Poquessing Creek Trail

Poquessing Creek Trail, in the northeast Philly neighborhood of Mechanicsville, doesn’t actually follow the creek, but it does pass through Poquessing Creek Park on its way from the trailhead at Junod Playground to its end at Benjamin Rush State Park. Parking is available at Junod.

This trail was a long time coming and was built in segments which were finally joined together and paved in 2014. The result is a dog-friendly, easy walk through the Philly suburbs, protected enough by buffers and foliage to be mostly out of sight. The fur-pup will delight in the sensory feast offered by many birds and small animals and an occasional errant deer. Its 3-mile round trip is a great way to get some exercise for both you and your pup without a lot of climbing, stones or mud!  Its 12-foot width with 2-foot grassy bumpers on each side accommodates lots of hikers, bikers and equestrians without being overcrowded.

Part of the trail runs alongside a working horse farm. Coming upon it can be a bit of a surprise, especially to the doggo, so be sure to keep a firm grip on the pup’s leash to avoid mishaps. The curious horses may line up along their fence begging to have their noses stroked but be wary: some might nip. And please don’t feed them!

A bridge over Black Lake Run near the beginning of the Poquessing Creek Trail features sightings of waterfowl and amphibians. The trail was meant to connect city- and suburb-dwellers to the lush nature in and around Philadelphia, and it does just that! Many trees and shrubs lie along the grassy buffers and you can imagine those trees pouring refreshing oxygen into the atmosphere! Beautiful wildflowers line the trail and provide contrast to all the green!

This is definitely not wilderness hiking, but as part of Greater Philly’s Trail Circuit throughout the city, it’s a popular route for folks and their four-legged friends to take a walk, fast or slow!