The best walks and hikes around Mckinley

The hiking trails around Mckinley are primarily located within large, wooded parklands like Pennypack Park and Wissahickon Valley Park. You can expect well-defined paths that often follow creeks and rivers, with mostly gentle elevation changes. It's a great area for enjoying nature without venturing far from the city.

Yes, about half of the trails in the area are rated as easy, making it very family-friendly. A great option is the Lorimer Park loop — Philadelphia, which is a relatively short walk through pleasant woodlands.

For a longer and more engaging hike, consider the Devil's Pool – Kitchen's Lane bridge loop from Upsal. It's one of the more moderate routes in the area, offering a good distance and some elevation gain to make for a rewarding outing.

There are around 20 curated hiking routes to explore around Mckinley. The collection includes a balanced mix of easy, moderate, and a few difficult trails, so there's something for nearly every fitness level.

The trails are very highly regarded by the komoot community, which has given the area an average rating of nearly 5 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful riverside paths and the peaceful atmosphere of the extensive park systems.

Yes, many of the most popular routes are loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. The Pennypack Trail loop via Rhawn Street Trailhead is an excellent example of an easy circular walk.

Yes, the Devil's Pool via Cresheim Trail loop is a popular hike that leads to a well-known local water feature at the confluence of two creeks within Wissahickon Valley Park.

For most trails, comfortable walking shoes are sufficient as the paths are generally well-maintained. Always bring water and a snack. Since many routes are in wooded areas near creeks, insect repellent can be useful, especially in warmer months. A map or the komoot app is also recommended to navigate the various park trails.

Many trailheads, particularly those for Wissahickon Valley Park and Pennypack Park, are accessible via Philadelphia's public transit system (SEPTA). For example, the Upsal train station is a common starting point for hikes into the Wissahickon. It's best to check specific transit routes to the trailhead you plan to visit.

The major parks like Pennypack, Wissahickon, and Lorimer have designated parking areas near popular trailheads. For instance, the Pennypack Trail loop has several access points with parking lots. These can get busy on weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea.

In general, dogs are welcome in the parks around Mckinley, such as Wissahickon Valley Park and Pennypack Park, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check the specific park regulations before you go and be prepared to clean up after your pet.