Chester County

**Please take note that some of the below locations are open to hunting. If you decide to go there during hunting season, be sure to wear the proper safety gear (bright orange) that will identify you as human or go on a Sunday when hunting isn't permitted. You don't want to be mistaken for someone's dinner!** 

The Official Site of Chester County, PA - This site contains links to six different parks within Chester County as well as full color topographical maps for each of them. Also included on this site are maps of three regional trails throughout the county. Please note that on the page you're being directed to, you will only see five parks listed. When you go to the page with the full color maps, you'll find the sixth park. If you enjoy camping like I do, check out Hibernia County Park. As of now and according to their website, the cost for camping is only $15 per night.

Best Chester County hiking trails for both exercise and beauty - this site has a few resources for locations to go hiking, one of which isn't in Chester County (Tyler Arboretum which is in Delaware County) but still worthy of checking out. 

Open Land Conservancy - while they're all relatively small in size, the Open Land Conservancy owns eight preserves totaling 360 acres open to the public within the Great Valley area. Another 118 acres owned by the conservancy are on conservation easement and not open to the public. 

Willistown Conservation Trust - In a small section of east-central Chester County, the Willistown Conservation Trust owns and maintains three preserves within the Willistown area. All three of the preserves are close to one-another and are relatively small in size which would make for a pretty decent day trip.

Binky Lee Preserve - Located in Chester Springs, the Binky Lee Preserve is part of the Natural Lands Trust (NLT), a conservation organization with preserves scattered throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. The Binky Lee Preserve, donated to the NLT in 1989 by the Seiple family, is 112 acres with 4 miles of trails which contain a good variety of open fields, woodlands, some wetlands, and hills that will keep you busy exploring and wondering what will be around the next "corner". If and when you go there, don't forget to check out the Bridge to Bridge and River Birch Trails that run alongside the Pickering Creek. Deer hunting is permitted by special permission at the Binky Lee Preserve, please contact the NLT for more details. 

Section of trail at the Binky Lee Preserve

 
Black Rock Sanctuary -  In the northeastern corner of Phoenixville on Route 113, you'll find the Black Rock Sanctuary. This is one of a few former silt basins along the Schuylkill River that has been converted into a nature preserve. There are approximately 4.5 miles (give or take) of trails, a small lake, and of course the Schuylkill River you can hike around (or alongside). For the most part, the trails at the preserve are relatively flat with only a few small hills that are easy to climb. There is one berm at the far end of the sanctuary which is pretty steep but it's not very tall and shouldn't pose much of a challenge unless it's muddy. Since this was previously a silt basin, it also carries some history regarding the industrial revolution, the Schuylkill River Project and dredging coal silt from the river in the late 1940's and early 1950's. 

ChesLen Preserve - Another preserve that's part of the Natural Land's Trust, the ChesLen Preserve is located in Coatesville, PA and is said to have approximately 8 miles of natural surface trails but I believe there's more that what's stated. While I was there, I hiked a little more than 10 miles with very little overlapping and also missed quite a few trails in the southeastern section of the preserve. For the most part, the ChesLen Preserve is in relatively open fields along with some smaller wooded areas which won't offer much cover from the sun so I'd recommend you hike this on a day where it's not too hot outside. In all, the terrain is varied but nothing too challenging and there are a few historical places worthy of checking out while you're there. Deer hunting is permitted by special permission at the ChesLen Preserve, please contact the NLT for more details.  

Section of trail at the ChesLen Preserve looking north towards the Lenfest Center

Coventry Woods Preserve - Also known as Coventry Woods Park, the Coventry Woods Preserve is located in Pottstown, PA, not far from Woody's Woods, Warwick County Park, Crow's Nest Preserve and St. Peter's Village. In all, I managed to hike approximately 11.5 miles on well maintained trails, including the Coventry Trail (not as well maintained as the preserve) which will take you out of the park and dead end about 50 yards from Cherry Hill Lane. There's a very good mix of terrain which should provide for a decent challenge and like a number of other parks/preserves within Chester County, there's some history regarding the iron industry at this location. What you'll find won't be much to look at, but there are numerous charcoal hearths at the preserve, used to create charcoal for burning at the local furnaces that processed iron. Note that there are several side trails not marked on the map of the preserve. Although I can't confirm, I believe archery hunting is permitted at Coventry Woods Preserve. 

