Fairmount Park: Encompassing Valley Green, Wissahickon Valley Park and Forbidden Drive, Fairmount has more than 9,200 acres for your enjoyment. It’s the closest destination, starting behind the art museum. Head further out to Wissahickon for anything from steep hikes to pool jumping.
1.5-12 miles away
Morris Arboretum: Not a hike, but your PennCard gives you access to this spectacular arboretum for free. Spend a day walking around the gardens, greenhouse and art installations, and don’t forget to picnic.
12 miles away; 100 E Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Valley Forge National Historic Park: This park has a perfect blend of historical significance and beautiful scenery. For a more educational trip, opt for a trolley, biking (they have a rental shop) or bird watching tour. To get your blood pumping instead, they have 19.5 miles of hiking trails for your enjoyment.
22 miles away; 1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Pennypack Trust: If you want rolling meadows mixed with small ponds and a creek–side trail, this is the place for you. The 812–acre preserve is my favorite in the fall, when wild turkey sightings abound.
20 miles away; 2955 Edge Hill Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
Hawk Mountain: This is exactly what it sounds like. From mid–September to early November, Hawk Mountain lies directly along the path of hawks, bald eagles, osprey and kestrels. Go for the incredible views and birds of prey sightings. BYOB, bring your own binoculars.
80 miles away, an hour and a half drive; Albany, PA 19529
Jim Thorpe: An easy drive through Lehigh Valley brings you to this historic coal–mining town turned picturesque destination. While you can take advantage of the white–water rafting and antique train rides, you should hike the Glen Onoko Falls trail. The loop includes an action-packed mile–long set of waterfalls.
80 miles away, an hour and 45 minute drive; Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Appalachian Trail: Two thousand one hundred and sixty miles up and down the east coast gives you more hiking than you’d ever need. Although the trail goes right across Pennsylvania, it’s all game lands for hunting, so you’re not supposed to hike here in the fall. Instead, make a weekend trip out of it and head to Virginia. The trail passes through the rolling mountains Shenandoah Valley, and the drive isn’t bad at all if you leave early in the morning. Don’t miss the Old Rag Mountain hike or the scenic Skyline Drive.
To Shenandoah Valley: 224 miles away, three and a half hour drive; East Luray, VA
