The best walks and hikes around Bala Cynwyd

Yes, the area is great for families. The Centennial loop — Centennial Arboretum is an excellent choice, offering a gentle 3.5-mile (5.7 km) walk through the scenic grounds of an arboretum. Another popular option is the Cynwyd Heritage Trail, which is mostly flat and has paved sections, making it suitable for strollers and walkers of all ages.

Yes, many trails in and around Bala Cynwyd are dog-friendly, but policies vary. In Wissahickon Valley Park, dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times. The Cynwyd Heritage Trail is also a popular spot for walking with dogs on a leash. Always check local signage for specific park rules before you go.

There are a few options for parking. The Barmouth Trailhead, located at 215 Belmont Ave, is a dedicated lot for the trail, though it can fill up. You can also find parking near the Cynwyd Station, which provides direct access to the trail and its historical landmarks.

Wissahickon Valley Park offers a true wilderness feel with over 50 miles of trails. For an easy walk, the wide, flat Forbidden Drive follows the creek. For a more rugged experience, the park has numerous challenging single-track trails that climb the steep, wooded slopes of the gorge, like those found on the Kelpius Cave – Kitchen's Lane bridge loop from Wissahickon.

Absolutely. While some trails like the Cynwyd Heritage Trail are linear, there are great loop options nearby. The Trolly Trail loop — Philadelphia is a moderate 5.6-mile (9 km) circular route that explores the area's parkland. Many of the trail combinations within Wissahickon Valley Park also form scenic loops.

Bala Cynwyd is a key gateway to a larger trail network. The Cynwyd Heritage Trail connects directly to the Manayunk Bridge, a pedestrian and bicycle path crossing the Schuylkill River. This bridge links you to the extensive Schuylkill River Trail, opening up possibilities for much longer excursions towards Philadelphia and beyond.

Yes, by using the connecting trails. From Bala Cynwyd, you can access the Schuylkill River Trail, which will eventually stretch 120 miles. This allows for significantly longer hikes, such as the 8.7-mile (14 km) Schuylkill River loop — Philadelphia, which can be extended further along the main trail.

Besides the trails themselves, several parks are local favorites for hiking. Wissahickon Valley Park is a vast, highly-regarded urban wilderness with miles of diverse trails. The Cynwyd Heritage Trail is another top spot, loved for its flat, accessible path and historical points of interest. For a great view, the Manayunk Bridge Trail connects the local network and is praised for its scenery.

The Cynwyd Heritage Trail is a great option for accessibility. It follows a former railway line and features both paved and flat, crushed gravel surfaces that are well-suited for wheelchairs and strollers. Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Valley Park is another excellent choice, offering a wide, flat gravel path that runs for over five miles along the creek.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique blend of history and nature, especially along the Cynwyd Heritage Trail. The surprising wilderness feel of Wissahickon Valley Park so close to the city is another frequently mentioned highlight.

Yes, the Cynwyd Heritage Trail is particularly accessible via public transport. The trail runs directly past the historic Cynwyd Station, which is served by SEPTA regional rail, making for a convenient car-free day out.

The Cynwyd Heritage Trail is rich with history. As you walk, you'll find interpretive signs detailing the area's industrial past. Key landmarks include the historic Cynwyd and Barmouth train stations, the former Clegg's Cotton Mill, and views of the adjacent West Laurel Hill Cemetery.