PARKS AND OUTDOOR ESCAPES

1400 N. Outer Line Dr
King of Prussia

Site of the 1777-1778 encampment of the Continental Army, Valley Forge draws 1.2 million visitors each year to experience its history, natural beauty, rigorous trails, children's programming and community events such as those surrounding July 4, Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

500 S. Bethlehem Pk
Fort Washington

The park takes its name from the temporary fort built by George Washington's troops in the fall of 1777, before heading to Valley Forge. The park is popular with hikers and picnickers, and nature-lovers enjoy the Hawk Watch Observation Deck for its views of butterflies in spring and migrating raptors in autumn.

851 Mayhall Rd
Collegeville

The lush valley that defines Evansburg State Park was used at one time by Mennonites who drove a variety of mills with the steady flow of the Skippack Creek. Today, it is a haven for picnickers, hikers and horseback riders.

859 County Line Rd
Horsham

Graeme Park is a 42-acre historic park, featuring the Keith House, the only surviving residence of a Colonial Pennsylvania Governor. The mansion has remained virtually intact since the late 18th century, nestled among its open space, trails, stream and pond.

183 Moredon Rd.
Huntingdon Valley

This 230-acre oasis of woods and meadows exists because of a bequest from the late George Horace Lorimer, former Editor-in-Chief of The Saturday Evening Post. It teems with wildlife and hosts activities such as hiking, picnicking, bird and animal watching and in winter, sledding and cross-country skiing.

1 Plank Rd.
Schwenksville

This 800-acre park extends over 10 municipalities, offering a wide variety of family activities. Visitors can enjoy a children's playground as well as views of the gurgling Perkiomen Creek. Picnic tables and grills are plentiful and the park's Old Mill House can be reserved as a unique event space.

101 New Mill Rd
Oaks

The paved trail here is excellent for bikers and in-line skaters, and additional amenities cater to fans of other sports: basketball court, volleyball nets, tether ball areas and horseshoe pits. Its proximity to the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove and Valley Forge National Historical Park make it a great starting point for a healthy hike or a mid-level bike ride.

2500 Upper Farm Rd
Norristown

The buildings at Norristown Farm Park date from the mid-18th century through the early 20th century, reflecting the property's use as a site for textile mills, a tannery, farms and a hospital. A network of paved trails makes it one of the best dog-walking routes in the county.

2144 Snyder Rd.
Green Lane

Green Lane Park is one of the most active open-space destinations in the area. It offers the full range of outdoor sports, including boating. Summer brings an inviting concert series set in an open-air pavilion. Last year, the park hosted its first Shakespeare performance, which now puts its programming in the same league as New York's Central Park.

1600 Blackrock Rd.
Royersford

In one visit to the park's Wildlife Center you can see foxes, deer, wolves, rabbits, a bald eagle, many varieties of owls, hawks, turkeys and an assortment of farm animals. A seasonal butterfly garden and turtle pond will delight all ages, while a newly opened permanent exhibit entitled The Schuylkill Wilds features creatures found in and around the Schuylkill River. Turtles, frogs, fish, snakes, a skunk and a mink are on view throughout this indoor space.

400 Towpath Rd.
Mont Clare

A fully restored, working lock on the Schuylkill Canal, originally built as part of the Schuylkill Navigation system, is demonstrated for groups and during special events. This lock, one of 72 originally built on the canal, was constructed in the 1820s, and its use as a transportation route was a crucial support to the local industrial economy. The site includes the original Locktender's house (exterior restoration) as well as canal information and memorabilia.