Happy Trails! 10 Hiking Trails for the Whole Family in Bucks County
Bucks County has a rich heritage of outdoor recreation and trail use, which is why we've collected a list of parks with easy hiking for the whole family.
The family that hikes together stays together. There are countless benefits to walking or hiking, and when the whole family joins in, those benefits multiply. Hiking is not just a wonderful way to connect with nature; it’s an opportunity to bond with your children and create lasting memories. As you explore the great outdoors together, you’re fostering a love for nature in your kids that will stay with them for life.
Bucks County boasts a rich heritage of outdoor recreation and trail use, thanks to its scenic beauty, diverse geography, picturesque farmland, and historic sites. While some trails might be challenging for younger hikers, we’ve compiled a list of parks with easy hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy.
Tips for a Successful Family Hike:
1. Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear. Hiking-specific shoes are ideal, but good sneakers can work for easier trails.
2. Pack insect repellent and sunscreen.
3. Fully charge your cell phones and consider bringing a portable charger.
4. Bring plenty of water – more than you think you’ll need.
5. Pack energy-boosting snacks like trail mix, fruit, or granola bars.
6. Research your route ahead of time and bring a map (digital or physical).
7. Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.
8. Bring a small first aid kit for minor injuries.
9. Consider bringing binoculars for wildlife spotting and a magnifying glass for examining plants and insects up close.
10. Don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture your family memories!
Bucks County Trails
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road, New Hope, PA 18938
This preserve offers easy trails through diverse habitats, showcasing native plants and wildlife. It’s especially beautiful in spring when wildflowers are in bloom.
10. Delaware Canal State Park
11 Lodi Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
This linear park follows the historic Delaware Canal, offering 60 miles of flat towpath perfect for easy family walks or bike rides. Enjoy river views, historic locks, and charming towns along the way.
Remember to check each location’s rules about pets before heading out if you plan to bring your furry family members. Always practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve these beautiful natural areas for future generations.
Happy hiking, Bucks County families!
Feature photo courtesy of Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve.
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