

Small waterfall at Ridley Creek State Park in Media, Pennsylvania

This large 2000+ acre park in Delaware Township offers a plethora of recreational activities. You can easily plan an entire afternoon here, taking in the beautiful scenery, while also getting in a wonderful workout. A great place for any active types due to the variety of recreational activities. Whether you prefer to go fishing, take a guided horseback riding adventure, or enjoy one of the park’s 13 miles of trails, options abound for everyone.

Most popular here is a 5 mile paved trail: the perfect distance for bikers and runners, as well as cross country skiers during the winter season. The scenery is beautiful with tranquil views of the creek and also a few small waterfalls. If you prefer more rustic surroundings, simply opt for a hiking adventure on one of the park’s woodsy trails (see map above), all of which feature plenty of greenery, along with relaxing views of the rolling terrain.

6. McKaig Nature Center

  • Distance from Center City: 30 min
  • Address: 889 Croton Rd, Wayne, PA
  • McKaig trail map
  • Fuel up: Enjoy brunch at the wonderful White Dog Cafe, known for their farm-to-table menu & eclectic interior.
McKaig Nature Center in Wayne, Pennsylvania

This small preserve features 3 miles of tranquil creekside hiking trails. It’s located in a quiet Main Line neighborhood, and therefore, a good choice for anyone looking to avoid tourists. The trails, although all pretty short, are super woodsy and serene, giving you the much needed opportunity to disconnect from technology for a bit. This is one of my personal favorites because of the woodsy vibe.

Due to the easy terrain and short trails, McKaig is a great choice for families, dog walkers, and anyone else seeking out an easy nature stroll. Be sure to look into the monthly event lineup, featuring 5ks, guided hikes, and more.