Hockessin, Delaware

Most people visit Elk Neck to photograph the lighthouse, or access to the Bay (the throttle of speed boats is never far), but don't miss out on the trails. The three mile out-and-back White Banks Trail offers crazy-beautiful views of the Chesapeake as well as a moderately difficult workout. Park ...

What is it with Harford County and its slew of awesome parks? Nestled in the Northeast corner of Maryland, between the Chesapeake Bay and the river it takes its name from, Susquehanna State Park is gorgeous. A couple miles and a world away from I-95, SSP is expansive and lush. There are 15 miles ...

This hike begins from the parking lot trailhead that is well-marked.  Be cautious - parking is limited and may be full on weekends, and the paved road suddenly ends at the parking lot entrance.  The path is crushed stone, wide, and relatively flat.  Dogs are welcome but must be on leashes.  On th...

French Creek State Park offers a web of trails for hiking and mountain biking with two lakes, picnic areas, and more. Hike the Lenape and Boone Trail Loop, a moderate 4.5 mile hike that winds through the forest and offers views of both of the park's lakes - Scott's Run Lake and Hopewell Lake. Dog...

The Wissahickon Gorge offers beautiful hiking without even having to leave the Philadelphia city limits. There are seemingly countless entry points into the gorge and hiking options are plentiful, with everything from a leisurely stroll down Forbidden Drive to an 18 mile boot buster available.One...

Built in 1855, the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge is an 85 foot long Howe-truss bridge located about 1/2 mile from the nearest road in Wissahickon Valley Park. Hiking to the bridge is easy and there are two routes to choose from. Start at either of the parking areas on Bells Mill Road. You can either...

The Skippack Creek Trail in Evansburg State Park was one of my favorites on this most recent trip. Any chance I can hike a trail alongside a river, I take advantage of it. The trail starts on the south side of Skippack Creek at a parking area on Kratz Road. It was early in the morning and the wea...

The Mason-Dixon Trail is a 200-mile trail that begins and ends in Pennsylvania, passing through Maryland and Delaware along the way. The trail connects the AT to the Brandywine Trail and spends considerable time adjacent to the wide and wondrous Susquehanna River. One of the Mason-Dixon trail's m...

Because Palmer State Park is still under development (with no timeline given for its completion), there are only a few trails that meander through this 555-acre reserve. Palmer's official website offers a not-so-helpful topographical map, but the easiest way into the park that I could find was ne...

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest expanses of tidal salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic, and is nestled on the Eastern shores of Kent County, Delaware. Upon arriving at the refuge, there is a small visitor center with maps, a video presentation, restrooms, and educational exhi...

This 1.2 mile roundtrip hike leads to the second tallest waterfall in the state of Maryland. It is a short hike that's great for families and bringing the dog. In the warmer months, you can swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall. People have cliff jumped here, but exercise caution and do s...

Park in the lot off of  St. Clair Bridge Rd to access the trail.  Be aware that some parts of the trail are rocky and/or steep. This trail is dog friendly and is accessible from October through November. 

This is a moderately rated hike that features a river and quite a few hilly sections. The trail is known to be rather muddy, so be sure to wear appropriate waterproof footwear. Note that some sections of the trail are not well marked. You may want to review a map before embarking. There is park...

Marshy Point Nature Center is 25 minutes northeast of Baltimore in Middle River, Maryland. Convenient from I-95 with lots of parking and miles of interconnected trails, it's a perfect spot for a quick hike or an all-day excursion.  The trails are mostly within the 1-2 mile range, but you can comb...

Enjoy a peaceful paddle on Neshaminy Creek by canoe in Tyler State Park. The park is in a beautiful part of Bucks County and also offers paved and unpaved trails for running and bike riding, an extensive disc golf course, swimming in the creek, and picnic areas. It is likely that you will see a h...