The best walks and hikes around Hershey

The Hotel Hershey Loop offers a delightful escape into nature, guiding you through the hotel's lush woodlands. This easy 2.3-mile (3.7 km) route, with a gentle 235 feet (72 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed outing, taking about 1 hour and 2 minutes to complete. You'll enjoy the peaceful scenery along the Brook Valley Run and Mountain Ridge Pass Trails, making it one of the more popular walking routes in Hershey, PA, especially for those seeking a tranquil forest experience.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is publicly accessible, meaning you don't need to be a hotel guest, and there are no permits or fees required. Parking is available at The Hotel Hershey, making it easy to start your adventure. For the most comfortable hiking weather and vibrant scenery, consider visiting in the spring or fall, though the trail is open year-round.

This loop is part of a larger 5.5-mile system of public hiking trails at The Hotel Hershey, offering more options if you wish to extend your walk. Its easy difficulty makes it an ideal choice for families or anyone looking for a refreshing, low-impact outdoor activity in the Hershey area. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region without venturing too far from amenities.

The Bellaire Woods Nature Preserve Loop offers an easy 1.2-mile (1.9 km) hike through a lush, third-growth mixed-hardwood forest, with only 90 feet (27 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 31 minutes to complete. You'll wander among towering tulip trees and mature shagbark hickories, encountering massive diabase boulders and numerous springs and branching streams that crisscross the path. While the grade is easy, the trail features a technical and often wet tread, with rocky sections and primitive bridges adding to the adventure.

Planning your visit is straightforward, though parking is limited, ensuring a more tranquil experience. The preserve truly shines from late April to early May when its vibrant spring native wildflowers are in full bloom. Given the many springs, expect the trail to be frequently wet, so waterproof footwear is a good idea. This is a perfect spot for a quick, rewarding nature walk.

This preserve is a hidden gem for wildlife spotting, with large woodpeckers, owls, herons, and frogs making their home here. The rich biodiversity and unique geological features, like the diabase boulders and the convergence of multiple streams, create a special microclimate. An interesting feature is the bog bridge, ingeniously crafted from the sills of invasive ailanthus trees, showcasing ecological management efforts.

The Bullfrog Valley Park loop from Oakmont offers a delightful escape into nature on predominantly paved and well-maintained trails. You'll wander through pleasant wilderness areas, past a serene lake frequented by ducks and geese, and through sections bordering residential neighborhoods. The scenery is particularly appealing in spring and fall, with vibrant foliage and opportunities to spot local wildlife like deer and various birds. It's a truly charming community park experience.

This easy 3.7-mile (5.9 km) hiking route has a gentle 335 feet (102 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option for families, dog owners, or anyone seeking a relaxed outing without significant challenge. The trails are part of a larger network, including the Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail, offering extended exploration if you're up for it.

Bullfrog Valley Park is known for its connectivity and ease of use, making it a popular choice for leisurely strolls. The park is dog-friendly, providing scenic paths for pets and their owners. You'll find amenities like benches and gazebos along the way, and the park's open, grassy areas are particularly noted for breathtaking sunset views, adding a special touch to your visit.