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Nolde Forest - Sawmill
4.8 ★★★★★ 546 Google reviews · Running trail in Reading, Pennsylvania · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Nolde Forest - Sawmill's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
State forest featuring a mansion, plus multiple trails (some paved) for hiking.
What runners say about Nolde Forest - Sawmill
“By 1912, Nolde wished to expand his work and he hired an Austrian forester to create a coniferous forest that was to be “the most beautiful pine forest in Pennsylvania.”
“Great place to hike and explore for all ages.”
Love this park!! Beautiful and peaceful walk. We’ve taken our kids (young as 3) and dog and we’ve always had a wonderful experience!
This is a really nice park for hiking in the area. It’s a typical Pennsylvania forest with decent hillsides. This park has many trails to explore with the main ones circling the mountain with a 2 mile loop. Many little foot bridges to cross the streams. Lots of nature, trees, birds, insects.
Jacob Nolde a German immigrant acquired this land in 1904. When he found a single white pine tree growing near the sawmill on Angelica Creek it inspired him to start planting more trees.
We have only walked one of the many trails. Weekday visit so it wasn't crowded. Cooler on warm days. Very beautiful and relaxing. Felt safe for a walk with our pups.
Trail conditions & character
“By 1912, Nolde wished to expand his work and he hired an Austrian forester to create a coniferous forest that was to be “the most beautiful pine forest in Pennsylvania.”
“Great short hike, not a lot of incline but really nice for a walk in the woods and the parking lot has good spots for car photos.”
“Scenic or paved trail, your choice, but stopping at the education center is a must.”
“This park has many trails to explore with the main ones circling the mountain with a 2 mile loop.”
“Great short hike, not a lot of incline but really nice for a walk in the woods and the parking lot has good spots for car photos.”
“Other smaller parking lots are also very close to the trail, two other bathrooms.”
Plan your run at Nolde Forest - Sawmill
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitedcnr.pa.gov
- Phone(610) 796-3699
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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