You can quickly get away from the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia to find great fishing and paddling spots. Pack your rod and reel when hiking, biking or paddling to make the most of your outdoor adventures within an hour’s drive of Philadelphia.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum offers plenty of opportunities to connect with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor adventurer or a new explorer, the Refuge is sure to deliver a great experience.
Fish the Refuge
Try your hand at fishing without even having to buy equipment. The refuge loans, free of charge, fishing rods at the Visitor Center front desk. Bring you own bait and be sure you have your fishing license. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday to Saturday.
Paddle the Refuge
The Heinz is a great place to try your hand at paddling tidal waters. Take off from the refuge’s boat launch within two hours before and after high tide. (Check tide charts.) You can paddle the largest freshwater marsh in Pennsylvania, a 4.5-mile section of Darby Creek passing through the refuge.
Take a hike on the wild side
Painted turtles
You can also enjoy the sights of the refuge on one of 11 hikes ranging from a few hundred yards to almost four miles. Check out the trails.
Add a bird’s-eye view
You can also magnify your trip by borrowing binoculars or bringing your own to view the diverse and abundant birds and wildlife at the refuge. Get the loaner binoculars at the Visitor Center front desk.
Nockamixon State Park
Lake Nockamixon is the perfect distance from Philadelphia — close enough for a day trip but far enough to get away for a long weekend. The park is an adventure playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering fishing, boating, hiking, biking and more.
A lake full of fish
Lake Nockamixon is a great place to cast a line for easier to catch fish. For those new to fishing, you are probably most familiar with bass, but you may also hook into Walleye, Pickerel, Muskellunge, Carp and panfish. Fish from the shore or off the fishing pier near the day use area. You can also borrow a rod and tackle at the park office.
Many boat choices on the Nock’
In the summer months, the lake is filled with all sorts of boats. From sailboats and windsurfers to motorboats, you will see it all and can try out many of the options with a rental. Try canoes, rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks and electric motorboats.
Mix it up on the trails
Twelve different hiking trails in the park will mix up and dry off your water adventure. All the trails are suitable for hiking and some take it up a notch for those who enjoy the bump and grind of mountain biking. The trails vary in length from an easy half-mile out and back hike to a more difficult 10-mile hike and mountain bike trail.
Two miles of paved trails make it easy for casual bikers, walkers and those who need stroller and wheelchair access.
Round out the day with wildlife watching, a picnic or disc golf or plan ahead and spend the night in one of the modern cabins and make a weekend of it.
