Hiking at Marsh Creek State Park

19.5 miles of trails

The trails explore a variety of habitats including forest, field, and wetlands. Most of the trails are accessible from the west launch parking area.

Use extreme caution when hiking in hunting areas during hunting seasons.

Marsh Creek State Park Trail Map (PDF)

Trail Definitions

Difficulty Ratings

Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.

Trail Route Type

Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.

Mostly wooded, this wide trail is great for horseback riding. It winds through wooded areas of the park where historic ruins still exist and can be explored. It also follows along the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek.

Green Trail

1.0 mile  |  More difficult hiking  |  Connector trail  |  Green blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian
Trailhead amenities: none

A great trail for horseback riding, this trail connects to Blue Trail to make for a longer ride.

Lime Loop

1.8 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Lime blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian
Trailhead amenities: none

Great for mountain biking, this trail branches off the Blue Trail in the northwestern part of the park.

Mansion Trails

0.9 mile  |  Easiest hiking  |  Connector trail  |  White/blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian
Trailhead amenities: none

See stone foundations and other structures from the village of Milford Mills on these trails.

Park Road Trail

0.6 mile in the park  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  White/blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian
Trailhead amenities: none

Beginning at the boat rental concession, this trail has scenic views of Marsh Creek Lake and runs parallel to the warm season grass fields. The trail connects to Upper Uwchlan Township's trail, that goes into the village of Eagle.

Red Trail

1.5 mile  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restroom, potable water, picnic tables

One of two trails located on the east side of the park, this trail can be accessed from any parking lot on the east side. Running along the lake and through the woods, it is a great trail to take when picnicking in the park’s day use areas.

White Trail

4.0 miles  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  White blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian
Trailhead amenities: benches

This trail starts on Little Conestoga Road, but can be more easily accessed at the West Launch parking area. This hike offers lakeside views as well as a hike through the woods and a rolling ramble through agricultural fields and horse barn area. It is a great choice for hikers looking to experience the park’s various habitats.

Yellow Trail

6.2 miles  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  White blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking
Trailhead amenities: none

This trail begins at the Dorlan Mill Road parking area and includes the mountain biking loop trails south and east of the dam. It challenges park visitors while offering some of the best hiking in the park.