One of the best ways to experience Bucks County’s natural beauty is to explore its many hiking trails and walking paths. Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenge or a casual walker who wants to get out in nature with your family, we have a path for you, plus suggestions for how to spend the rest of your day in Bucks County.
Easy Walks & Scenic Paths
Delaware Canal Towpath
The Delaware Canal Towpath was developed in the 1800s with a series of locks, dams, and towpaths to assist in transporting coal along the Delaware River. Today, the towpath is a popular destination for those looking to get in some hiking, biking, or walking miles in Bucks County. This path runs through numerous towns, including New Hope, Yardley, Bristol, Washington Crossing, and Tinicum, and even passes by well‑known spots such as the Uhlerstown Covered Bridge and the Thompson-Neely House.
Flat and scenic, the towpath is perfect for families of all ages and fitness levels, and is easily accessible throughout the county. Many access points include parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. Planning a day out on the towpath? There are many trail-friendly businesses along the trail where you can stop to grab a bite to eat and rest along the way.
Peace Valley Park
Peace Valley Park, just outside of Doylestown, is known for its Lake Galena Trail, a popular paved walking path that circles 6 miles around the lake. During your walk, check out Peace Valley Lavender Farm and see if you can spot the “Winnie the Pooh Tree” — a 150-year-old Buttonwood Tree at the northern end of the park.
For a more rugged adventure, explore the network of trails on the east side of the park near the Peace Valley Nature Center, which celebrates diverse habitats like wetlands, woods, and meadows. Park off of N. Chapman Road and start down the Habitat Trail. From there, take Swamp Trail down to the water to explore the creek bed, then circle back or keep going to explore more than 14 miles of trails.
Tyler State Park Trail
Twenty-five miles of trails wind their way throughout Tyler State Park in Newtown. Many of these trails are multi-use, while others are exclusively for hiking, biking, or equestrians. Depending on the path you take, you may pass by Tyler State Park’s disc golf course, the Neshaminy Creek, or even travel through the Schofield Ford Covered Bridge. All of the interconnecting paths are perfect for either a quick stroll or a multi-mile adventure.
Neshaminy State Park
Discover wildlife, flowers, and trees on four miles of mostly flat, beginner-friendly trails at Neshaminy State Park in Bensalem. The River Walk Trail runs parallel to the Delaware River and ends with a picturesque view of the Philadelphia skyline. This park is ideal for a day outdoors with picnic areas, a playground, and three reservable pavilions. Launch a boat, take a summer swim, and bring your leashed pet along for the fun!
Falls Township Community Park
No navigational skills are necessary to enjoy the trails at Falls Township Community Park in Fairless Hills. The easy walking path around the lake is ideal for people-watching, as the lake is a popular spot for boating, canoeing, and paddleboarding, or take the shaded loop through the woods for a peaceful escape. This local gem offers something for everyone: a dog park, skate park, volleyball nets, basketball and hockey courts, playgrounds, and pavilions perfect for picnics or a relaxing break.
Moderate Trails for Weekend Explorers
Nockamixon State Park Trail
There are roughly 10 trails in Nockamixon State Park, just outside Quakertown, that range from easy to more difficult. You can choose to walk the paths along the shores of Lake Nockamixon or hike through the surrounding mountain terrain. For lovers of Bucks County’s haunted destinations, Nockamixon’s Top Rock Trail, located on Haycock Mountain — known to locals as “Ghost Mountain” — has a bit of a spooky history. For a great view, take the paved path from the Fishing Pier to the Nockamixon State Park Waterfall.
Sellersville-Perkasie-East Rockhill Trail
The Sellersville-Perkasie-East Rockhill Trail, also known as the Perkiomen Creek Trail, begins across the street from the Sellersville Fire Department, links 5 miles down along the Perkiomen Creek, and ends at Iron Bridge Park in Perkasie. This path has plenty of surprises that will cross your path along the way, including two of Bucks County’s historic bridges: Mood’s Covered Bridge and the South Perkasie Covered Bridge. Depending on the route you take, you may also come across Menlo Park’s community pool, the Perkasie Carousel, a skate park, a dog park, the Sellersville Disc Golf Course, ball fields, and a scout cabin.
Idlewood Trail
This hidden gem in Langhorne begins near Neshaminy High School and winds around a quarry. While the path is popular with mountain bikers, it’s well-marked and a great place to explore on foot. Expect to see deer and other wildlife, plus lots of trees, rock structures, and even a mysterious concrete structure.
Playwicki Farm
This 110-acre farm in Feasterville has been preserved as a recreational and educational center and is a great place to hike in Bucks County. Guests can explore several miles of trails through various habitats or enjoy a one-mile paved, ADA-accessible trail that loops around farm buildings and equipment. Take one of the more rugged trails along the creek or through the woodlands, and you’re likely to see wildflowers, birds, butterflies, and a variety of mammals.
Adventurous Hikes & Iconic Bucks County Landmarks
Ringing Rocks Trail
Ringing Rocks State Park, located in the quiet riverfront community of Upper Black Eddy, is a bit of a natural phenomenon here in Bucks County. In the heart of the park lies a massive sea of rocks that sing like a bell when struck with a hammer, but only while in that location. If you remove the rocks from the pit, they will no longer chime. Surrounding the rock pit is a one-mile trail that begins at the parking lot and ends at High Falls, the tallest waterfall in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
High Rocks/Tohickon Valley Park Trail
Set in Pipersville’s Ralph Stover State Park, the High Rocks Trail offers one of the most spectacular views in Bucks County, as the path gradually rises to the 200-foot cliffs above the Tohickon Creek. From there, you can watch as skilled rock climbers take on the challenge of High Rocks State Park or as adventurous kayakers float along the creek below. This roughly 4-mile trail picks up by the Tohickon Campground and eventually splits off into multiple paths. Choose to hike along the steep cliffside or further back in the woods on easier terrain. This trail is especially stunning when the leaves have changed color or the trees are in bloom.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
For a different sort of adventure, spend a day at Washington Crossing Historic Park in Washington Crossing, where General George Washington crossed the Delaware River to turn the tide of the Revolutionary War. Explore the historic village, where many structures date back to the 1800s, climb Bowman’s Tower for one of the best views of the area, and take a guided tour of the Thompson-Neely House & Farmstead. There are also hiking trails to explore, including several through the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve.
Make It a Day: Eats, Cafés & Nearby Attractions
Many of these trails are located near some of Bucks County’s charming small towns. After you’ve worked up an appetite hiking, stop by historic Doylestown for a wide selection of restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops.
Stroll down the Mercer Mile and marvel at the stunning concrete architecture of Fonthill Castle, Mercer Museum, and the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works, or step inside one or all to learn more about the life and work of Henry Chapman Mercer. You can also explore the nearby Michener Art Museum, which showcases the work of Pennsylvania artists.
If you’re near New Hope, take some time to explore this nationally recognized town that’s right off the Delaware Canal Towpath. Enjoy riverside dining and check out the eclectic shops.
After hiking near Bensalem, kick back with a pint at one of their breweries or take a tour of the scenic grounds and gardens at Andalusia Historic House, Gardens, and Arboretum.
Plan Your Bucks County Outdoor Experience
We can help you map out your next outing and discover what makes Bucks County a standout outdoor destination. Check out all our recreation options, including parks and nature centers, and get ready to turn your next outing into an unforgettable adventure.