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Downingtown, Pennsylvania

Looking for the best hiking in Downingtown? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Downingtown. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Downingtown

  • Bear, Delaware

    Hike the Swamp Forest Trail

    6.75 mi / 144 ft gain
    Especially scenic in the fall, this well maintained trail loops around a small pond. It is an easy walk (or bike ride) that has a good chance of numerous wildlife sightings.
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  • North East, Maryland

    Hike the Elk Neck State Forest Trails

    3.5
    6.6 mi / 450 ft gain
    Park in the lot (see map) and follow signage for the loop trail. This is not a highly trafficked trail so there may be sections that need some maintenance, but that won't get in the way of completing the hike. 
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  • Bear, Delaware

    Camp at Lums Pond State Park

    5.0
    Lums Pond State Park offers endless adventures while you camp in the newly renovated campground. Explore the pond via kayak, hike through more than 12 miles of trails, fish from the water’s edge, take your dog to enjoy the off-leash dog park, or try the Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course.   The camp...
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  • New Castle, Delaware

    Hike or Bike Michael N. Castle Trail

    19.7 mi
    The Michael N. Castle Trail (known locally as the Mike Castle Trail) is a 19.7-mile trail in northern Delaware along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. You'll get great views of the canal and the bridges.  The trail is flat and paved, making it a great pick for biking. The trail is one way, but ...
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  • Airville, Pennsylvania

    Hike the Mason-Dixon Trail to Peavine Island

    2 mi
    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...
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  • Havre de Grace, Maryland

    Hike the Susquehanna Ridge Trail at Susquehanna State Park

    6 mi
    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 ...
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  • North East, Maryland

    Hike the White Banks Trail at Elk Neck SP

    5.0
    6 mi
    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 ...
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  • North East, Maryland

    Hike to the Turkey Point Lighthouse in Elk Neck SP

    3.0
    1.6 mi / 60 ft gain
    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...
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  • Bel Air, Maryland

    Hike the Deer Creek Trail

    5.0
    2 mi
    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...
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  • Newtown, Pennsylvania

    Canoe Neshaminy Creek at Tyler State Park

    1 mi
    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...
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  • Kempton, Pennsylvania

    Hike the Pinnacles and Pulpit Rock

    4.2
    9 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Park in the lot near the Hamburg Reservoir and hike around the barrier and up the gravel road. Shortly on your right the Appalachian Trail branches off the road. Follow the white blazes of the AT for around 2 miles to the Pulpit Rocks, just before the trail passes the Lehigh Valley Astronomical S...
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  • Tinicum Township, Pennsylvania

    Hike the High Rocks State Park Loop

    4.6
    1.5 mi
    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 y...
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  • Pylesville, Maryland

    Hike to Kilgore Falls

    3.8
    1.2 mi
    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...
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  • Stockton, New Jersey

    Explore Kugler Woods Waterfall

    4.0
    0.5 mi
    Drive 5.2 miles north on Route 29 from the center of Stockton, NJ and you will come across a very small parking lot on the left side of the road. If you park your car there, walk back south on Route 29 about 50 feet, and cross over to the woods-side of the road. There you will find the trailhea...
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  • Street, Maryland

    Hike the White Trail

    5.0
    3.4 mi / 643 ft gain
    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. 
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  • Frenchtown, New Jersey

    Hike to the Devil's Tea Table

    3.0
    0.5 mi / 20 ft gain
    Apart from the rock, there's more trail to follow for a stunning overview and a great spot to hang out and relax. The view is a must-see, it is so much better in person. The hike is not challenging at all, it is basically a straight trail. Climbing some medium sized rocks might be required, but i...
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