There are so many benefits in simply taking a walk — for both physical and mental health. Walks around your neighborhood (or around the perimeter of your kids’ favorite playground) are great for mind and body, but taking a hike in the woods is a wonderful way to also connect with nature. Around the Main Line, there are easy, wooded hikes that are perfect for beginners and families with kids.

So if you’re ready to hit the trails, here are a handful of parks and gardens, ideal for hiking with the whole family. Plus, we included some tips to help ensure your hike is a pleasant experience for all. Be sure to check the rules of each location before bringing your furry friends along.

Tips for Hitting the Trail

Before you set out on the trail, a little preparation goes a long way toward making your hike safe and enjoyable. Here are a few of our top tips to get you started on your hiking adventure.

• 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.

Hikes in Main Line Parks & Preserves

The greater Main Line area is home to a wealth of hiking options that wind through the woodlands, meadows, and historic landmarks of local parks and preserves — with options to suit every ability level and interest.

Bryn Coed Preserve

1869 Flint Road, Chester Springs

Bryn Coed, which means “wooded hill” in Welsh, is a 1,505-acre “mosaic of forest and farmland” that has been preserved by the Natural Lands organization. Fairly flat, easy terrain make Bryn Coed a popular choice for families. There are multiple trail options with differing lengths which can be reviewed here.

In the event that you go, don’t miss the Peacock Oak, a Pennsylvania Champion white oak within the Preserve. This magnificent tree with a sprawling crown presides over one of the meadows. Portions of the Preserve’s trails also skirt historic farmhouses and some pass bald eagle nesting locations. To find additional preserved, open spaces, be sure to check out the Natural Lands website.

Chester Valley Trail

Trailheads in Exton, Malvern, Berwyn, and King of Prussia

The Chester Valley Trail runs through Chester and Montgomery counties for more than 18 miles. The trail is paved and welcomes walkers, joggers, cyclists, inline skaters, wheelchairs, and strollers. What’s more, there are plenty of amenities along the way, which can be viewed on this map. Chester County is working to extend the trail an additional 5 miles to Downingtown.

Haverford Heritage Trail

Multiple entrances in Haverford Township

More of a gentle walk than a hike, the Haverford Heritage Trail is a splendid option for those who want to get outdoors, walk, and find points of interest along the way. With entrances at the Lawrence Cabin site, Merry Place, and Steel Field, you can spend as little or as long as you’d like on this 14-mile loop trail. Check out the interactive map to find entrances and parking, and to discover the many historic sites you will encounter as you hike or bike this Haverford trail.

Haverford Reserve

9000 Parkview Drive, Haverford

Right in the heart of the Main Line, Haverford Reserve offers a plethora of paved and unpaved trails for walking and biking. The footpaths vary in length for families to try short walks as well as longer hikes. However, what sets Haverford Reserve apart is the option to combine trails — most tie into one another, so you can decide which to tackle together and which to save for another visit.

The Reserve also features a dog park, playground, and sports fields.

McKaig Nature Center

889 Croton Road, Wayne (Parking permitted in Roberts Elementary School lot, only when school is not in session.)

McKaig Nature Center offers 3.25 miles of hiking trails nestled within 90 acres of old-growth forest. This wooded wonderland is located in the heart of a bustling Main Line town. While McKaig’s trails are all unpaved and some feature steep declines and exposed roots, many families enjoy hiking McKaig together, checking out the forest wildlife, and splashing on the banks of the park’s streams.

Plot your route in advance with McKaig’s handy trail map. Further, check out McKaig’s full calendar of learning opportunities, including guided hikes, educational sessions, and special events for families.

Ridley Creek State Park

351 Gradyville Road, Newtown Square

Ridley Creek State Park encompasses more than 2,606 acres of Delaware County woodlands and meadows with Ridley Creek meandering through. If you want to take a hike along rustic trails or paved roads, Ridley Creek State Park has both for your enjoyment. With 13 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy 1 mile loop trails to more difficult options covering over 3.5 miles of ground, there are opportunities for enjoyable hikes to suit various interests and ability levels!

Additionally, this vast park offers lots of other family fun including biking, fishing, horseback riding, environmental education, and a preserved colonial plantation to explore. Check the Ridley Creek State Park map to see all the amenities, including 14 picnic areas equipped with restrooms and charcoal grills. The Park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset.

Saunders Woods Preserve

1020 Waverly Road, Gladwyne

Saunders Woods Preserve is a hidden gem in the heart of the Main Line. This 25-acre nature preserve is a natural oasis for wildlife, including a variety of bird species. The Preserve’s Bridlewild Trail connects with community parks in Bryn Mawr and Gladwyne. Highlights of a walk here include an active forest habitat, an open meadow, and a barn from the 1830s. Notably, the Preserve’s trails are unpaved and some include water crossings or bridges.

