Hiking near Philadelphia (in February ...)

[ddgrunning]

I'm heading there for a conference this week, and am hoping to have some free time to hit up a trail in the general vicinity. Never been there. Looking for recommendations. Time commitments will probably limit me to something 8 miles or less.

[hikeaz]

I grew up (debatable) NE of Philly. What neck of the woods will you be visiting?

[chumley]

Despite the fact that it's always sunny there, I'd skip hiking and just head to Paddy's Pub. Shenanigans are sure to ensue.

[hikeaz]

Don't know if Paddy's in on it, but there is a Tippler's Tour that can be a hoot.

Lots to do down on South Street. Hit Geno's and/or Pat's cheesesteaks, as there is an ongoing debate as to which is better.
Or Liberty Bell, (Declaration of) Independence Hall , Betsy Ross' home, many Navy ships, museums... that would be 8 miles ea-sy.
As in the east there is next to NO public land and almost no wilderness, likely the closest place to center city that you have a hope of any solitude may be the Wissahickon Gorge.

[Jim]

Not an area known for it's hiking. You can find trails in Fairmount Park, though. If you had time, you could head to the NJ area, where there is some hiking. Sort of. If I were you, I would not really attempt to hike, and instead go to Morris's Arboretum, near Chestnut Hill, close to where I-76 meets the PA Turnpike, it's pretty far up the schuylkill expressway, AKA I-76, but not as noisy as a lot of the urban stuff in Fairmount Park would be.

http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/ ... ndex.shtml

However, it will be February, so....

[gummo]

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is a good jogging area in Philly.

https://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=35972

[ddgrunning]

@hikeaz
Conference is right downtown, near city hall. I'll have a rental car, so can travel within reason ....

[hikeaz]

If you have the time/inclination to travel some, Valley Forge is a historical place to visit and has miles of areas to roam. More wooded (although bare right now) would be French Creek State Park or one of my favorites, Bushkill Falls (sometimes closed in winter, phone ahead - admission, too, I believe).

[big_load]

Bushkill Falls (sometimes closed in winter, phone ahead - admission, too, I believe).

There's less than a foot of snow on the ground now, but it's pretty iced over. Most of the waterfall areas are at least approachable with the right gear, assuming there are no closures.