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Robert B. Gordon Natural Area for Environmental Studies
4.6 ★★★★★ 50 Google reviews · Running trail in West Chester, Pennsylvania · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Robert B. Gordon Natural Area for Environmental Studies' 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.
What runners say about Robert B. Gordon Natural Area for Environmental Studies
“Surprisingly beautiful, peaceful, and interesting”
“Be aware that while the area is clearly marked no bikes the only other people I saw on the trail were on bikes.”
“Surprisingly beautiful, peaceful, and interesting”
Great potential. There are 4 GNA parking spots available in parking lot R that do not require a WCU parking permit right near the park's main entrance. They are putting in many plantings but there is no information about what they are planting and why.
Beautiful wooded trails, many streams. Very relaxing. Trails not always well-marked, but not difficult to navigate anyway. On West Chester University campus. Limited parking- some unofficially on side of entrance road.
Serene. A great outdoor. Kids didn’t get enough. Trails are marked. Part of our weekly routine. During the Covid virus pandemic this was one of the best part of the day
Loved exploring this area. Went in with a friend looking for a few Geocaches. After that we went off trails a bit. Great place for mountain biking, small hikes, and misc. activities/games outside enjoying nature. I would highly recommend this place to casual hikers, mountain bikers, or families.
Trail conditions & character
“There are 4 GNA parking spots available in parking lot R that do not require a WCU parking permit right near the park's main entrance.”
“Surprisingly beautiful, peaceful, and interesting”
“Surprisingly beautiful, peaceful, and interesting”
“The trails would also benefit from additional painted tree trail markers making the different trails easier to tell from the "non-trails".”
Plan your run at Robert B. Gordon Natural Area for Environmental Studies
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewcupa.edu
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
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