#John heinz wildlife preserve

[jahtheexplorer]

Spotted lanternfly

Hated by farmers, these little bugs are invasive planthoppers that came in a shipment from China in the 2012. Now they are everywhere. This one right here, was very photogenic.

Picture taken in the John Heinz wildlife refuge

[occasionallybirds]

Northern Parula (Setophaga americana)

October 6, 2023

John Heinz National Wildlife Preserve, Tinicum, Pennsylvania

[advancedcorpsematerials]

Birds photographed by me. All taken at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, except for the barred owl and the pileated woodpecker which were taken at the Great Swamp NWR and the Sourlands Mountains Preserve respectively

[celestialmacros]

I think I photograph these turtle ramps every time I go to this nature preserve (see here,) but I had never seen the snappers (Chelydra serpentina) hanging out with the, um, friendlier turtles.

June 7, 2019

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Tinicum, Pennsylvania

[celldeal57-blog]

10 Gorgeous Philly-Area Spots for Fall Foliage Hikes, Walks, and Runs

Outdoor adventure

Soak up fall's stunning vistas at these local spots — all within 45 minutes of the city — that are prime spots for view-filled fall foliage hikes.

Check out the fall foliage hikes at Ridley Creek State Park (pictured here) or at one of the other awesome spots on this list. Photograph via Flickr user Michael W. Murphy.

It’s no secret that the colder temperatures fall brings make getting out of your warm beds for morning workouts a whole lot harder. And the whole dark-as-soon-as-you-get-out-of-the-office thing doesn’t make keeping up your fitness routine very easy either. That said, the very last line of defense — erm, workout motivation — is the gorgeous views of fall foliage that seem to make every chilly run, walk, or hike utterly worth it.

Below, you’ll find 10 Philly-area spots boasting fall foliage hikes, walks, and trail runs galore for those days when you need some serious visual stimulation to make your workout happen. Oh, and the bonuses are twofold: 1. These spots are all within 45 minutes of Center City 2. The views at these spots are fabulous fodder for your #fall Instagram content!

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

A snap shot of the fall foliage hikes you’ll get at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tincium. Photograph via Flickr user Jim, the Photographer.

Drive from Philly: 25 minutes

Yes, that funny park just off 95 near the airport is totally worth exploring. Believe it or not, there are 10 miles of tree-lined gravel trails that follow the serpentine waterways, as well as boardwalk crossings that take you out over the water. Bonus: You’ll even get some pretty spectacular views of Center City from this Southwest Philly spot.

Tyler Arboretum

Drive from Philly: About 40 minutes

There are six trails at this tree preserve in Delco, but the longest, at 7.4 miles, is called the Minshall Trail. It takes you through most of the arboretum’s 650 acres, past the remains of the property’s 200-year-old farm, and across a few creeks. To extend your run or walk, you can connect with any of the other well-marked trails in the property. Note: It’s $15 to get into the arboretum.

Delaware Canal Towpath

Drive from Philly: About 40 minutes

The towpaths that edge the Delaware River canal (on both the east and west sides of the river) are a picturesque escape from your usual stomping grounds, especially in the fall. For the easiest access to the trail, park at Washington Crossing State Park, head over the bridge to the west side of the Delaware, and hop onto the canal path. Head north to New Hope, cross over the bridge into Lambertville, and head south. The whole loop is about 15 miles.

Pennypack Park

Pennypack Park (and its MontCo extension) is chock full of fall foliage hikes. Photograph via Flickr user Tom Ipri.

Drive from Philly: 20 minutes

This is probably one of those Philly parks you’ve been meaning to get to forever, but just haven’t yet made the trek. During the fall, the nine-ish-mile trail along the creek is exploding with color. You can extend your run by heading north (note: it’s hillier this way) along the 2.4-mile Pennypack Trail rail-trail extension into Montgomery County.

Ridley Creek State Park

Drive from Philly: About 40 minutes

Another Delco park that’s worth the excursion, this one has 13 miles of wooded trails hiking trails, as well as a paved, five-mile walking and biking path. Whichever you choose, you’ll get your fill of leaf peeping, as you ascend and descend the park’s rolling hills. Check out the trail network here.

Wissahickon Valley Park

Drive from Philly: 25 minutes

Oh, you beautiful Wissahickon, you. This 1800-acre park, which you can access from East Falls up to Chestnut Hill, is a year-round favorite of ours — but it really shines in the fall. You can take your pick of over 50 miles of trails, all of which will give you Instagram-worthy views of falling leaves, but the 5.35-mile Forbidden Drive flat gravel path is the easiest on the knees. For more varied terrain, try the orange, white or yellow trails.

Tyler State Park

Here’s proof that you could spend a lifetime soaking up the fall foliage hikes at Tyler State Park. Photo via Flickr user Andy Thrasher.

Drive from Philly: 45 minutes

The name of the game here is hills. But you can take your mind off your screaming quads and gasping lungs by taking in the beautiful scenery, including the quaint covered bridge and pretty Neshaminy Creek. There are 10.5-miles of paved trails and four miles of gravel trails to explore at this Newtown spot.

Haverford College Nature Trail

Drive from Philly: 30 minutes

This lovely 2.25-mile loop is contained on the campus of Haverford College. Sections of it run through the woods, which makes it a lovely (and surprising) fall foliage-peeping adventure, right in the heart of the Main Line. And since it’s a loop, on both gravel and dirt surfaces, you can do as many (or as few) treks around to achieve your desired distance.

Wawa Preserve

Drive from Philly: About 40 minutes

The 98-acre Wawa Nature Preserve is tucked behind Wawa (yes, that Wawa) headquarters just off Route 1 in Media. The preserve features a mix of grassy meadows and thick woods, with four miles of unpaved trails to explore. Be sure to download the ExploreNLT app before you go to get your hands on detailed interactive trail maps, wildlife to look out for and more.

Bartram’s Garden

Nothing but blue skys and fall foliage hikes at Bartram’s Gardens. Photograph via Flickr user The West End.

Drive from Philly: 20 minutes

This tree and plant-filled botanical garden, nestled along the Schuylkill River in West Philly, boasts a number of walking trails that weave through the 45-acre property, taking you through everything from meadows to historic gardens to tidal wetlands — falling leaves always within eyeshot.

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Source: https://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2018/09/26/fall-foliage-hikes-philadelphia/

[jahtheexplorer]

Macro Photography

Location: John Heinz

[jahtheexplorer]

Creepy crawlies

Photo taken at John Heinz Wildlife Refuge

[jahtheexplorer]

Lady Bug

Location: John Heinz

Philadelphia, PA

[occasionallybirds]

Yellow warbler

May 10, 2019

John Heinz National Wildlife Preserve, Tinicum, Pennsylvania

[occasionallybirds]

Photobombed

Barn swallows (Hirundo rustica)

April 22, 2019

John Heinz National Wildlife Preserve, Tinicum, Pennsylvania

[occasionallybirds]

Sora, aka Carolina rail or meadow chicken (Porzana carolina)

April 23, 2019

John Heinz National Wildlife Preserve, Tinicum, Pennsylvania