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Wildlands Conservancy’s South Mountain Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 425 Google reviews · Running trail in Emmaus, Pennsylvania · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 0.2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Wildlands Conservancy’s South Mountain Preserve'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.
A wildlife-rich reserve with trails, set amid ancient boulders, old quarries & hardwood forests.
What runners say about Wildlands Conservancy’s South Mountain Preserve
“Take plenty of water and wipes with you when hiking as there are no clean water sources or potties on this trail.”
“There are some beautiful rock formations, and the wildlife and scenery make this an excellent spot to get away from the city life easily.”
“Well maintained and well marked trails”
“I like the Wilderness trail for many reasons, one of them being that it is wilderness and has a totally calming and quiet effect on me from the minute I enter its green haven!”
This is one of my favorite parks in the area so far , so many things to see . Boulders everywhere . Very good clear quartz and other crystals to dig up . Alot of woodpeckers in the area and chipmunks. Also seen a couple snakes and friendly people . Will definitely be back to check out the other trails
This trail has alot to offer. Different walking trails in the woods. Currently mother nature is doing an amazing job at making it smell wonderful with all the blooming flowers. Good for jogging or walking.
I like the Wilderness trail for many reasons, one of them being that it is wilderness and has a totally calming and quiet effect on me from the minute I enter its green haven!
Great place to walk the trails! There is picnic tables and a tennis court and a little park for the kiddos.
Trail conditions & character
“There are some beautiful rock formations, and the wildlife and scenery make this an excellent spot to get away from the city life easily.”
“I like the Wilderness trail for many reasons, one of them being that it is wilderness and has a totally calming and quiet effect on me from the minute I enter its green haven!”
“Some rocks to climb on some streams and ponds.”
“There is easy parking, and trails maps distributed well.”
“Peaceful, a few friendly hikers with dogs under control passed.”
“There are definitely some rocky patches on the trails, so if you're not sure-footed, just take care.”
“It is not a loop, but out and back will clock you roughly a mile if you are looking for an easy peasy Sunday stroll.”
“Hence, I would say it is accessible to most ages and "beginners friendly.”
Plan your run at Wildlands Conservancy’s South Mountain Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance0.2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitewildlandspa.org
- Phone+1 610-965-4397
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Emmaus
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Boroline Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 93 reviews
Informal park with a volleyball court, basketball courts, swings and hiking trails.
Shark’s Rock
4.8 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
South Mountain Trail
4.3 ★★★★☆ 167 reviews
Quiet park offering picnic tables and trails for hiking and biking.
