Places to Run

West Chester University's South Campus Trails 🌳

Robert B. Gordon Natural Area, Stadium Road, West Chester, PA 19382

Some nice trails in between Farrell Stadium 🏟️ and Roslyn Swim Club 🏊. 

This place is perfect for shorter runs and exploring trails.

Ridley Creek State Park - Horse Trails 🍃

Shadow Creek Farm parking lot off of Gradyville Road

This loop is just about 2.5 miles long and includes some gradual inclines. 

My friends and I call this trail "Land of the Lost" 🦕 because a tornado 🌪️ swept through there in 2020 and created a lot of space. One of my favorites.

Ridley Creek State Park - Main Loop 🌲

1023 Sycamore Mills Rd, Media, PA 19063

The main loop is 4.1 miles and well-marked/clear. Can become crowded. 

You can switch it up and go up the "big hill" first ⛰️ and go downhill the rest of the way or gradually climb the whole time and get to end down the big hill.

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge 🍂

8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153

My absolute favorite place to run on the weekends. A crushed-gravel path and extremely flat. There is a mini 4-mile loop around the Darby Creek inlet and then a larger 8-mile out-and-back loop. Make sure to go in the morning because some portions of the area are exposed to severe sunlight 😎. 

I've completed a lot of marathon training runs here. 

Brandywine Red Clay Alliance 🍁

1760 Unionville Wawaset Road Road, West Chester, PA

An underrated spot to run! There are grass trails on either side of Unionville Wawaset Road. This is located right near the Northbrook Canoe Company (fun experience to canoe 🛶 down Brandywine Creek 🌊) and Northbrook Market Place (apple cider donuts 🍩). 

A couple of hilly portions but some amazing views.

Exton Park 🏞️

800 Swedesford Rd, Exton, PA 19341

There is a 2-mile loop that surrounds this park. It has just the right amount of hills. The only problem: it's very exposed and sunny in the summer. Try to go in the morning before it becomes humid ♨️!

Chester Valley Trail 🏃🏼🏃‍♀️🚲

723 Lincoln Hwy E, Exton, PA 19341

I like to park at SS Phillip & James Catholic Church ⛪ and hop on the trail to the right. The goal is for this trail to become 22 miles long one day...

It's flat, manageable, and consistent. I completed my best long run here before my last marathon and was able to lock into a fast pace. 

Whether you're biking or running, you can really fly here 🔥.