TOP 10 Family hiking trips in Downingtown, Pennsylvania

Paradise Valley Nature Area is a 40-acre park located at 1179-1209 Valley Creek Road in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. This nature preserve offers fishing access to the West Valley Creek, a stocked trout stream. The property features natural surface trails that connect to the Chapel Trail on Paradise Farm Camps land. Visitors are encouraged to stay on the trails and follow all posted rules. Two parking areas are available for visitors, with one providing access to the creek for fishing and the other offering upland access to the preserve via the Chapel Trail. The Chapel Trail also serves as an outdoor classroom for youth development programs at Paradise Farm Camps. Whether you're looking to enjoy nature, go fishing, or explore the trails, Paradise Valley Nature Area is a must-visit destination in Downingtown.

Ingram's Mill Nature Area is a peaceful 36-acre park located on the East Branch Brandywine Creek in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Named after a historic stone mill that once stood nearby, this park offers a small parking area for visitors to enjoy activities such as fishing and launching rafts and paddle craft on the creek. The park is also a starting point for a scenic paddle downstream to the Harry J. Waite Jr. Nature Area, passing through the beautiful Stroud Preserve along the way. Visitors are reminded to follow all posted park rules, including the prohibition of portable grills and parking only in designated areas. To reach the park from West Chester, take Route 322 west towards Downingtown and turn left onto North Creek Road. From Downingtown, take Route 322 east towards West Chester and turn right onto North Creek Road. Ingram's Mill Nature Area is just a short drive from either direction, offering a peaceful escape into nature along the banks of the Brandywine Creek.