| Parks
& Recreation
County Parks
Chester County Parks & Recreation Department
235 W. Market Street, West Chester, PA 19382
610.469.1916
Hibernia County Park
800 acres of woodlands and meadows. Hibernia Mansion, an 18th century
Historical ironmaster's home, overlooks the park. Miles of multi-use
trails, open fields, picnic areas, primitive family camping areas,
playground areas, children's pond, Brandywine Creek, hayrides (Apr.-Nov.)
and five pavilions are scattered throughout the park.
610.384.0290
Nottingham County Park
The oldest county park, its 651 acres encompasses an extensive bike
trail system, two family camp areas, fishing in the 2.6 acre MacPherson
Lake, 8 miles of multi-use trails winding through the pitch pine
forest in the Serpentine Barrens; plus nine pavilions and sports
and playground areas.
610.932.9195
Springton Manor Farm
This 300-acre demonstration farm features a petting area, agricultural
museum and outbuildings. Dedicated in 1988, it is the newest county
park and on the National Register of Historic Places.
610-942-2450
Struble Trail (c/o Springton Manor Farm)
This 2 1/2 mile nature trail, parallels the east branch of the Brandywine
Creek, providing walking, jogging and biking opportunities. There
are plans to extend the trail to 16 miles long.
610.942.2450
Struble Lake (c/o Warwick County Park)
Owned by the PA Fish and Boat Commission, it is associated with
Warwick County Park, and lies due south of Morgantown. This 146-acre
lake supports a wide variety of fish and facilities include picnic
tables and a boat-launch ramp. The Chester County Parks & Recreation
Dept. sponsors activities year-round in the park.
610.469.1916
Warwick County Park
This 455-acre park includes 2 miles of scenic French Creek (stocked
annually) and is a favorite spot for fisherman. The Horse Shoe Trail,
which extends from Valley Forge to Harrisburg, joins the many miles
of multi-use trail system in the park.
610.469.1916
State Parks
PA Parks & Recreation
Brandywine Battlefield State Park
610.459.3342
French Creek State Park
Located in Elverson, this 7,339-acre park is a hiker's paradise
with over 40 miles of trails. Water-activity areas include the 68-acre
Hopewell Lake, for fishing, boating and boat rental and the 21-acre
Scotts Run Lake, which is strictly for fishing. Other amenities
include camping areas, cabins, 18-hole Frisbee golf course, informal
athletic field, football-size swimming pool, hunting and trapping
and horseback riding is permitted.
610.582.9680
Marsh Creek State Park
This 1700+ acre park offers numerous recreational activities for
both summer and winter enthusiasts. The 55-acre lake offers two
boat launches and 216 mooring slips; boat rentals include canoes,
wind-surfers, sailboats and pedal boats; swimming pools; picnic
areas; playground; 6 miles of bridle and hiking trails. Winter sports
such as ice skating, ice boating and ice fishing are popular, as
well as sledding and tobogganing on a designated 7 acres.
610.458.5119
State Gamelands #43
Located near Elverson, PA, this 1,060 acre area is managed by the
PA Game Commission. Although it is basically used for hunting, the
area also offers a shooting range, and opportunities for hiking,
bicycling and cross-country activities.
1.800.228.0791
White Clay Creek Preserve
The Du Pont Company donated these lands in 1984 to try and preserve
the area's diverse and unique plant and animal species. The White
Clay Creek valley forms the core of the preserve and is the only
land designated as such in the PA Bureau of State Parks system.
The preserve includes 8 miles of hiking and bridle trails, although
fishing is the major activity - White Clay Creek is stocked with
trout five times a year.
610.255.5415
Other Parks
Hopewell Village National Historic Park
Elverson, PA
This restored, 214-acre park, is typical of an American iron-making
community
in 1820-1840.
Valley Forge National Historic Park
Valley Forge, PA
A 2,700 acre area, which was the site of George Washington's winter
encampment
in 1777-1778.
Everhart Park
West Chester, PA
Hoopes Park
West Chester, PA
Marshall Square Park
West Chester, PA
Other Outdoor Activities
Skiing
The Pocono Mountain Resort lie just 1 hour to the North
Ballooning
Many enthusiast live in the area, making the sport and business
of ballooning
a year-round event.
River Journeys
Canoeing or tubing down the Brandywine River is a popular and favorite
warm-weather pastime.
Equestrian Events
Chester County is horse country, offering an abundance of riding
stables, breeding farms, training facilities and horse sports of
all types.
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