Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania is a large countryside just 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia. Located along Plymouth Road to the southwest of the Wissahickon Creek, Gwynedd Valley borders GMercyU’s campus and offers vibrant entertainment, shopping, and restaurants. On top of that, there are local theatres, a commuter rail train that leads straight to Center City, and a plethora of places to spend the day. Gwynedd Valley is known for its real estate, and its vast acreage allows for many outdoor activities.
However, if you’re looking for a getaway just outside this beautiful community, there’s no shortage of fun and exciting things beyond its borders. Let’s explore eight of the best day trips near Gwynedd Valley.
For those who enjoy spending their time on the water, Green Lane Reservoir has a massive lake that allows its inhabitants to swim and boat. Green Lane Boats is the best spot for reliable daily boat rentals. In addition to an impressive body of water, the reservoir also has hiking trails for those who prefer to spend their time on land. The most popular route is the Blue, Perkiomen, and Red Trail Loop, which is a 17.1-kilometer loop that’s good for all skill levels, whether you’re just a recreational hiker or a certified pro.
Location: 1051 Walt Rd, Pennsburg, PA 18073
If golf is your thing, check out Twin Woods Golf Course. Unlike other courses in the area, Twin Woods Golf Course does not require a membership. Instead, it is open to the public and available to anyone who may want to use it. Twin Woods Golf Course is a 9-hole, USGA-regulated course that’s open every day, and prices range from $21 for 9 holes and $26 for 18. If you’d like a cart to accompany you on the course, they range from $2 for pull carts to $15 for riding carts, depending on the holes.
Location: 2924 E. Orvilla Road, Hatfield, PA 19440
While the Brandywine River is surrounded by a massive conservation, canoeing is arguably its best outdoor activity. Northbrook Canoe Co. is a reservation-based company that offers canoeing, kayaking, and tubing trips, as well as opportunities to dine on the river.
Canoe trips vary from $50 to $60 per canoe, depending on the length of the trip. Kayaking trips range from $40 to $50, also dependent on trip length. Tubing trips are even less expensive, falling between $20 and $25. You can venture out for as little as one hour to as many as three. Canoe & Dine, a unique meal experience, is $70 per person and requires a reservation a week in advance. All of these trips are flexible with the number of people per party, so you can bring your whole family for a day of fun.
Location: 1810 Beagle Road, West Chester, PA 19382
If you’re looking for something light on the physical activity, Battleship New Jersey Museum is the perfect place for you. This particular excursion would be best as a multi-day venture, as it is a bit further away in New Jersey.
This destination is a non-profit museum at its core, allowing people to tour the USS New Jersey—the country’s most decorated battleship. Prices for the trip vary, as there are one-time tickets, memberships, and overnight tickets. Memberships range from $40 to $300, with varying degrees of benefits. One-time day tickets also vary in price depending on the type of tour.
There is also an overnight trip and tour, which includes lockers for your belongings, bunks that you can sleep in (authentic, like where the enlisted soldiers stayed!), and a chow hall. Not only is this a fun trip, but it is also educational for the whole family.
Location: 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ 08103
Crystal Cave is a little heavier on the physical activity and is perfect for all the hermits out there. This cave was discovered (by accident) in the late 1800s. Not only can people drift through its depths, but they can also partake in that many activities on its vast acreage. There is a gift shop (sometimes two, depending on the month), a museum, an ice-cream parlor, a hiking trail, a restaurant, mini-golf, and a theatre, to name a few.
This outing is more than affordable, with the price of admission ranging from $13 for kids age 4 to 11 to $15 for everyone 12 and up. Kids below the age of 4 get in free. There are also guided tours that range from $8.50 for kids 4 to 11 and $12 for everyone 12 and above. Group mini-golf is $3.50 for everyone.
Location: 963 Crystal Cave Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530
Aptly called the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls is a unique set of eight waterfalls nestled in the Pocono Mountains, which are easily accessible through hiking trails and bridges, all of which offer a beautiful view of the falls and the surrounding forest. If you’re looking for something with a mixture of everything—scenic views, hiking, and parks—then Bushkill Falls is the perfect way to spend a day or weekend. (You may bring dogs with you to hike, but they must be kept on a leash the entire time.)
On top of all of this, there is also a conservation called the Pocono Wildlife Rehab Program that aids injured and orphaned animals. They do presentations every so often and bring animals along with them.
The price of admission varies by age, with adults (age 11 to 61) at $17.50 for a weekend trip, kids (age 4 to 10) at $8.50, and seniors (age 62 and over) at $16.50. Weekday admissions go down for each age group.
Location: Bushkill Falls Road, Bushkill, PA 18324
Brandywine Polo Club is a local club that brings the community together every summer. With its reputation for being a vibrant East Coast Club, Brandywine Polo Club hosts a four-month polo season with seven competitive tournaments. Not only do they host tournaments, but this club also offers polo lessons for all ages and riding levels.
Participation in club events requires a membership.
Location: 232 Polo Rd, Toughkenamon, PA 19374
If you’re more into the snow than the sun, Peace Valley Snow Riding is for you. There are four trails throughout this park: Wesley Creek, Leddy Lake Trail, Smiths Mills Trail, and Future Trail (with Hines Creek and the Cadotte River). The organization is also planning to expand and add more trails to this already impressive group.
The club is meant to promote safe and responsible snowmobiling in these areas, developing trails and a network connecting them to the Peace River. As winter is one of the harshest seasons here, bringing an abundance of snow, snowmobiling is the perfect winter activity to make the most of it.
Whether you’re a beginner or have mastered the sport, Peace Valley Snow Riding is a great place to venture on a crisp winter day. Along with the trails, there is also an annual poker rally.
Location: varies
Looking for Gwynedd Valley real estate? Contact Linda Gedney today. She can help you find a Gwynedd Valley home or piece of Blue Bell real estate for sale that’s perfect for you.
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8236 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19118
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