John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

swanalika avula

2 weeks ago •

Wow just wow, we did not realize there was such a great place for bird watching right next to airport, in past three years we lived in PA. Glad that we were able to locate this place now, better late then never. We visited around 5.30 pm and walked until 8 pm watching the different birds , and we were doing very random trails , did not have time complete the whole loop. From this visitor centre there are two loops Boardwalk loop and Wetland loop, and both trails are well maintained. I would highly suggest that you walk to boardwalk which was like 0.1-0.2 miles from visitor centre and the board walk it self was beautiful. We got lucky with the weather and the breeze was perfect. Walk the boardwalk and go to the other side and walk up to the observation tower and head back if you want to watch good amount of birds in less time & distance compare to the whole loop. We watched a whole lot of Great Egrets (White & Grey) , Swallow birds , Grey Cat birds , Red winged black birds, Sandpipers, Goose & we were lucky enough to find a woodpecker and yellow warblers as well. We also located couple of Swans far away in the pond. I highly recommend binoculars and a good camera if you are a bird lover. We had binoculars and looking at these birds through them was just gorgeous experience for us. I am going to head back to this place again next time to capture some great shorts with a good zoom lens camera. Highly recommend this place for bird watchers and also for people who just like to walk or run in great nature trails. The best thing there is no entrance fee.

Melissa Salguero

a month ago •

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to go birding! The boardwalk is beautifully maintained, offering easy access to stunning views and diverse bird species. The trail is very user-friendly and perfect for a leisurely stroll. It’s a fantastic spot to connect with nature and enjoy a peaceful day outdoors. Highly recommended for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike!

Gavin Blair

2 weeks ago •

Nature at its finest here. A very long circle loop trail with various side trails that is mostly flat, great for biking or long runs. Parts are gravel covered making it hard at times for things like strollers but it does provide more of a nature feel. Rare birds like the Eagle Nest is here, among others. Plenty of well built structures like the bridge across the water or other look-out posts provide great areas to rest or explore and sit and check out the binoculars. Highly recommend to come here if you like nature, walk your dog, go on a run, they have events and activities, trail is always well kept. Grew up coming here and have had great memories over my life like my picture of a Bull Frog fighting a Big snake!

devin dawson

2 months ago •

Ok I love this place so much!!!! But I wanna share that the part of Turkey Foot Trail with the 2 bridges is super overgrown to the point where the path was too narrow for me to walk through comfortably! Maybe I just wasn’t prepared for the type of hike and that’s how this trail is supposed to be, or it could need some maintenance. Just wanted to give a fair warning if you’re considering traveling on Turkey Foot Trail Also, there’s occasional rest points now but I wish there was more benches and rest areas along the trails

Joe Borowy

2 months ago •

Went for the first time today and didn't even know this place existed!! Right next to 95 and the trails are nice and easy to walk on. Go to the boardwalk if you're there and thank me later. Such a great memorial day weekend experience. Highly recommend!!