Schuylkill River Trail

Multiple trailheads between Philadelphia and Phoenixville

The Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) is an impressive, multi-use path that, upon completion, will stretch 120 miles northwest from Philadelphia to Frackville, Schuylkill County. The SRT currently comprises 75 completed miles, including a 26-mile section that runs through the Main Line between Philadelphia and Phoenixville.

Most of the SRT is built over historic railroad lines paved with asphalt or covered in gravel. The trail is popular with cyclists, joggers, and walkers. Highlights of the Philadelphia to Phoenixville stretch include a wide, paved path that passes destinations such as Manayunk, Conshohocken, Valley Forge, and Sullivan’s Bridge, a 14-foot wide, 602-foot long bike/pedestrian bridge across the Schuylkill River.

Valley Forge National Park

Visitor Center, 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia

Don’t let the 35 miles of authorized hiking trails scare you — Valley Forge National Park has plenty of hiking trails for the novice and plenty of historical sites to boot. The Park also offers trails for horseback riding and biking, with seasonal bike rentals available at the Encampment Store (weather permitting).

If you’re looking to keep your trek flat, try the River or Valley Creek Trails, but keep in mind they are unpaved. Looking to hike on a steadier footing? The Joseph Plumb Martin Trail is a good bet for hiking on a paved surface while passing some of Valley Forge’s historic encampment sites. For detailed information on each trail and to choose which one is right for you, check out Valley Forge’s official trail map.

Wissahickon Valley Park

Multiple entrances, including 200 W. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia

Wissahickon Valley Park is a long swath of woodlands located at the northern tip of Philadelphia. Offering more than 50 miles of scenic hiking trails along the Wissahickon Creek, this location provides gorgeous spots for a photo op.

The Park’s trails are mostly unpaved and open to cyclists and leashed pets. Forbidden Drive, a wide, flat, gravel path running five miles along Wissahickon Creek, is great for families and hikers of all abilities. Beginners will also appreciate that several hiking clubs offer guided tours through the trails, taking the guesswork out of navigation. The Friends of the Wissahickon make planning even easier with a map of trailheads and parking areas.

Main Line Gardens for Family Hikes

For a hike with a little extra beauty, the region’s local gardens and arboretums offer stunning scenery alongside well-maintained trails and walkways. These options are perfect for nature lovers, families, and anyone who wants to slow down and take it all in.

Longwood Gardens

1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square

Chester County’s Longwood Gardens comprises nearly 200 acres of lush, formal gardens, open meadows, and stunning conservatory garden rooms, all expertly manicured and maintained. For the most part, each of Longwood’s distinct areas are called “Districts,” which you can explore as you stroll the many winding, paved pathways.

Families should be sure their Longwood strolls account for stops at the garden’s multiple treehouses and the indoor Children’s Garden. An outing to Longwood Gardens is always a special occasion, offering breathtaking seasonal beauty both indoors and out. Admission is $32 for adults, $28 for seniors (65+) and college students, $17 for youth (ages 5–18), and free for children 4 and younger.

Stoneleigh: a natural garden

1829 East County Line Road, Villanova

Once a family home and estate, Stoneleigh was acquired by Natural Lands and is now preserved as a free public garden. Paved walkways wind around the property, showcasing its soaring trees, expansive vistas, and dynamic displays of native plants and biodiversity. In addition, picnicking is welcome in the pavilion and public restrooms are available. Stoneleigh is open Tuesday-Sunday, from 10 am – 5 pm.

Tyler Arboretum

515 Painter Road, Media

If you like to mix your hiking with birdwatching, Delco’s Tyler Arboretum is the place for you! With 650 protected acres of beautiful woodlands, meadows, and 17 miles of hiking trails and paved walkways, Tyler Arboretum is a delightful escape into nature. Birders, botanists, and families can all enjoy clearly marked trails of varying difficulties at Tyler.

Moreover, the family fun doesn’t end with hiking alone. This colorful version of the arboretum’s trail map can help you plan kid-friendly pit stops along your route at Tyler’s Goblin Shack, 5 treehouses (open seasonally), family meadow maze, and fragrant garden. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (65+), $10 for children ages 3–17, and free for children 2 and younger. Admission is free for Tyler members.

Explore the Great Outdoors on a Main Line Hike

Whether you stick close to home or venture a little farther out, the Main Line area has no shortage of beautiful trails, preserves, and gardens to explore with your family. So, lace up those hiking shoes, get outside, and enjoy the first tastes of spring.

We’d love to hear about the fun you have on your hikes or the local spots we may have missed — tell us about it in the comments.

Lead photo courtesy of Becky Ormsbee. Becky Ormsbee and Jes Lyons contributed to this article.