Section of the Rock Run Trail at Coventry Woods Preserve (or Park)

Crow's Nest Preserve - Located just southeast of French Creek State Park, the Crow's Nest Preserve has about 7 miles of trails with a good mix of rolling hills, open fields/farmland, wetlands and woodlands to explore. If you'd like to extend your hike a bit, State Game Lands 43 and the Horse-Shoe Trail are adjacent to the preserve. Deer hunting is permitted by special permission at Crow's Nest Preserve, please contact the NLT for more details.

Cable bridge crossing over Pine Creek at the Crow's Nest Preserve

Diamond Rock Preserve - Located in the Malvern, PA area, the Diamond Rock Preserve is one of eight within the Great Valley area owned by the Open Land Conservancy. At a relatively small 52 acres, there's about one or maybe two miles of trails and likely won't take more than an hour or so to explore. However, the Horse-Shoe Trail runs through the Diamond Rock Preserve which means you can easily add some distance to your hike if you choose to. Don't let the small size of this preserve fool you though, the southern end of the preserve is on a decent sized hill. 

Section of the Horse-Shoe Trail cutting through the Diamond Rock Preserve

French Creek at Cooks Glen Road - There are no trail maps of this area but if you want to explore a small section of French Creek on some fishing and horseback riding trails, head to Cooks Glen Road in Spring City, PA and check out the trails in this area, most of which are in pretty good condition and worth exploring. Take note though, some of the equestrian trails will end up leading you into private property. I don't have a total amount but I would say there are probably about 2.5-3 miles of trails in the area, maybe more. 

Section of an equestrian trail alongside French Creek close to Cooks Glen Road

French Creek Trail - Tucked away between the towns of Phoenixville and Kimberton, PA is the French Creek Trail. It's a short hike of approximately 4 miles in total (there and back, this is not a loop trail) that runs alongside French Creek. Along the hike, there are two pedestrian bridges that offer a decent view of French Creek from above and a few places of historical significance including the remnants of Rapps Dam, the Continental Powder Works (built in 1776), the Mill Works and Rapps Bridge. The terrain throughout the hike is flat and if you'd like to add a little bit of distance to your hike, check out some of the fishing trails that run closer to French Creek. Note that the fishing trails are not maintained and can be overgrown. 

View of French Creek from one of the two pedestrian bridges. 

Harmony Hill Nature Area - Located in Downingtown, PA, the Harmony Hill Nature Area is said to have approximately 6.5 miles of trails although I think there may be more than that. What you'll find are trails that for the most part, are in excellent condition and terrain that varies enough to give you a pretty decent challenge. Also within the boundaries of the nature center are sections of the paved East Branch Brandywine Trail and the East Branch Brandywine Creek. If you'd like to add some distance to your hike, check out the Brandywine Meadows Preserve and the M. John Johnson Nature Center/Sugar's Bridge Nature Area which you'll find on opposite sides of Harmony Hill. Although I'm unsure if it's determined on an annual basis, hunting is permitted at the Harmony Hill Nature Area. Please contact East Bradford Township for more details. 

Section of the Oak Tree Trail at the Harmony Hill Nature Area

Hibernia County Park - Located in Coatesville, PA, Hibernia County Park is the largest of the parks run by Chester County (excluding state parks). Taking a hike through Hibernia will also take you through some historical areas including the Hatfield House and Hibernia Mansion, both of which played an historical role in the iron making industry. What you'll also find there are Chambers Lake and the West Branch Brandywine Creek along with some ruins of what used to be in operation at the time. Keep your eyes open, some of the ruins are pretty well hidden. While the Chester County website shows a few of the trails within the park, don't let this fool you. There are more miles of trails than what's listed. With some overlapping, I managed to get in almost 12 miles of easy to moderate hiking. Although I'm not sure it's determined on an annual basis, regulated archery hunting for white-tail deer is permitted at Hibernia County Park. 

