Here’s the scenario: It’s a beautiful day out, you’ve been stuck in the office or at home all day, and now you have a few hours to fill. With no extra cash to spend and only a quarter tank of gas in the car, how can you possibly enjoy your afternoon? An option most Montgomery County residents often overlook is visiting Evansburg State Park. Conveniently situated in the middle of the county, the park sits between Collegeville, North Wales and Norristown. This location off of Germantown Pike allows residents from almost anywhere in the county to make the trip within a short amount of time.
A variety of natural features makes this 3,350 acre park quite scenic and worth the quick trip. With the Skippack Creek cutting through the landscape, meadows and woodlands also contribute to the nice setting. The park is also known for having a wide variety of natural wildlife to observe. Species native to the area include deer, rabbits, fox, small mouth bass, catfish and eel to name a few. For those interested in learning more about the natural history of the region, the Friedt Visitor Center can provide this information.
Evansburg State Park offers a lot. Below are just some of the activities anyone can do for free at the park.
Take A Look Into The Past: Originally inhabited by the Unami Tribe, William Penn purchased the land, which is today Evansburg State Park, in 1684. The initial settlers were Mennonites who settled in the valley because of its rich soil and reliable water supply. Today, visitors will come across remains of this past era as historic buildings and houses still exist around the park.
Hiking: Of the 26 miles of trails winding through the park, 6 miles are dedicated to hiking. Mostly rated as easy, these trails provide a great place for an outdoor trek without having to leave the suburbs.
Biking: A 5-mile mountain bike trail is located at the southern end of the park.
Horseback Riding: An impressive 15 miles of horseback riding trails are available for use within the park. A stretch of riding trails this long is not common in the Philadelphia suburbs. A parking lot on Skippack Creek Road allows horse trailers for added convenience. If you don’t happen to own your own horse, Red Buffalo Ranch located on the edge of the park offers guided trail rides.
Image Courtesy of Red Buffalo Ranch
Picnicking: Who says you need to exercise at the park? Why not grab a few hot dogs and hamburgers and bring the family over for a relaxing BBQ dinner. With over 150 picnic tables, charcoal grills, and public bathrooms, Evansburg State Park would provide a nice change of scenery from your local fast-food restaurant.
Cross-country Skiing: What’s the main difference between downhill skiing and cross-country skiing? Cross-country skiing is free! It’s also a great way to get a full-body, cardio workout outside during the winter months.
Golf: Ok, this isn’t free, but it’s still worth mentioning. The Skippack Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 71 golf course. Open to the public, it also features a club house with restaurant.
*For more information on Evansburg State Park please visit the official website.
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