Springville Trail

Even though it is enormous, Forest Park can get quite busy during the summer months. Avoid some of the crowds and distance yourself from the white noise of the city by heading up Germantown Road toward the northern end of the park. The quick, scenic drive can be well worth the effort. Whether you choose to start on Leif Erikson Drive or take the Cannon Trail to the 30-mile Wildwood Trail, the Springville Trail Loop makes for a great half-day hike. Whichever portion of the hike you are on, youall be amazed at the variety of ferns, including the maidenhair, sword, bracken and licorice ferns. Along with the vibrant ground plants and fungi that line the trail, the forest canopy is a lovely mix of deciduous and coniferous trees that change dramatically with the seasons. Other easy introductory hikes in the park are the Lower Macleay Trail Loop, the Wild Cherry Trail Loop and the Ridge Trail.