Scenic trail adventures in Chester, Pennsylvania

Chester County's Brandywine Valley Tourism Information is a travel agency located at 300 Greenwood Road in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, United States. Just a short drive from Philadelphia, this area is known as America's Garden Capital, with lush countryside, rivers, museums, historical landmarks, and botanical gardens. Whether you're exploring downtowns with cobblestone streets or charming countryside villages, there is something for everyone in the Brandywine Valley. Plan your visit with information on attractions, accommodations, dining options, events, and more. Chester County is also a great destination for those interested in local libations, with over 25 craft breweries in the area.

Chester Park is a picturesque tourist attraction located at 298 East Elkington Boulevard in Chester, Pennsylvania, United States. This beautiful park offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With lush greenery, scenic walking paths, and a peaceful atmosphere, Chester Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply soak in the natural beauty, Chester Park has something for everyone. Come visit this charming park and experience the tranquility and beauty it has to offer.

The Philadelphia / West Chester KOA Holiday is a picturesque campground and RV park nestled in the beautiful countryside of Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Situated at 1659 Embreeville Road, this institution offers a peaceful retreat for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With a range of accommodation options including cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups, guests can enjoy a comfortable stay surrounded by nature. The park features amenities such as a swimming pool, playground, and hiking trails, making it the perfect destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to relax by a campfire or explore the nearby attractions, the Philadelphia / West Chester KOA Holiday has something for everyone.

The Chester Valley Trail Parking Area is a convenient spot located at 132 Church Farm Lane in Exton, Pennsylvania, United States. This parking area serves as a gateway to the beautiful Chester Valley Trail, a popular park for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, and biking. With ample parking space available, visitors can easily access the trail and enjoy a day of recreation in the scenic surroundings. Whether you're looking to explore nature or simply looking for a place to park your car before hitting the trail, the Chester Valley Trail Parking Area is the perfect starting point for your outdoor adventure.

Shaw's Bridge Park, located at 274 South Creek Road in West Chester, Pennsylvania, is a 37-acre outdoor recreation area that is a popular tourist attraction in East Bradford. The park features gravel trails perfect for wildlife observation and fishing along the Brandywine Creek. Named after the historic Shaw's Bridge, the park is a scenic spot for visitors to enjoy nature. While Shaw's Bridge Park is not a designated dog park, visitors can expect to see dogs on leashes or under their owners' control. The park's parking lot often reaches capacity during the summer months, so visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly. In 2021, new rules and policies were implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of park users and wildlife. Visitors are now required to carry out all trash and waste, as trash cans and recycling bins have been removed. Grilling and alcoholic beverages are prohibited within the park, and certain areas will be managed as native meadow grass to benefit wildlife.

Located at 1199 Cannery Road in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, the Natural Lands' ChesLen Preserve is the largest privately owned nature preserve open to the public in Chester County. Visitors can explore miles of marked hiking trails that wind through shady woodlands, flower-filled meadows, farm fields, and stream valleys. The Ollie Owl’s NaturePlayGround is a highlight for young explorers, where they can climb logs, build stick tee-pees, hunt for bugs, and get a little dirty while gaining an appreciation for nature. History buffs will appreciate the Star Gazers’ Stone, a reference point placed by surveyors and astronomers Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in 1763 to mark the astronomical meridian line. The preserve was once part of a 17,000-acre tract owned by the legendary King Ranch, known for grazing cattle on the lush fields. Visitors can also discover a small cemetery that is a remnant of the Chester County Poorhouse, which operated as a refuge for orphans and indigent adults.

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.

Exton Park, located at 800 Swedesford Road in Exton, Pennsylvania, is a popular tourist attraction in the area. Spanning 727 acres, this park is jointly owned by the Township and Chester County, offering a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. The park features scenic trails for hiking and biking, spacious picnic areas for gatherings, playgrounds for children to play, and even a designated dog park for furry friends to roam. Additionally, visitors can access Chester County's Exton Park facilities and the CVT trail head at 132 Church Farm Lane, making it a convenient and accessible destination for outdoor enthusiasts.