Where am I going?
Highlight Hiker Blog
May 1, 2021
Tyler State Park
Newtown, Pennsylvania
It’s funny, y’know… I have hiked so much and yet I’m still surprised when other state parks are differ from what I’m accustomed to. They all appear to be the same on the surface but each state has it’s own flair. In the shadow of Philadelphia, Tyler State Park is no exception. It is a major hub for exploration among woods, farmland, and the shores of Neshaminy Creek.
The majority of trails here are incredibly well manicured and paved, making it fully accessible. There are single track and woods roads, too but you’ll find that there are a multitude of uses in this park other than hiking. Hikers will share trails with horseback riders, farmers, dog walkers, fisherman, revelers, families, bike riders, trail runners, boaters… you name it! And that is one of it’s graces. Basically said, this park easily supports the dense and varied population it serves.
From what I noticed its users take serious care of this park by following the rules: stay on the trails, leave no trace, respect private property within the park…. it’s nothing like New Jersey (I’d like to say I was joking, but I’m not).
But with all it’s pro’s, it does have con’s… chiefly: PEOPLE. Holy cow everywhere you go in this park there are seven hundred of your closest strangers walking right along with you. This is not a place to go for solitary reflection. Nor is it a place you go for a challenge. Soft rolling hills and the single track have no rocks, no roots and no serious elevation gains… it’s just… it’s… more like nature walking than hiking.
But that doesn’t mean Tyler State Park should be overlooked. There is something for everyone here, which explains it’s popularity. There is a theater, an arts center, a nature walk for families, more picnic areas than you can imagine, an adorable little waterfall, a covered bridge, historic farms, a boat launch, two nearby horse stables, plenty of river shoreline for fishing, kayaking, it’s a hotspot for wedding and family portraits and has with miles of trails for riders, hikers and runners.
It’s downfall: ALL OF THE BATHROOMS WERE LOCKED. Which means, yes, if you have to go, you need to find a little patch of seclusion in the nearby overgrowth (cross your fingers there aren’t any ticks). In a bustling state park, I wish you luck with that! It is the greatest downfall of this state park. The bathrooms will most likely reopen as covid loosens its hold on the nation, but for now… you must be made aware of this if you plan a full day here.
The park is large with 1,711 acres of land brimming with history. If this is a once only stop for you, definitely take the time to read about the history of this park before you visit. It will increase your enjoyment exponentially. And oh! Lucky you! I linked the official history page in the “Explore It” button below! I’m so thoughtful!
I wore a daypack and hiking boots in the park and I was glad I did. Two words: horse manure. Horses stick to the natural paths so there are a lot of pasture patties. Similar to New Jersey where you rock hop on trails, in Tyler State Park you’ll inevitably have to poop hop. You may not always win the poop hop, so don’t wear shoes you care about. A daypack with water, a camera, a snack and some toilet tissue is all you need for a day spent wandering the trails.
Tyler State Park
Newtown, Pennsylvania
There are several parking lots, but the closest to the trails is the Boat Launch lot. I visited on a busy Saturday in the early afternoon and didn't have any issue parking.
There is a huge kiosk filled with information and lo! PAPER MAPS! Y'alls knows how much I love my paper maps!
The building you see on the right is the boat house, where you'll find the currently closed restrooms.
The causeway is filled with people at all times of the day. It is the center of all outdoor activity.
There is enough space for everyone, though, even in times of social distancing.
The causeway is wide enough for a single vehicle to cross.
Neshaminy Creek is wide and is deeper than it appears at the causeway. Other sections are quite shallow, though, and there are designated equine crossings.
The Neshaminy Creek dam creates a very pretty little waterfall. For obvious reason, there is no swimming (whispers loudly: it's a dam).
Right upon arrival I had to find my "seclusion" so I walked up this woods road and was eternally grateful there was no one else nearby.
There doesn't appear to be active farming, even though there are all kinds of fields scattered though the park.
The sky was clear and the air was warm. It was a perfect day.
Looking down the hill I had climbed in no time flat.
It was delightful to walk on a path without rocks and roots. I always say that, though.
Awww.