Section of the Rim Trail at Hibernia County Park, remnants of the Wilmington Division of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad

Historic Yellow Springs - While this isn't much for hiking (maybe 2 miles of trails at the most), the area is surrounded by quite a bit of history including the Yellow Springs General Hospital which was built in 1778 and is said to be America's first hospital and the only one commissioned to be built by the Continental Congress. There's also the Iron Spring Gazebo which was built in 1839 (rebuilt in 2008) and the Pool House (also built in 1839) that served as a bath house and day spa until the Civil War broke out in 1860. 

Yellow Springs General Hospital at Historic Yellow Springs

Kirkwood Preserve - The Kirkwood Preserve which is part of the Willistown Conservation Trust and one of several preserves within close proximity of each other on the east-central side of Chester County, not too far from Ridley Creek State Park. It's a small preserve that borders a horse farm and is mostly open grassland with maybe 2 miles of trails. If you go, be sure to bring some sunscreen and make it one of your stops and not the only one. At the most, it shouldn't take you more than an hour to an hour and a half to hike. Although I'm not sure if it's determined on an annual basis, controlled deer hunting is permitted at the Kirkwood Preserve. Please contact the Willistown Conservation Trust for more details. 

Looking north into the Kirkwood Preserve from the southern end

Longwood Gardens - Ok, so this really isn't a place to go hiking but I can't mention Chester County and leave out one of their most wonderful attractions. Longwood Gardens is a place of beauty and a photographers dream. The landscapes are beautiful as are the numerous indoor and outdoor flower gardens and to me, this is a must-see if you're visiting Chester County. The gardens are changed approximately four times a year according to what season it is. I have yet to make it there for the holiday decorations and from what I've seen (in pictures) and heard, it's beautiful. Years ago, I tried to get there with a friend but when we got to the area, traffic was backed up for miles so we decided it would be best to try another day. If you go, you will likely end up walking a few miles while admiring all the different flower gardens.



M. John Johnson Nature Center - Located directly next to the Harmony Hill Nature Area is the M. John Johnson Nature Center (also combined with Sugar's Bridge Nature Area). The majority of these combined nature areas includes the paved East Branch Brandywine Trail and for the most part, the natural surfaced trails within these places aren't well maintained. In total, you may be able to get about 2 miles of hiking and there are a few sections of trail that will get your blood pumping and provide a decent view of the valley below. I'd recommend combining this hike with another if you're looking to get a decent amount of distance in for the day. Although I'm not sure if it's determined on an annual basis, hunting is permitted at Sugar's Bridge Nature Area. Please contact East Bradford Township for details. 

One of the more well maintained trails at the M. John Johnson Nature Center/Sugar's Bridge Nature Area

Marsh Creek State Park - I've been there a few times throughout the years with my last visit in January of 2013 (update: I returned on July 11, 2015 and again on September 13, 2015). What I found interesting about the 2013 visit was that the water level was well below normal and you could walk in the sand and rocks alongside the Marsh Creek Reservoir where under normal conditions, the water would have been several feet above my head. The below picture is of a friend of mine standing next to a bench where the water level would usually be close to. According to the DCNR's website, there are said to be 18 miles of hiking trails, some of which are also open to mountain biking, horseback riding and cross country skiing. Take note that approximately 900 acres of this park are open to hunting. 

Okehocking Preserve - Located in east-central Chester County not too far from the Kirkwood and Rushton Woods Preserves, the Okehocking Preserve is approximately 180 acres and surprisingly has about 5 miles of trails with varied terrain and a good mix of open grasslands and woodlands to explore. While you're there, don't forget to stop into the Okehocking Nature Center. Although I'm not sure if it's determined on an annual basis, controlled deer hunting is permitted at the Okehocking Preserve. Please contact Willistown Township for more details. 

