Drexel Hill Residents Embrace Outdoor Spaces

Local trails and parks see growing popularity as community embraces active lifestyles.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-contrast, silkscreen-style grid of a single iconic outdoor item like a hiking boot or water bottle, rendered in a palette of neon greens, pinks, and blues to capture the joyful energy of Drexel Hill's active lifestyle.Drexel Hill's growing embrace of outdoor recreation has transformed everyday gear into a vibrant community celebration.Philadelphia Today

Residents of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania have been increasingly turning to the area's network of trails, parks, and outdoor spaces for exercise, recreation, and relaxation. Locals like Michael Hoover have built regular running, hiking, and walking routines around the easily accessible Darby Creek Trail, Ridley Creek State Park, and other nearby natural areas. This surge in outdoor activity has led to revitalization and expansion of the township's trail systems as the community embraces a more active lifestyle.

Why it matters

The rise in outdoor activity among Drexel Hill residents reflects a broader trend across the Philadelphia suburbs, as once lightly-trafficked parks and trails have become popular destinations. This shift towards a more active, nature-oriented lifestyle has helped shape the community's identity and quality of life, providing physical and mental health benefits while also driving infrastructure improvements.

The details

Drexel Hill's outdoor spaces, including the Darby Creek Trail, Pilgrim Park, and Ridley Creek State Park, offer a variety of terrain and experiences for residents looking to get outside. The trails provide opportunities for running, hiking, dog walking, and family outings, with the state park in particular offering more challenging wooded loops. The accessibility of these natural areas, located just minutes from the center of Drexel Hill, has been key to residents like Michael Hoover building them into their regular routines.

  • Over the past decade, Drexel Hill has seen a noticeable increase in the number of people using local trails and parks on weekends and mornings.
  • In recent years, Delaware County and the township of Drexel Hill have been working to revitalize and expand the network of trails and outdoor spaces to meet growing demand.

The players

Michael Hoover

A Drexel Hill resident and distance runner who has incorporated the local trails and parks into his regular exercise routine for years.

Drexel Hill

A township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania that has seen a surge in outdoor activity and recreation among its residents.

Delaware County

The county in which Drexel Hill is located, which has been working to improve and expand the network of trails and parks across the region.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“On most weekends, Michael Hoover can be found outdoors on one of the many nearby trails. Sometimes it is a run. Other times, it's a long, leisurely walk or hike with his wife and their dog.”

— Michael Hoover, Drexel Hill resident

What’s next

Local officials in Drexel Hill and Delaware County plan to continue expanding and improving the network of trails and outdoor spaces to meet the growing demand from residents. This may include adding new trail segments, upgrading existing paths, and enhancing amenities like parking and signage.

The takeaway

Drexel Hill's embrace of its outdoor spaces has helped foster a more active, nature-oriented community identity. By providing easily accessible trails, parks, and recreation areas, the township has enabled residents to seamlessly incorporate outdoor activities into their weekly routines, improving physical and mental wellbeing while also strengthening community bonds.