Peace Valley Nature Loops

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Wildlife

Neshaminy Creek is the reason these trails exist. The trail system, Peace Valley, is aptly named as the trails and creek are quiet and peaceful. It is a perfect place for an evening stroll.

The crossing of Hardlaken Creek is not difficult, but you'll likely get your feet wet when the creek is running high.

The Hiking Project mobile app or a trail map is essential. It is easy to get lost in the maze of trail intersections.

There is parking available on either side of the pedestrian bridge on Chapman Road near the visitor center.

From the visitor center, hike southeast along the road toward the pedestrian bridge. Take your first left onto Habitat Trail and after a short distance take a right onto Swamp Trail. Swamp Trail follows the creek for a bit before you take a right onto Hawk Walk, which leads you further northeast along the creek. The trails in this area are rather swampy and you might get wet feet if you go hiking after rain.

Just as the Swamp Trail turns away from the creek, you'll reach another junction. Take a right onto Far Out Loop followed almost immediately by a left where the trail splits. You can of course go right here and it will lead you to the same place. Follow Far Out Loop to its junction with Wild Woods Way. Take a left onto Wild Woods Way heading southwest. The trails on this side of the creek are a bit drier, generally flat, wide, and grassy. Follow Wild Woods Way as it loops around, take a right onto Pooh Tree Loop for a very short time, and take another right onto Indian Path. Follow Indian Path as it loops back toward the road and you'll soon be back at the visitor center.

If you're tired, this is a great stopping point; otherwise, pass the visitor center and continue down the road to the pedestrian bridge. This time cross the bridge then take the first left onto Upper Woods Trail. The trails on this side of the creek roll through hummocky open forest. Upper Woods Trail follows the creek north. You'll pass two intersections off to the right. The first is for Morning Bird Walk followed almost immediately by the split in Upper Woods Trail. Stay left at the split, and follow the loop around and back to this point. After getting back on the main trail, take the first left onto Morning Bird Walk and follow it back to the road. Turn right, cross the bridge, and head back to the visitor center.

It will be hard not to see wildlife! Common creatures (at least in April) include osprey, woodchucks, cardinals, mallards, mergansers, Great blue herons, white tailed deer, Canadian geese, cormorants, and countless song birds.