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5 Picture Perfect Fall Hikes Near Philly: Mapped

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If you haven't been enjoying this 70-degree weather in Philly, you better soak it up this weekend. And we can help: Here are five places to get your fall fix around Philly before hibernation season takes over. They're located anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours from Center City, so take your pick. Have a favorite hike that's not on the map? Shoot us an email and we'll add it to the list. Happy hiking!

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John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

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America’s first urban refuge was established in 1972 to protect Tinicum Marsh, the largest remaining freshwater tidal wetland in Pennsylvania. Flat trails take you through the refuge’s 1,000 acres of woods, marsh, ponds, and meadows that serve as a pit-stop for migratory birds headed south for the winter. During high tide you can explore the refuge via canoe or kayak.

The Wissahickon Valley Gorge

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It’ll be tough to explore the 10,500-acre park in one trip, so visit often. But explore beyond the Forbidden Drive, which is often heavily trafficked by runners and cyclists. Snap a shot at the Thomas Mill Road Covered Bridge. It was built in 1737 and is the only remaining covered bridge in the Wissahickon.

Valley Forge National Historic State Park

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There are almost 20 miles of trails to explore in this national state park, the site where George Washington and his army shivered their way through winter during the Revolutionary War. Prefer biking over hiking? You can bring your own wheels or rent a bike for $15 from the Valley Forge Bike Rental shop.

Wharton State Forest

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The shallow streams that snake through New Jersey’s protected Pine Barrens make it easy to explore the cedar, pine, and oak forests by canoe. You can hike, too, but watch for folks who speed along the sandy trails on four-wheelers. Plan for a weekend in Wharton. You can camp at various sites and sleep beneath the pines.

The Pocono Mountains

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For an escape to the mountains, head north to the Bushkill region of the Poconos.The Pocono Environmental Education Center is located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area and offers six hiking trails to choose from that include multiple stops at waterfalls and sweeping views of the mountainside along the ridge.

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

America’s first urban refuge was established in 1972 to protect Tinicum Marsh, the largest remaining freshwater tidal wetland in Pennsylvania. Flat trails take you through the refuge’s 1,000 acres of woods, marsh, ponds, and meadows that serve as a pit-stop for migratory birds headed south for the winter. During high tide you can explore the refuge via canoe or kayak.

The Wissahickon Valley Gorge

It’ll be tough to explore the 10,500-acre park in one trip, so visit often. But explore beyond the Forbidden Drive, which is often heavily trafficked by runners and cyclists. Snap a shot at the Thomas Mill Road Covered Bridge. It was built in 1737 and is the only remaining covered bridge in the Wissahickon.

Valley Forge National Historic State Park

There are almost 20 miles of trails to explore in this national state park, the site where George Washington and his army shivered their way through winter during the Revolutionary War. Prefer biking over hiking? You can bring your own wheels or rent a bike for $15 from the Valley Forge Bike Rental shop.

Wharton State Forest

The shallow streams that snake through New Jersey’s protected Pine Barrens make it easy to explore the cedar, pine, and oak forests by canoe. You can hike, too, but watch for folks who speed along the sandy trails on four-wheelers. Plan for a weekend in Wharton. You can camp at various sites and sleep beneath the pines.

The Pocono Mountains

For an escape to the mountains, head north to the Bushkill region of the Poconos.The Pocono Environmental Education Center is located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area and offers six hiking trails to choose from that include multiple stops at waterfalls and sweeping views of the mountainside along the ridge.