The best walks and hikes around Pennside
4.4
(29)
195
hikers
37
hikes
If you’ve ever tried planning hikes around Pennside, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many trails, it’s hard to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That’s where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, walked, and reviewed countless routes, and we’ve distilled all that local knowledge into a curated shortlist of the best hiking routes Pennside Pennsylvania has to offer. We promise to save you the guesswork.
Hiking around Pennside truly feels like stepping into a green embrace. The region is defined by its rolling hills, dense woodlands, and the scenic riverine environments of the Schuylkill River, Tulpehocken Creek, and Wyomissing Creek. You’ll find everything from easy riverside paths perfect for a leisurely stroll to more challenging climbs within the hills and preserves like Mount Penn and Neversink Mountain. It’s a landscape that rewards exploration, offering varied terrain for every ability.
If you only do one hike, make it the Neversink North & South Trail loop, a moderate 4.7 miles (7.6 km) route that’s a local favorite for its varied terrain and rewarding views. For something a bit gentler but equally charming, the Upper Glen Trail loop is an easy 3.0 miles (4.9 km) path that’s perfect for a shorter outing through wooded sections. With more than 190 hikers having explored Pennside with komoot, you can trust these routes are tried and true. Get out there and discover your next favorite trail!
Last updated: May 31, 2026
2
hikers
4.26km
01:17
170m
80m
The Green Loop offers a pleasant escape into nature, winding through diverse scenery that often includes mixed forests and even wetlands. You'll experience a journey where the terrain changes from smooth paths to potentially rootier sections, providing a varied but generally easy hiking experience. Keep an eye out for the Witch's Hat Pavilion, a distinctive feature along the route, as you enjoy the natural surroundings.
Planning your visit to the Green Loop is straightforward, as many trails of this type are well-maintained and feature accessible trailheads. While specific parking details aren't always available, you can usually find convenient access points. Visiting in the spring or fall often provides the most comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery, making it the best season for Green Loop hiking.
This trail is a great option for those seeking easy Green Loop trails for beginners or a family-friendly Green Loop hike. It provides a balanced experience, showcasing diverse ecosystems from forests to meadows, and sometimes offers scenic overlooks. The route's accessibility and varied natural beauty make it a notable choice for a quick outdoor adventure in the Mount Penn area.
1
hikers
6.44km
01:55
210m
170m
The Ferndale Trail offers a refreshing escape into the Mount Penn Preserve, guiding you through a pleasant forest environment. It's a straightforward path, perfect for those who appreciate a simple, natural setting without demanding terrain. You'll find yourself surrounded by the quiet beauty of the woods, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful walk.
Planning your visit to the Ferndale Trail is generally easy, as it's an accessible route within the Mount Penn Preserve. The trail covers 4.0 miles (6.4 km) with an easy difficulty rating, involving 691 feet (211 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes around 1 hour and 55 minutes to complete. It's a great option for a quick outdoor adventure, suitable for most times of day.
This trail stands out as a family-friendly option, providing a gentle introduction to hiking for beginners or a relaxing stroll for more experienced hikers. Its location within the Mount Penn Preserve means you're always close to nature, offering a convenient way to enjoy the outdoors in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
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723m
00:12
0m
40m
Imagine a quick, pleasant stroll that delivers you right to a local gem; that's the essence of the Blue Dot Trail. This easy 0.4-mile (0.7 km) hike involves a mere 9 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect 12-minute escape. It's a delightful path, likely offering immediate access to the iconic Reading Pagoda, providing a rewarding view for minimal effort.
Access to the Blue Dot Trail is straightforward, likely with parking available nearby, making it an ideal spontaneous outing. Given its short duration and easy difficulty, you can tackle this trail at almost any time of day or year without extensive planning. It's a great option for those seeking a brief, accessible walk.
This particular Blue Dot Trail serves as a delightful, accessible path to the historic Reading Pagoda, a well-known landmark in Berks County. It's a fantastic way to experience a local highlight without committing to a long or strenuous hike, perfect for families or anyone looking for a quick, scenic break.
5
hikers
4.85km
01:28
160m
160m
The Purple Loop offers a delightful and easy hiking experience, guiding you through serene wooded areas. You'll discover the unique Witch's Hat Pavilion at Neversink Mountain Preserve, a charming spot perfect for a break. This 3.0-mile (4.9 km) route, with 525 feet (160 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic option for a quick nature escape, taking approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete.
Planning your visit to the Purple Loop is straightforward. While specific trailhead parking information isn't detailed, arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekends, is a good strategy to ensure a spot. The trail is generally accessible throughout the year, but the autumn months are particularly beautiful for experiencing the fall colors. Remember to bring sufficient water, especially during warmer weather.
This particular Purple Loop is situated in Berks County, Pennsylvania, offering a tranquil setting away from more crowded trails. It's a great choice for beginner hiking or for those seeking a dog friendly trail, as many similar loops in other regions allow leashed pets. The trail's easy difficulty and relatively short length make it a family friendly hike, providing a pleasant outdoor activity for all ages.
1
hikers
9.51km
02:47
270m
270m
The Ferndale Trail in Berks County, Pennsylvania, offers a rewarding moderate hike through the Mount Penn Preserve. You'll traverse forest trails, enjoying the natural surroundings before reaching the distinctive Reading Pagoda, a unique man-made landmark that provides a clear destination for your efforts. The route provides a good blend of natural scenery and a point of interest.