The paved paths are all wide enough for a single car to get around. And they do. All of the farmhouses here are leased and are considered private property.
This seasonal stream bed was dry as a bone.
The paths are pretty easy to navigate around, which is good because there are no blazes.
The farmhouses are part of the ever evolving history of Tyler State Park.
Most of the farmhouses have fences to mark the private property from the public land.
Lined with old trees, the paved paths are the primary way to see the park.
There are plenty of benches for you to stop and take a rest, grab some water or have a snack.
This house had the coolest ever treehouse!
I admired its architecture.
It just looked like a great place to hang out - no matter your age!
This beautiful barn belongs to the treehouse house.
This reminded me of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Remember the map room sequence? With the light that shows Indy where the Ark of the Covenant is? Yeah. That.
Here it is without the light.
I saw a lot of families and wedding parties scattered through the park having portraits taken.
Every corner seemed to offer a pretty landscape and a place where you could sit to admire it.
The trees were holding onto their last blooms during my visit.
I loved this farmhouse. I think it was one of my favorites.
Schofield Ford Covered Bridge has a very interesting history.
Originally constructed in 1873, arsonists burned down the bridge in 1991.
In was lovingly restored by 800 volunteers and completed in 1997.
It is 170 feet long, and when it was rebuilt, it was constructed in the original fashion.
It was reconstructed exclusively with native Pennsylvania Hemlock and White Oak.
It is the only covered bridge in Bucks County that is unpainted.
There don't seem to be any ghost stories associated with this bridge, for those of you wondering. In fact, it all feels quite romantic.
It's such a pretty bridge, it really wants to be captured.
You can see how much workmanship went into rebuilding this piece of history.
Schofield Ford Bridge
Schofield Ford Bridge
Looking at Neshamish Creek through the windows.
Schofield Ford Bridge
The bridge was rebuilt on the original abutments and piers.
Schofield Ford Bridge
Schofield Ford Bridge
Pretty little flowers by Schofield Ford Bridge
Schofield Ford Bridge
Schofield Ford Bridge
Neshaminy Creek by Schofield Ford Bridge
Little fishies.
Schofield Ford Bridge
Neshaminy Creek
More pretty little flowers. No idea what they are.
It was virtually impossible to get a photo of the bridge empty. This was the best I could do.
Next to the bridge was a great single track.
The Hay Barn Trail. I didn't get as far as the hay barn, though. I had a timeline to keep and ended up turning around to head back just before the halfway mark.
Schofield Ford Bridge
Schofield Ford Bridge
Schofield Ford Bridge
Schofield Ford Bridge
Neshaminy Creek
The whole place was bursting with flowers.
I loved this path and at the edge of the park it was quiet - I only saw two people!
Little bits of human occupation exist around the park.
This one I know: bluebells! I love bluebells and they were blooming everywhere along the creek!
The trail here is double wide in certain spots, but does vary in width throughout its length.
It was an unforgettably gorgeous day.
See how the water is disturbed? I accidentally frightened two ducks and off they went before I snapped my photo.
I started the walk back here. It took me a solid 30 minutes to walk back to the boat launch and I was moving as quickly as I could.
Well, ok. I stopped to take pictures, but I was still moving as fast as I could!
Once the sun decided to dip, it dipped quickly.
Every little nook and cranny of the park is pretty, but the natural trails have the prettiest places.
Bluebells everywhere and the babbling Neshaminy Creek just beyond.
Who wouldn't want to walk this path? Isn't it spectacular??
As far as the eye could see.
Every so often the brush would clear and you could see the other side of the creek, which I believe spans an average of 100'.
I couldn't decide which of these two images from the same spot I liked better - so you get to see them both!
Neshaminy Creek.
Looking back at the causeway from Neshaminy Creek.
Neshaminy Creek and the boat house on the left.
This was about as steep as the hills get here.
Neshaminy Creek Dam and the causeway.
Neshaminy Creek Dam.
What a thoughtful way to help keep the creek clean!
This park even has an ice cream truck...? YES PLEASE! New Jersey, take note.
Back at the parking lot. It was nearing dusk and park closing, so the parking lot was more empty.
If you look just past the black Jeep you will see a light colored fox darting across the field!