There are so many benefits to walking, or hiking, and when the whole family comes along those benefits increase tenfold. Not only is hiking a wonderful way to connect with the natural world, by bringing the kids you’re bonding with both Mother Nature and them! And as you’re making those memories and connections as a family, you’re also fostering a love in your children for the outdoors.

Bucks County has a rich heritage of outdoor recreation and trail use with the county’s scenic beauty, mix of geography, farmland, and historic sites. And while some of these recreational trails might be a bit advanced for our youngest hikers, we’ve collected a list of parks with easy hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy, as well as tips to help ensure your hike is a pleasant experience for all!

Tips for Hitting the Trail:

• Wear comfortable footwear. Hiking-specific shoes are better than sneakers if you have them.
• Pack bug spray.
• Charge cell phones ahead of time.
• Bring plenty of water.
• Bring granola bars or packable snacks.
• Know your route ahead of time.

Core Creek Park

901 Bridgetown Pike, Langhorne

Located in Langhorne, this park offers multiple hiking and biking trails, as well as plenty of picnic areas and playgrounds. “This park has lots of great trails through the woods and around the lake (though they’re always quite muddy so come prepared with the right footwear for a hike),” says Reyna Wang. And it’s an awesome place for birding, she added.

High Rocks State Park Trail

150 Tory Road, Pipersville

Located in New Hope, this trail is perfect for older kids and teenagers, as it offers a more challenging hike to the top of two-hundred foot cliffs overlooking the horseshoe bend of the Tohickon Creek with spectacular views of the Delaware River. High Rocks State Park, a section of Ralph Stover State Park, offers visitors some of the best views in Eastern Pennsylvania. Across from the parking lot on Tory Road, you will find the main trailhead. This will lead you to several different trail options, all varying in length, and all bringing you to beautiful scenic spots. The park is also a popular location for rock climbing. There are hooks along the top of the cliff, and experienced climbers (with the proper gear) use this location all year long.

Nockamixon State Park

1542 Mountain View Drive, Quakertown

Located in Quakertown, this park offers miles of hiking, as well as biking, trails that lead through forests, meadows, and along the lakefront. The park features 11 trails and are marked by difficulty (easiest, more difficult to most difficult) as well as their route type ) loop, out-and-back, point-point, and connector) for you to decide which trail is the best for your family. For beginners with young children, we recommend starting with their shortest path, the half mile long Tohickon Lane Trail, which passes Johns Pond and warm season grass fields.

The Peace Valley Nature Center Trail

170 N Chapman Road, Doylestown

Located in Doylestown, this trail is perfect for families due to its flat terrain and picturesque views of the lake. It offers more than 15 miles of trails at the northeast end of Lake Galena surrounded by streams, meadows, ponds and forest. In addition, the nature center provides year-round programs including guided walks, community events, school field trips, and more.

“Peace Valley Park has been a part of our lives for decades. In the intervening years we’ve raised our three children and together spent countless hours, enjoying peaceful strolls, kayaking adventures, fishing trips and family picnics all the while making memories against a backdrop of beautiful sunsets, sunrises, and moon rises. Growing in love together, we’ve spent countless hours walking the trails with our family.” – A testimony from a couple that met and fell in love at the park.

Ralph Stover State Park

5998 State Park Road, Pipersville

Ralph Stover State Park, centered around Tohickon Creek, is located two miles north of Point Pleasant on State Park Road and Stump Road, in eastern Bucks County. The High Rocks area of the park features fantastic panoramic views of the Tohickon Creek Gorge. Pass through many habitats as you stroll along the easy walking trails. The area is commonly visited by rock climbers and the creek is also a popular destination for whitewater rafters and kayakers. Parts of the park are also ADA accessible so if you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, contact the park ahead of your visit.

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Ralph Stover State Park is Doans Cave. This trail (which is its shortest) is 0.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 16 ft.

Ringing Rocks Park

Ringing Rocks Road, Upper Black Eddy

Can you hear the bells? Bring your own hammer to strike the boulder field in the 123-acre Ringing Rocks Park at one of Bucks County’s most unique natural attractions. Also, be sure to pack a picnic and check out Bucks County’s largest waterfall, only a short walk from the boulder field.

Tyler State Park

101 Swamp Road, Newtown

Walk the same land that the Lenape people lived and practiced agroforestry on thousands of years ago. Located in Newtown, this park offers over 1,000 acres of trails, lakes, and picnic areas as well as facilities for fishing and boating. The park, which is divided into several interesting sections by Neshaminy Creek, also offers hands-on activities, guided walks, history hikes, and workshops.

Washington Crossing State Park

1112 River Road, Washington Crossing

Explore more than 500 years of American history. Each year, the park hosts thousands of visitors, from local schoolchildren to visitors from around the world, who come to see the point from which a battered and dispirited American army launched a counterattack that would lead to independence for the United States.

“This is a wonderful park with beautiful scenery and river views. There are historic houses to visit to get a sense of the land and environment from Revolutionary days. There are walking, biking, and canoeing activities. Great place for families, especially young kids. Blend of the history and fun in one setting. Worth the trip if in the area,” says Sean Worc.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Canva