This 5.9-mile (9.5 km) hike involves 872 feet (266 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 2 hours and 46 minutes to complete. While specific parking details aren't available, the trail is generally accessible within the preserve. It's a great option for those seeking a moderate workout with a clear objective, and it's suitable for most hikers looking for a few hours on the trail.
What makes the Ferndale Trail notable is its combination of natural forest hiking with the architectural curiosity of the Reading Pagoda. This landmark, perched on Mount Penn, offers a distinctive cultural element to your outdoor adventure, setting it apart from purely wilderness routes in the region. It's a solid choice if you're exploring the best trails for hiking in Berks County.
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Tips from the Community
Mount Penn Preserve, situated on the outskirts of Reading, spans 50 acres and provides extensive mixed use trails throughout the park. Additionally, visitors can find picnic spots and restroom facilities for added convenience.
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The Reading Pagoda is a 7-story building that was constructed in 1908 as a luxury hotel. In 1911, it was donated to Reading and is still owned by the city. The pagoda is now open for public visits, where you can climb the 87 steps to the top floor for a great view.
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Known as one of the premier mountain biking spots in the region, Mount Penn Preserve offers riders miles of scenic trails through Pennsylvania forests filled with rock gardens and other technical challenges to put skills to the test. Take care in the fall, when leaves hide potential obstacles along the trails.
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Mount Penn Preserve is a 50 acre park on the edge of the city of Reading. It offers miles of hiking and trail running paths through the park. There are also picnic areas and restrooms.
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Neversink Mountain Preserve is one of several preserves that border the city of Reading. The park has miles of hiking and running trails, a pavilion, restrooms and picnic areas.
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Mount Penn Preserve is a 50 acre park on the edge of the city of Reading. It offers miles of hiking and trail running paths through the park. There are also picnic areas and restrooms.
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The Reading Pagoda is a 7-story building that was constructed in 1908 as a luxury hotel. In 1911, it was donated to Reading and is still owned by the city. The pagoda is now open for public visits, where you can climb the 87 steps to the top floor for a great view. For more information, you can visit: readingpagoda.com
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The Reading Pagoda is a 7-story building that was constructed in 1908 as a luxury hotel. In 1911, it was donated to Reading and is still owned by the city. The pagoda is now open for public visits, where you can climb the 87 steps to the top floor for a great view. For more information, you can visit: https://www.readingpagoda.com/
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are there around Pennside?
Pennside offers a diverse network of over 30 hiking trails. These routes vary in length and difficulty, providing options for different preferences, from easy riverside paths to more challenging climbs within the wooded hills.
What is the general difficulty level of hiking trails near Pennside?
The hiking trails around Pennside cater to a range of abilities. The majority, about 24 out of 33, are classified as easy, making them suitable for casual walkers and families. There are also 9 moderate trails for those seeking a bit more challenge, particularly within areas like Neversink Mountain Preserve and Mount Penn Preserve.
Are there family-friendly hiking trails around Pennside?
Yes, Pennside offers several family-friendly hiking options. Many of the 24 easy trails are suitable for families. For example, the Upper Glen Trail loop — Neversink Mountain Preserve is an easy 3.0-mile (4.9 km) path with gentle gradients and wooded sections, perfect for a shorter outing with children.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails around Pennside?
Generally, dogs are welcome on most hiking trails in the Pennside area, especially in natural preserves like Neversink Mountain and Mount Penn. However, they should always be kept on a leash, and you are expected to clean up after them. Always check specific park regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to go hiking around Pennside?
Hiking around Pennside is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage. Summer can be warm and humid, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended. Winter hiking is also possible, especially on less challenging trails, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potential snow or ice.
What kind of natural features or landmarks can I expect to see on hikes near Pennside?
Hikes around Pennside often feature dense woodlands, rolling hills, and riverine landscapes, particularly along the Schuylkill River. You might encounter historical structures like Wertz's Covered Bridge or enjoy views from the iconic Reading Pagoda, which is accessible via trails like the Ferndale Trail to Reading Pagoda — Mount Penn Preserve. The region also includes sections of the Schuylkill River Trail.
Are there any circular hiking routes available in Pennside?
Yes, several circular routes are available, offering convenient starting and ending points. A popular option is the Neversink North & South Trail loop — Neversink Mountain Preserve, a moderate 4.7-mile (7.6 km) trail that provides varied terrain and scenic views. Another easy loop is the Wyomissing Creek Trail loop — Reading, Pennsylvania.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Pennside?
The hiking routes in Pennside are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 24 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, well-maintained paths, and the variety of terrain that ranges from gentle riverside walks to more invigorating climbs with rewarding views.
Is parking available at the trailheads around Pennside?
Parking is generally available at or near the main trailheads for popular areas like Neversink Mountain Preserve, Mount Penn Preserve, and Antietam Lake Park. These areas are typically well-equipped for visitors. For smaller, less-known access points, street parking might be an option, but it's always advisable to check local signage.
Can I reach hiking trails near Pennside using public transport?
While some trails, particularly those closer to Reading city center like sections of the Exeter Scenic River Trail — Reading, Pennsylvania, might be accessible via local bus routes, many of the more secluded trailheads in preserves like Neversink Mountain are best reached by car. It's recommended to check the local BARTA bus schedules and routes for specific access points.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the hiking trails in Pennside for refreshments?
While the immediate vicinity of some trailheads in natural preserves might not have direct access to cafes or pubs, the Pennside area and nearby Reading offer various options for refreshments. After your hike, you can find a selection of local eateries, cafes, and pubs within a short drive, especially closer to the more populated areas.
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