Nolde Forest is one of those places that earns a permanent spot on your list of favorite outdoor destinations near Reading, PA. Located just a few miles south of Reading, it covers over 600 acres of gorgeous woodland and offers a trail system that works for casual walkers, serious hikers, birdwatchers, and nature photographers alike.
The surrounding area only adds to the appeal. Berks County is packed with things to do in Reading, PA, from the local arts scene and great restaurants to farmers’ markets and scenic country drives that feel a world away from everyday life. It’s one of the more underrated corners of Pennsylvania for people who want authentic experiences over tourist traps, and Nolde Forest sits right at the heart of it.
Located nearby, the South Mountain Inn is the natural home base for anyone looking to properly explore this part of Pennsylvania. Our Bed and Breakfast in Pennsylvania is set on beautiful wooded grounds, and we bring the thoughtfulness of a personal stay to everything we do. Every morning starts with fresh coffee delivered directly to your room, because that kind of detail sets the tone for the whole day, especially one spent out on the trails. Book your stay today.
Take a Hike in the Nolde Forest
Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center sits on land that was formerly owned by Jacob Nolde, an environmentalist who immigrated to the United States from Germany. When Nolde first purchased this land in 1904, it contained a single white pine tree. What grew from that single tree into one of the most biodiverse and beautiful forests in southeastern Pennsylvania is worth appreciating when you set foot on one of the trails. After the family’s passing, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the property, and it became the state’s first Environmental Education Center.
Today, Nolde Forest spans more than 725 acres of deciduous woodlands and coniferous plantations, with a network of trails that makes the center’s streams, ponds, and diverse habitats accessible to visitors of all experience levels. The Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center also serves as an active outdoor research site, so the land is genuinely protected and cared for in a way you can feel when you’re walking through it.
The Nolde Forest trail network covers 10 miles in total, with some paths being classic footpaths and others running along remnants of gravel roads from the estate’s original owners. A few worth putting on your radar: the Watershed Trail is a 1.1-mile loop that follows the scenic creek bottom along Punches Run, beginning and ending at the mansion, and it’s a great first trail if you want to get a feel for the whole park. The Buck Hollow Trail covers 0.6 miles through both hardwood forests and coniferous plantations, dipping down to a small drainage that feeds Painted Turtle Pond, and it’s one of the more visually varied stretches you’ll find here.
The Kissinger Road and Middle Road trails are easy walks through the conifer plantations Jacob Nolde originally planted, perfect for a relaxed morning out. And in the spring, the Kohout Trail is a favorite for wildflower spotting, though it does include a few steeper inclines. The Nolde Forest is a destination for wildlife watching, with songbirds, white-tailed deer, and a variety of reptiles and small mammals making regular appearances throughout the property, especially in the quieter morning hours as the forest wakes.
The Friends of Nolde Forest host free monthly open houses at the Nolde Mansion on the first Sunday of each month, where you can take a self-guided tour, watch family home videos from the Nolde family, and get a real sense of the history behind the property. Seasonal docent-led guided tours are also offered throughout the year, giving visitors a closer look at the mansion and the story of the family who once called it home. Spots fill up fast, so it’s worth checking the DCNR events calendar before your visit if you want to time it right.
One thing to set expectations on going in: Nolde Forest is not about sweeping panoramic views or dramatic waterfalls. The star attraction is the forest itself, along with the tree-lined stretches of trail, the historic mansion, the ruins of a sawmill dam, and the pond. It’s quiet, earned beauty, the kind that rewards people who slow down and pay attention. ADA-accessible trails are available near the Nolde Mansion and the historic sawmill, and leashed dogs are welcome on all trails. The park is open daily from 8 AM to sunset, giving you plenty of time to get out there before the rest of your day takes over.
Nolde Forest is one of the best things to do in Pennsylvania for anyone who wants an outdoor experience without a long drive or a high level of fitness. It’s accessible, beautiful, historically interesting, and is a well-kept local secret even though it absolutely deserves more attention.
Stay at One of the Top Bed and Breakfasts in Pennsylvania
When you’re ready to make a full trip of it, our Bed and Breakfast in Pennsylvania is the place to land. We are not your average overnight Hotel stay. Our beautiful property, personalized hospitality, and thoughtful amenities create the kind of experience that keeps guests coming back year after year. We’re close enough to Nolde Forest that you can be on the trail shortly after delicious breakfast, and comfortable enough that you’ll be looking forward to coming back to the room just as much as heading out in the morning. That fresh coffee delivered to your door doesn’t hurt either. Reserve your room today!