This roughly 8-mile hike will take you through our Willow Lake Farm, Briar Hill, Camp Woods, and Armentrout Preserves, as well as Whitpain Township’s Prophecy Creek Park.
Meet and park at Willow Lake Farm, located behind the CVS on Skippack Pike. From there, we will hike around the outer loop of the preserve through forest and pasture areas and then cross Butler Pike onto Whitemarsh Township Open Space, which will connect us to Prophecy Creek Park and our Briar Hill Preserve. We’ll cut through the meadow of the Hughes Family Preserve (part of Briar Hill), and cross Lewis Lane to enter Camp Woods before reaching Armentrout Preserve, where we’ll stop for a break and snacks. This first half of the hike will be approximately 4.5 miles.
The return route will be through the same preserves, but with a few changes in route to allow for a shorter return trip and to see some different trails. We’ll end at Willow Lake Farm, where the hike begins. This second half of the hike is approximately 3.5 miles.
At a moderate 25-30-minute/mile pace, with a few breaks, we estimate this roughly 8-mile hike to take 4 to 5 hours.
Elevation change: less than 200ft
Trail surface(s): Dirt with roots, rocks, and dips; mowed grass; short segments of pavement and crushed stone
Pace: Moderate – roughly 25-30 minutes per mile
Features: Water crossings, stepping stone crossings, road crossings, bridges (composite and wooden), wooden boardwalks.
Amenities: Restrooms available at CVS (none at preserves), benches and picnic tables at Armentrout Preserve. Many sections of the route are shaded, but we will also be walking through meadow and pasture areas with no shade.
Habitat: Forest, meadow, pasture (with horses), residential
What to bring: water, snacks, bug spray, sun protection
Not recommended for strollers or wheeled vehicles due to terrain.
Service dogs only.
We are happy to offer this program at no cost to participants, but if you are able, a $10 suggested donation would be greatly appreciated. Wissahickon Trails is a local, community-supported nonprofit. Our budget depends entirely on the generosity of our supporters—individuals, foundations, and corporations. Donate online today.