Section of Ridley Creek on the eastern side of the Okehocking Preserve

Pickering Creek Trails - There are four documented trails that run alongside different sections of Pickering Creek in the Phoenixville and Chester Springs areas, two of which are worthy of checking out (technically three but two of these trails are combined) and a third that leads to nowhere as of right now which will hopefully change. I hiked the Pickering Ice Dam/Pickering Trail and River Birch Trails on the same day (River Birch Trail is the one that leads to nowhere) and I included the Bridge to Bridge Trail when I hiked the Binky Lee Preserve in April since you can loop back into the preserve. In all, the trails on Pickering Creek total around 3 to 3.5 miles (give or take). If you want to check out the River Birch Trail, I'd advise doing so while visiting the Binky Lee Preserve so you're not wasting time or gas just to check out this short trail. Had I known how short it was, I would have explored it when I was at the preserve instead of returning to it a few weeks later. 

Trail head entrance to the Pickering (Ice Dam) Trail close to Charlestown Road in Phoenixville

Rushton Woods Preserve - Another of a number of preserves within close proximity in east-central Chester County, the Rushton Woods Preserve is relatively small with about 2 miles of trails that provide a good mix of open grasslands and woodlands to explore. What's also pretty cool about this place is that there are greenhouses and farmland where wildflowers are being grown (as well as vegetables, fruit, and other plants). While I was there, some of the trails were closed due to erosion and others that were in need of some TLC. Not that a few closed trails should be a deterrent, there were plenty others that were open for navigation. I'm unsure if hunting is permitted at Rushton Woods Preserve, please contact the Willistown Conservation Trust for information. 

Part of the wildflower garden at the Rushton Woods Preserve

Sadsbury Woods Preserve - Located in Coatesville, PA, the Sadsbury Woods Preserve has approximately 5.5 miles of trails on 508 acres and contains one of the largest unfragmented woodlands in Chester County. Part of the Natural Lands Trust, this preserve is different from the many other NLT preserves I've explored because of those woodlands. Most of the preserves I've visited are usually a combination of open grassland with some wooded areas where this preserve is just the opposite. While there are some hills to climb, they're not steep making this adventure an easy to moderate hike. 

Purple Loop Trail leading across Buck Run at Sadsbury Woods Preserve - December 2015

Sanatoga County Preserve - Located in the northeastern corner of Chester County and just outside of Pottstown is the Sanatoga County Preserve. It's not much to look at really and for the most part, the trails are not very well maintained with the exception of a few areas. With only a few miles of trails at the most and the lack of established hiking trails, don't make this one of your bucket list items unless you're truly interested in checking it out. There is a bit of history with this preserve as it's one of several silt basins along the Schuylkill River where coal silt was dredged during the 1940's and 1950's. Take note that hunting is permitted at the Sanatoga County Preserve. 

Closed off section of Sanatoga Road at the Sanatoga County Preserve

St. Peters Village - As I've mentioned a number of times on my blog, this is one of my favorite places to visit. Whenever I need a refresh, I head to St. Peters since there are plenty of places to hide and explore. The Falls at French Creek with the large boulders are the main attraction, and there are plenty of hiking trails throughout the area including a section of the Horse-Shoe Trail. The village shops are open during the weekends throughout the spring, summer, and into the fall. If you like an occasional cocktail, The Inn at St. Peters Village is open year-round. There are also rooms available if you'd like to stay for the evening. If you're interested in learning about the history of this quaint little town, check out this page. Take note that St. Peters Village is on state game lands and is open to hunting. 

