The best walks and hikes around Edwardsville

Yes, Edwardsville is great for family outings. The area features many flat, paved trails perfect for all ages. The River Common loop — Wilkes-Barre is an easy 2.7-mile path that's ideal for a casual family walk. Additionally, the Watershed Nature Center offers a gentle one-mile loop with both paved and unpaved sections, making it very accessible.

Many trails in the Edwardsville area are dog-friendly, especially the extensive Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails. However, policies can vary, particularly in nature preserves like Bohm Woods. It's always best to keep your dog on a leash and check for signs at the trailhead for specific rules.

Edwardsville is a hub for the Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails, a system of over 130 miles of paved paths built on former railway lines. These are perfect for walking, running, or biking. The MCT Nature Trail and Goshen Trail are two excellent options that run through the area. Parts of the trail at the Watershed Nature Center are also paved.

The terrain around Edwardsville is generally flat, consisting of prairies and floodplains, so you won't find strenuous mountain climbs. However, for a more rustic and moderately challenging experience, Bohm Woods State Nature Preserve offers an unpaved 2-mile loop with variable terrain and stream crossings. You can also try the Deer, Hilltop & Maconaquah Trail loop, which involves some gentle elevation changes through woodlands.

Bohm Woods offers a genuine nature hike through a rare old-growth forest. Expect a 2-mile unpaved loop trail with some uneven ground, footbridges, and small stream crossings. It's a more immersive, rustic experience compared to the paved MCT trails and is especially beautiful in the spring when wildflowers are in bloom. You can learn more about its unique ecosystem on its Wikipedia page.

The Watershed Nature Center is a popular local spot offering a peaceful escape. It features a one-mile trail that loops around a lake, with a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. A key feature is the raised marsh walk that gives you a great view of the wetlands. It's an excellent place for wildlife spotting, particularly for birds, deer, and ducks.

Yes, there are several great loop trails. For an easy, paved option, consider the Seven Tubs Main Loop loop from Parsons. If you'd prefer a longer walk through woodland, the Maconaquah Trail – Frances Slocum Lake loop is a fantastic choice that circles a lake.

The landscape around Edwardsville is primarily composed of wetlands, prairies, and gentle woodlands, so waterfalls are not a common feature of the local trails. Hikes in this region are better known for their serene forests, lakeside paths, and extensive paved trail network.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paved paths of the MCT system and the peaceful, natural setting of the area's nature preserves. The variety, from easy paved walks to more rustic woodland trails, is a frequently mentioned highlight.

Spring and fall are ideal for hiking around Edwardsville, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings a stunning display of wildflowers, especially in places like Bohm Woods, while fall provides vibrant foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, so early morning hikes are recommended. Winter is generally mild, and the paved MCT trails remain accessible.

Most major trailheads and parks have dedicated parking areas. The Watershed Nature Center has its own parking lot at 1591 Tower Ave. For the MCT Trails, there are numerous trailheads with parking, such as the one at MEPRD Trailhead in nearby Collinsville. Parks like Joe Glik Park and Drost Park also offer ample parking and access to local trails.

The Luzerne County Levee Trail — Wilkes-Barre is a 5.4-mile (8.7 km) route. It's a moderately-rated trail that typically takes a little over 2 hours to complete, leading through mostly open areas.