John Heinz Lake Loop

Closed until further notice due to storm damage! Cant wait to visit again soon.

Took the family out and we did the boardwalk loop. Not much shade to enjoy but the wildlife views are lovely. Saw egrets, swallowtail butterflies, turtles and ducks and my kids loved the “hot dog plants” (foxtails ). The parking lot is temporarily closed so make sure you know that beforehand. It was in the mid-90s but there were quite a few people out at 11 on a Saturday. Almost everyone had masks, which was nice. John Heinz is one of our favorite places so we will be back.

I loved this trail for everything but the bugs. Constantly got smacked in the face with them. We did go in the heat of the summer and it is near a lake so it’s understandable but it was frustrating. Not recommended for those afraid of bugs. It was otherwise beautiful and very easy to walk.

It’s a good hike for a couple hours

Went for a slow trail run around 5p on a Friday, warm and not too humid day, with small crowds of people mainly within the first mile of the entrance of the loop. Mostly people fishing and families under 5 people, plenty of room to navigate safely. People fishing were generally not wearing masks, families were generally wearing masks. The lot is closed, but there's plenty of parking on Lindbergh Blvd just outside the entrance. Saw tons of egrets, a 15" slider turtle, a fawn, gophers, goldfinches, a cardinal, among other wildlife. The trail is well maintained and varies from 3/4" rough gravel to hard pack dirt. No roots or ruts in the trail. Trail shoes aren't necessary, but anything with a bit more cushioning or a rock plate would be nice for the bigger sharp rocks on the trail. Tons of shady parts and tons of spots to take a breather and take in some nature. This loop easily joins up with the southern trail if you want a distance over 7mi, maybe next time. The trail has permanent frequent plaques along the way for you to get your bearings as well as point out the wildlife you may see along the way.

Great fun. Shaded trail with a ton of birds and animals.

Did the entire lake loop today...beautiful, mostly shaded, no ticks or snakes! Stick to the trail and there should not be a problem. 4.1 miles easy

Some awesome smaller dirt trails. Lots of wildlife, my husky had an encounter with a snake and two turtles! Not too busy but has some bikers and a lot of people fishing.

Pretty great for an urban setting

What a nice oasis near Philly! I did the loop around the lake two times on my hybrid bike. I got off several times to go look at birds and turtles and other animals. It wasn’t crowded at all for a Sunday. There weren’t any issues on the trail at all and it was mostly in the shade. Well there are glimpses of urban landscape in the background in some spots, for the most part you really are immersed in nature when you’re inside of the preserve. I really liked it and would recommend the trail if you’re close to Philadelphia and you like to observe birds.

Great trail. Beautiful views. Various places to rest and outlook posts.

Flat trail along marshes. Tons of birds and turtles. When you first go in it’s very crowded but the further you go the less people you see. Cute boardwalks. Nice walking spot.

Beautiful trail for sure! The problem we ran into was between myself, wife, 3 kids and dog we pulled off SOOOOOOOO many ticks. we only hiked about a half mile before my dog was covered with them. We turned around and called it quits. I was pulling ticks out of my daughter's and wife hair an hour after we left. We lost count after 30 or so between the 5 of us plus dog. We'll never be back

Not a lost in the wilderness trail but great for wildlife, especially birds. I think most people know that’s what they’re getting into here and for (the first) urban wildlife refuge it’s a 5 star. This is my first time doing the full loop (and I accidentally recorded some of my bike ride home too). The first time I went and did a partial and don’t really remember seeing anyone on trail. This was a cold, rainy, pre-Corona day. Today was busy, but not as busy as the roadside parking made it look. Lots of tree swallows.

parking lot is closed, trail was packed and parking lines extended for blocks at 2p on a weekday. no way to social distance, not many wearing masks.

This trail is what it is, and by that I mean it's a nature center, not the backcountry. There is plenty to take in, however. The easy walking path offers exposure to a natural habitat for tons of wildlife, which can be hard to come by so close to the city.

Easy loop, marked well throughout. Plenty of people bird watching and walking dogs. Everyone was wearing face masks today and gave you enough room to walk around. Parking was rough since the parking lot was actually closed. We will revisit this once everything opens once again and bring our bikes.

round loop trail easy walking

Surprising nice walk despite being between the airport and oil refinery. Lots of birds. Well maintained path.

A nice refuge so close to the city. It is a little too noisy as it is close to the airport. It is a flat, mostly groomed dirt trial. The kids liked the few areas of boardwalk. The bird watching is excellent.

Lots of highway noise, but pretty.

I’ve been a fan of Tinicum for a long time. It’s just amazing to have a natural protected space in the middle of an urban area. The only drawback is highway noise along gone side of the loop.