5 Parks to Explore in Bucks County

Bucks County, PA, is one of the most scenic places to call home. Within its boundaries are over 70,000 acres of state and local parks that will allow you and your family to head out from your new home in Bucks County and enjoy the open spaces and fresh air.

Hiking trails, crystal-clear lakes, and ample wildlife are just some of the many treasures that await your discovery. We want to share with you our list of the top five best parks in Bucks County to explore.

Peace Valley Park

Peace Valley Park encompasses over 1,500 acres and offers multiple recreational opportunities such as children’s playgrounds, hiking trails, and sailboat rentals. It surrounds the 365-acre Lake Galena, which provides visitors with picturesque views, ample wildlife watching opportunities, and several multi-use trails.

The six miles of trails that loop around the lake allow for a quick jog, bike, or relaxing walk. The path itself is flat with no elevation change, and the trees that line the sides of the trail will provide some shade for relief from the warm summer months. The on-site nature center located at the northeast end of the park offers visitors the chance to learn more about the native plants and wildlife. It’s staffed by park rangers who are more than happy to answer any questions that you might have.

The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works factory is located within park boundaries. This “working history” museum is a National Historic Landmark and takes visitors on a tour of how the tiles and pottery were made in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Nockamixon State Park

At over 5,283 acres, Nockamixon State Park is one of the biggest in the Bucks County park system. It’s centered around beautiful Lake Nockamixon, which is a massive 1,450 acres in size. Four public launching areas allow recreational boaters to take to the water and enjoy the beautiful shoreline scenery.

While recreational water activities are the main focus of the park, Lake Nockamixon offers many other things to do for those who prefer to stay on dry land. Joggers, mountain bikers, and hikers will enjoy the 8 miles of looping trails that meander through a pristine cedar forest. The trails offer a semi-challenging navigation experience over streams, stumps, and switchbacks.

Entrance to the park is free, and once inside, you can take advantage of a wide range of fun and exciting activities such as renting a cabin for an overnight stay, participating in a guided nature walk, or a relaxing pontoon boat tour. There are also some excellent hunting and fishing opportunities.

Delaware Canal State Park

The Delaware Canal State Park is both a recreational and historical treasure. Completed in 1832, the sixty-mile-long Delaware Canal helped bring goods and people from the northeastern Pennsylvania area to the cities located on the eastern seaboard.

Today, it is a beautiful state park that meanders along the historic canal. The towpath where horses once worked in unison to pull the coal-laden ships of the 1800s is now used by walkers, joggers, and bicyclists. Adding to the beautiful scenery of the area are eleven beautiful islands that formed naturally out of the silt and sedimentation of the canal.

Visitors to the park can enjoy a wide array of seasonal activities, such as bird watching in the springtime and cross-country skiing in the winter. Fishing opportunities offer anglers the chance to catch striped bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye.

For those looking to gain a deeper understanding of both the natural and man-made history of the area, the State Park offers multiple programs, such as guided walks, evening programs, and hands-on activities.

Tyler State Park

Often referred to as an “oasis of nature,” Tyler State Park is a highly scenic area that provides you with multiple ways to enjoy a short afternoon or an entire weekend. Neshaminy creek flows through the entirety of the park and divides it into several different sections.

There are over 25 miles of paved and unpaved trails for you to explore and take in the unspoiled sights, smells, and sounds of nature at its finest. The trails are dog and horse-friendly and will take you on a breathtaking tour of one of the finest gems in the Bucks County park system.

The picnic area is massive and offers ample benches, sitting areas, and playgrounds for the children. Disc and Frisbee golf lovers will enjoy the challenging but fair courses. The bathrooms and other facilities are also clean and very well-maintained.

Neshaminy State Park

Situated where Neshaminy Creek joins the Delaware River, Neshaminy State Park offers visitors picturesque views of the Philadelphia skyline along with a wealth of fun and relaxing recreational activities.

While not as geographically big nor ecologically diverse as some of the other parks in the Bucks County park system, Neshaminy does provide visitors with the chance to relax in a scenic outdoor setting. BBQ pits, picnic tables, and a children’s playground make this a perfect park to spend your days.

Joggers, walkers, or runners who are looking for a quick workout can take advantage of the 4 miles of wooded trails that loop around the park. The public swimming pool and the separate children’s spray park offers visitors a chance to cool off from the warm summer heat.

Neshaminy State Park is a great place to spend a few hours in a peaceful outdoor setting without having to drive several hours into the countryside.

Custom Homes in Bucks County

One of the most significant advantages of living in Bucks County is the multiple natural and state parks that provide endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. At Hallmark Homes Group, we build new homes in highly desirable communities that are located just a short drive from many of these parks. If you’d like to learn more about the new home options in Bucks County, give us a call at (215) 416-0036.