Section of the Falls at French Creek - St. Peters Village

Stroud Preserve - Located in West Chester, PA, the Stroud Preserve is 571 acres and has approximately 9 miles of trails that offer varied terrain along with a mix of open fields, farmland, woodlands, wetlands, and a section of the East Branch Brandywine Creek. There are also a few spots within the preserve that offer a nice view of the surrounding area. While there are wooded areas, much of the preserve is out in the open so be sure to bring sunscreen along with you. Deer hunting is permitted by special permission at Stroud Preserve, please contact the NLT for more details.

Section of the Green Trail towards the southern end of the Stroud Preserve

Thompson Trail - Located between Phoenixville and Devault, PA, the Thompson Trail is a short hike away from the Great Valley Nature Center. In total, you'll get about 4 miles of hiking (there and back, this is not a loop trail) including a small section of the Horse-Shoe Trail if you park at the nature center. While it isn't a long hike, there's a nice mix of terrain through woodlands and alongside (and through in one section) the fields and farmland of the Thompson Farm. 

Northeastern section of the Thompson Trail

Warwick County Park - Located in Knauertown, PA and like a number of other parks/preserves in the area, Warwick County Park will take you through the history of the iron industry as it provided timber for the charcoal making process. A number of charcoal hearths can also be found within the park similar to Coventry Woods Preserve and Woody's Woods. In all, there are approximately 7-8 miles of trails that are mostly well maintained and offer various terrains from rocky trails and hills to open fields, including a section of the Horse-Shoe Trail. While not difficult, some of the hills will give you a decent workout. A section of French Creek also runs through the the park. I'm unsure if hunting is permitted at Warwick County Park, please contact Chester County for information. 
 

County Park Road bridge over French Creek at Warwick County Park

White Clay Creek Preserve - Located in the very southern section of Chester County, a small section of this park is in Pennsylvania with the rest being in Delaware. According to the DCNR's website, there are about 8 miles of trails at the preserve but it doesn't include the trails that are in Delaware. For more information and trail maps, check out the Delaware State Parks website or click here. There are also a few other parks bordering White Clay Creek State Park (in Delaware, labeled Preserve in Pennsylvania). Take note that 1,800 acres of this park are open to hunting.

Wolf's Hollow County Park - Located in Atglen, PA, Wolf's Hollow County Park is one of Chester County's most recent additions with approximately 10 miles of trails within its 569 acres of land. The park provides a good mix of terrain from easy to difficult, open fields to wetlands to woodlands, and runs alongside the Octoraro Creek on its western side. In all, my adventure could have been better but at the time I had gone, there had been snow (Winter Storm Jonas) followed by heavy rains which resulted in muddy conditions and washed out trails, namely the Waterfalls Trail which had been pretty badly damaged. Regardless, this shouldn't deter you from taking a trip out to this park for an adventure. The hike was good and there's not really much one can do to stop Mother Nature from taking her course. Unfortunate timing on my part, but still a park worth exploring. The only gripe I had about this park is that there's a shooting range in the vicinity. Note that archery hunting is permitted at Wolf's Hollow County Park on a limited permit basis. I'm unsure if this is determined on an annual basis. Please contact Chester County for additional information. 

Small waterfall along the Waterfalls Trail at Wolf's Hollow County Park - February 2016

Woody's Woods - Another of the several places to go hiking in the Pottstown area, Woody's Woods also has some history in the iron industry although not much information can be found. Looking at the trail map, there are a few charcoal hearths within its 260 acres, some of which can be found close to the marked trails on the map. The terrain is various enough to give you a decent workout but what's unfortunate about this place is that a number of the trails lead to nowhere (or private property) and others are not very well maintained. If Woody's Woods somehow manages to get some TLC, I'd be glad to return to continue my explorations but otherwise, there are several other places in the area where you'd probably have a better hiking experience. I'm not saying it wasn't worth the hike, just that it has a ton of potential to be a better hike than it currently is. Archery hunting for deer is permitted at Woody's Woods and is closed to the public Monday through Saturday during archery hunting season. 

Remnants of a Charcoal Hearth at Woody's Woods