Easy hikes and walks around Sharon Hill

The Wetland Loop Trail offers a delightful journey through the diverse wetland areas of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum in Philadelphia. You'll follow a gentle singletrack path, providing an intimate experience with the local ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially around the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Impoundment, which is a fantastic spot for eagle watching.

This easy hike covers 3.5 miles (5.6 km) with a negligible 28 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, making it suitable for nearly everyone and taking approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes to complete. It's a family-friendly option that connects to larger trail networks like the East Coast Greenway, offering flexibility for longer outings if desired.

This trail provides a peaceful, green oasis that feels a world away from the nearby urban bustle of Philadelphia. It's an excellent opportunity to observe abundant birdlife and experience a thriving wetland environment, making it a notable escape for nature lovers and a great introduction to the refuge's natural beauty.

The Valley Walk: Crum Woods offers a delightful escape into one of Delaware County's last remaining forested areas, perfect for a quick nature fix. This easy hiking route follows the winding Crum Creek, immersing you in lush, biodiverse woodland where you'll spot soaring tulip trees and white oaks. Keep an eye out for the intriguing Crumhenge, a circular arrangement of massive boulders, which adds a unique touch to the natural scenery.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the woods are open from sunup to sundown with no permits or fees needed. Parking is readily available at the Scott Entrance Garden and other Swarthmore College lots. The trail is dog-friendly, provided your furry friend stays on a leash, and while it's generally easy, be prepared for varied terrain including roots, rocks, and potential mud after rainfall.

This 2.7-mile (4.3 km) trail, with a gentle 186 feet (57 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 9 minutes to complete, making it an ideal choice for a family-friendly outing or a beginner hiking route. The Crum Woods serve as a living classroom for Swarthmore College, highlighting its rich ecological significance and extensive biodiversity, making it more than just a walk in the park.

The Darby Creek Trail offers a delightful, varied experience, winding through wooded areas right alongside the tranquil creek. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces, from natural dirt and grass to smooth, wide paved sections, making it one of the most accessible trails in the region. The scenery is consistently pleasant, providing a refreshing connection to nature even close to urban areas, with the sounds of the creek often taking precedence over distant traffic.

Planning your visit to the Darby Creek Trail is straightforward, as it's designed for ease of access. This easy 1.0-mile (1.7 km) hike, with a minimal 27 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for a spontaneous outing. Its family-friendly nature, including sections perfect for strollers and mobility devices, means you can bring everyone along for a gentle walk.

What makes the Darby Creek Trail truly notable is its role as a key component of "The Circuit," a vast network of interconnected trails in the Philadelphia region. This trail's inclusive design and creek-side beauty within Darby Creek Valley Park highlight its importance, offering a welcoming outdoor experience for all. It's a great example of how natural spaces are being integrated into developed surroundings.

The Edgewood Lake Loop offers a delightful, easy walk around the water, perfect for a quick dose of nature. This short 0.8-mile (1.3 km) hike features minimal elevation gain of just 8 feet (3 metres), making it an accessible and relaxing option for all ages. You'll enjoy pleasant views of the lake, with the charming Gazebo and Boathouse at Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park providing a scenic focal point.

Located within Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, the trailhead is easy to find, and parking is typically available, though it can fill up during peak times. Since it's an easy 18-minute loop, you can fit this walk into almost any part of your day, and it's enjoyable in any season, especially during the milder spring and autumn months.

This loop is a fantastic option for those seeking a very gentle outdoor activity or a family-friendly outing in Philadelphia. It's a great way to experience a bit of green space and enjoy the tranquility of the lake without committing to a longer, more strenuous hike.