The best walks and hikes around Glenside
4.9
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765
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Hikes around Glenside PA provide access to a network of trails within expansive creek valleys and historic parks. The region is characterized by large nature preserves like Wissahickon Valley Park and Pennypack Park, which feature paths alongside creeks, through dense woodlands, and across open meadows. The terrain is generally composed of rolling hills with a mix of gravel paths and more rugged, earthen trails.
Best hiking trails around Glenside
- The most popular hiking route is Teedyuscung Statue loop — Wissahickon Valley Park, a 7.0 mile (11.3 km) trail that takes around 3 hours 15 minutes to complete. This route explores the woodlands of Wissahickon Valley Park.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Pennypack Trail loop — Pennypack Park, a moderate 7.9 mile (12.7 km) path. The trail follows the course of Pennypack Creek through the park.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Lorimer Park loop — Philadelphia, a 4.0 mile (6.5 km) trail leading through woodlands, often completed in about 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Hiking around Glenside is defined by its extensive creek-side trail systems, forested hills, and interconnected parklands. The network offers both wide, flat gravel paths suitable for all abilities and more challenging, rugged trails with moderate elevation changes.
- The routes in Glenside are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from more than 25 reviews. More than 600 hikers have used komoot to explore Glenside's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
20
hikers
5.72km
01:32
60m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
6.28km
01:43
90m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4
hikers
6.22km
01:41
90m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
3.49km
00:57
30m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
2.27km
00:37
30m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This inn is the last roadhouse in all of Philadelphia, and a much-beloved part of Fairmount Park. Although you can't stay here overnight, they serve good food and the inn serves as a sort of communal gathering spot: You can cozy up to the fireplace in the winter, or chill out on the porches in the summer.
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Wissahickon Creek flows over an old man-made stone shelf to create a wide waterfall that you can walk out towards on slabs of stone that rise up from the riverbed.
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In the middle of Morris Arboretum is an outdoor model railway and a whole miniature world built around it. The whole area is a lot of fun and well worth a detour.
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They constructed this bridge in 1855, and it underwent renovations in 1939 and 2000. It stands as the solitary remaining covered bridge within a major U.S. city, and is one of five surviving Howe-truss bridges in Pennsylvania. The Howe-truss design, characterized by a series of triangles that enhance bridge strength and stability, is a defining feature.
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Among the most well-liked swimming spots in the region, this area, although swimming is technically prohibited, earned its name from the Leni Lenape people. They held the belief that this specific location served as a boundary between the realms of good and evil.
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Stretching across a length of 59 feet, this bridge seamlessly blends art with functionality as it connects two cliffs in the Wissahickon Creek area. From this vantage point, you can enjoy stunning views of the creek.
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Sadly, partygoers have left a ton on trash at this otherwise nice spot
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This remote part of the Fort Washington State Park is quiet and rarely used. It’s a good place for a solitary hike or MTB ride. I coined this The Lost Dog Wilds in honor of my dog, who as a pup ran off after a herd of deer, and disappeared in the blink of an eye. After a thorough search, we thought she was lost for sure. Clever pup found her way home several hours later.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Glenside?
Yes, there are over 50 hiking routes to explore in the Glenside area. The region is known for its extensive trail systems within large nature preserves like Wissahickon Valley Park and Pennypack Park, offering a great variety of landscapes from riverside paths to forested hills.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails near Glenside?
The trails around Glenside are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful scenery along the creeks, and the feeling of being in the wilderness so close to the city.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the area?
Absolutely. The region has many gentle trails perfect for families. A great option is the Houston Meadow loop — Wissahickon Valley Park, a relatively flat 2.8-mile (4.5 km) walk. Another popular choice for all abilities is the wide, gravel Forbidden Drive trail, which follows Wissahickon Creek.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Yes, most parks in the Glenside area, including Wissahickon Valley Park, Fort Washington State Park, and Lorimer Park, are dog-friendly. However, regulations typically require dogs to be on a leash at all times, so please be sure to check and follow the specific rules for the park you are visiting.
Where can I find a more challenging hike near Glenside?
For those seeking more rugged terrain, the upper trails of Wissahickon Valley Park offer steeper and rockier paths. A good example is the Devil's Pool via Cresheim Trail loop, which involves some moderate elevation changes and uneven ground as it explores the scenic Cresheim and Wissahickon creeks.
What is the best time of year to hike around Glenside?
Hiking near Glenside is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly beautiful. In spring, you'll see flowering dogwoods and mountain laurel, especially in parks like Fort Washington and Lorimer. Autumn offers spectacular fall foliage throughout the region's woodlands.
Are there any trails with waterfalls?
While the immediate area isn't known for large waterfalls, you can find beautiful water features along the creeks. Devil's Pool in Wissahickon Valley Park is a popular spot where the Cresheim Creek meets the Wissahickon Creek, creating a scenic cascade over the rocks.
Where is a good place to park for hiking in Wissahickon Valley Park?
Wissahickon Valley Park has several parking areas. For easy access to the popular Forbidden Drive, the lot at the northern end, near the intersection of Northwestern Avenue and Andorra Road, is a great starting point. Other lots are available along the park's perimeter, but they can fill up quickly on weekends.
Can I reach any hiking trails using public transport?
Yes, several trailheads are accessible via public transportation. Wissahickon Valley Park, for instance, can be reached by SEPTA regional rail lines and various bus routes that stop near the park's entrances, making it a convenient option for those without a car.
What are some of the best parks for hiking near Glenside?
The area is rich with excellent parks for hiking. Some of the most popular choices among locals include:
- Wissahickon Valley Park: A vast urban oasis with over 50 miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging.
- Fort Washington State Park: Offers a mix of history and nature with open meadows and wooded trails, great for birdwatching.
- Lorimer Park: A highly-regarded local favorite connecting to the Pennypack Trail, known for its mature forests and the scenic Council Rock viewpoint.
- Pennypack Park: An expansive park with a network of paved and unpaved trails following Pennypack Creek.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, many of the best hikes in the area are loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. Most of the featured routes in this guide, including those in Wissahickon Valley Park and Lorimer Park, are designed as circular walks.
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