Spending time outdoors is a great way to bond as a family. Whether you’re into long hikes with the kids or you’re looking for a peaceful place to enjoy an easy walk in nature, you’ll find plenty of opportunities around Mount Laurel. We’ve put together this list of great hiking spots you’ll love to visit with the kids. You can find hikes great for all skill levels on this list, so no matter what you’re looking for, you know you’ll find a great option close to home.

Pond and Nature Loop

Pond and Nature Loop in Laurel Acres Park offers about 32 minutes of easy walking. The 1.3-mile trail sees moderate traffic during the peak season, which is April through October. Since this dirt trail gets a lot of traffic, it’s great for kids of all ages. 

With various activities and a beautiful lake to take in, this trail is a great place for families to visit. You can take your dog to the trail as well, but you’ll need to keep it on a leash. In addition to hiking, walking, and running, the trail offers the perfect opportunity for nature trips. Take some time for bird watching, or just relax while taking in views of the forest, lake, and wildlife.

Buena Borough Bike Path

Image via Flickr by mswern

Drive out to Buena Borough Bike Path for an outdoor experience complete with lots of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Despite the name, Buena Borough Bike Path is also open to joggers and walkers (and their dogs) and other nonmotorized uses.

The 1.9-mile asphalt trail begins at Harding Highway and continues along Southwest Boulevard into Bruno Melini Memorial Park. Stop at the athletic park for basketball, baseball, or tennis, or keep following the loop through the wooded corridor. You’ll end up in picturesque fields of rye and wheat before ending your hike near Blackwater Pond Park. In the more remote areas of the trail, you might even spot some turkeys, rabbits, and other wildlife.

Spencer Field Loop

A moderately trafficked trail near Mount Laurel Township, Spencer Field Loop offers a hiking spot appropriate for all skill levels. This 1.8-mile loop features a picturesque river as well as various activities along the way, such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and birdwatching. Since it’s a relatively flat dirt trail, Spencer Field Loop is ideal for beginner mountain bikers. It’s a great trail to bring your dog for a walk with the family, too.

The best time to explore Spencer Trail is March through November. The trail is located in Rancocas State Park and takes about 46 minutes to circle.

Ben Franklin Bridge

Looking for a hiking trip with an urban flair? Take a walk across the Ben Franklin Bridge. The 1.3-mile concrete rail-trail goes from Camden to Philadelphia. You can look forward to stunning city skyline views as you walk across an equally impressive structure.

The Ben Franklin Bridge is a historic icon. It first opened back in 1926 and once included streetcar tracks along with vehicle lanes. The bridge stretches 7,456 feet across the Delaware River. Walkers and cyclists can safely travel the bridge on a walkway that’s separated from the traffic. From October through April, the walkway is open between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. It’s open until 9 p.m. for the rest of the year.

You’ll end your walk just steps away from Franklin Square in downtown Philadelphia if you exit the trail on the west bank of the river. Walk back to the east bank to get to the Ulysses Wiggins Waterfront Park Promenade, where you can continue to walk for a mile alongside the river.

Bristol Spurline Park

Bristol Spurline Park is located in Pennsylvania, but it’s not a long drive from Mount Laurel to reach this 2.5-mile asphalt trail. This trail is great for walking, biking, or inline skating in warmer weather, and it even offers a place for cross-country skiing if you want some outdoor activity in snowy weather.

The trail path includes a railroad corridor as well as part of a former canal towpath. You can walk to Bristol Marsh to take in a unique sensitive freshwater habitat. The smooth trail also connects with grassy parks and some nearby baseball fields, so no matter what your family wants to do, you’ll find opportunities along this trail.

Berlin Road Sidepath

Berlin Road Sidepath stretches along the side of a road through a corridor lined with trees. This 0.6 mile asphalt trail offers a shaded, pleasant path to walk in nearby Lindenwold, right next to a NJ Transit line. Though the trail isn’t very long, it provides bike lanes and an easy-to-walk paved path that avoids road crossings, making it a great choice for a walk outdoors if you’re in the area.

Elbo Park Walking Trail

Located in the heart of Mount Laurel, Elbo Park is a relatively new park in town, offering a 0.6-mile paved loop that’s perfect for a short stroll. With plenty of benches and even a couple of picnic areas, this small park is ideal for a nice lunch followed by a walk around the well-kept area. Your young children can enjoy the playground with a slide and other fun activities. The township is continually adding trees and features to this park, so you might see something new every time you go. 

All in all, it only takes about 20 minutes to walk around the loop, but you can spend more time exploring the entire park. Elbo Park is open from sunrise to sunset every day.

There you have it! Crème de la Crème of Mount Laurel just gave you a list of amazing places to hike in the area. We hope this list provides inspiration the next time you’re seeking opportunities for outdoor fun as a family.