Angela Rosini

With daylight savings time pushing the sunset to further in the evening and temperatures starting to rise, more and more people are yearning to get outside and visit local parks and nature centers. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, or just looking to enjoy the weather on your day off, the places listed below are sure to have anyone who wants to appreciate the nature around them really soaking in their surroundings.

1. Peace Valley Park, New Britain Township, PA

This hidden gem known as Peace Valley resides near Doylestown, PA. The park surrounds Lake Galena, which is around 365 acres big. The park is year round, however is more frequently visited from April to September, as a result of the stunning foliage that surrounds the 7-mile long walking and bike path along the perimeter of the lake. During the summer months there is a small shack by the edge of the east side of the lake that rents rowboats, kayaks paddle boats, and sailboats. If you’re lucky enough to have a permit to launch a boat of your own, you can do that as well. Picnicking, fishing, and hiking is enjoyed here as well with playgrounds and restrooms provided in designated areas. The beauty and simplicity of this park has proven to be a staple for residents and visitors of the surrounding areas looking to get away from the suburbs for a few hours and enjoy what the park has to offer.

2. Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia, PA

Established in the late 19th century, Wissahickon Valley Park has been around for centuries now, and for good reason. The beautiful scenery and creek that runs beside the trails has proven to be a quaint little area for locals to come soak in a bit of nature after a day of being in the city. Visitors are often seen either hiking, biking, or even riding horses up and down the trails. The park is also known for its history, as it has been around almost, if not, as long as its neighboring city of Philadelphia. Whether you’re a historian or just someone looking to get some fresh air, it’s clear that this park on the outskirts of Philadelphia can quench even the smallest thirst for nature.

3. Valley Forge National Historical Park, King of Prussia, PA

Originally Valley Forge State Park, this staple of a national park was renamed in honor of a major historical event that happened on its grounds, hundreds of years prior; an encampment of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War in the late eighteenth century. Today, aside from the obvious, scenic foliage the park maintains, historical buildings, memorials, museums, and structures are a few of the things that make the park not only a historical landscape, but one of the most notable parks in Pennsylvania. Visitors are free to hike or bike the 26 miles of trails that run through the park, as well as boating and fishing on the nearby Schuykill River. For those who have a knack for history and notable landmarks, as well as a love for nature, this park is proven to be a must-see.

4. Goat Hill Overlook, Lambertville, NJ

This short, yet sweet hiking trail just across the bridge from Pennsylvania has a lot to offer in just a few miles. Upon driving up a quick hill and onto a short gravel road to the entrance of the trail, there are a few options to take when you first arrive. One can either go to the main overlook, which has a view of New Hope, PA, which mirrors Lambertville and is the only place to view both both towns at the same time. The second option is to stop at another overlook on the way to the main one, which oversees more of the scenery surrounding New Hope, as well as the Delaware River. If you’re looking for a quick hike at the end of the day or if you’re simply pressed for time, this is the hike for you.

5. Evansburg State Park, Collegeville, PA

The last on our list, Evansburg State Park, is proven to be a sight for sore eyes. This nearly 3,500 acre piece of land is filled with scenic views and has room for plenty of outdoor activities, including picnicking, golf, biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and more. Evansburg is open to enjoy for the public year round, for those who like to see the flowers bloom in the spring, or those who prefer watching the leaves changes colors in the fall. No matter what the season is, Evansburg continues to be sightly for those of all ages to enjoy. Upon being established in 1979, Evansburg proved to be yet another staple for the residents of Montgomery County and others who choose to appreciate it.