Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center
Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center
Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center
4.5
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
40 reviews
Excellent
29
Very good
8
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Russell S
Wyomissing, PA25 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
At around 5 sq. miles, this is PA's smallest state forest, but 11+ miles of trails offer a lot of options for interesting hikes from 1 - 4 miles.The Watershed Trail and Boulevard are the most popular paths, both well groomed and easily accessed from the main Sawmill and Mansion parking lots off Rte. 625. The latter is usually closed on Sundays, and if Sawmill is packed you may be able to find a spot in the lesser known lots on Church and Oregon Rds., which border the park on the north and west respectively.
The old stone mansion (now the park offices) is cool, and markers around it share old photos and the interesting history of the building and property when it was the Nolde family estate. The newer environmental center near the parking offers a good slate of nature programs for the public, especially kids.
For the casual observer, there's not an abundance of obvious wildlife here, though birders seem to frequent the forest during migratory seasons. Expert birding aside, full-time fauna seems to be limited to deer, a couple pileated woodpeckers, and the occasional squirrel trying to stay from the occasional hawk. The keen-eyed may also find fingerling trout in the stream.
The highest points in the park proper are along the Boulevard loop, but the thick woods make good views scant, especially during the summer. You can get a glimpse through the trees from the rock outcrop at the far end of the loop, and a clean shot down the arrow-straight swath recently cleared over the pipeline that cuts through the park, but that's about it.
Just because it's small doesn't mean you can't get lost in Nolde Forest. Maps are available in the main parking lots and all of the trails are well marked, yet a surprising number of visitors seem to get turned around. So either grab a map, pay attention, or keep in mind that the Watershed stream runs through the middle of the park like a spine, and eventually flows past the Sawmill parking lot. One other caution: Nolde reputedly has more than its fair share of deer ticks carrying Lyme disease, which can be avoided by keeping your feet and dog on the trails.
The old stone mansion (now the park offices) is cool, and markers around it share old photos and the interesting history of the building and property when it was the Nolde family estate. The newer environmental center near the parking offers a good slate of nature programs for the public, especially kids.
For the casual observer, there's not an abundance of obvious wildlife here, though birders seem to frequent the forest during migratory seasons. Expert birding aside, full-time fauna seems to be limited to deer, a couple pileated woodpeckers, and the occasional squirrel trying to stay from the occasional hawk. The keen-eyed may also find fingerling trout in the stream.
The highest points in the park proper are along the Boulevard loop, but the thick woods make good views scant, especially during the summer. You can get a glimpse through the trees from the rock outcrop at the far end of the loop, and a clean shot down the arrow-straight swath recently cleared over the pipeline that cuts through the park, but that's about it.
Just because it's small doesn't mean you can't get lost in Nolde Forest. Maps are available in the main parking lots and all of the trails are well marked, yet a surprising number of visitors seem to get turned around. So either grab a map, pay attention, or keep in mind that the Watershed stream runs through the middle of the park like a spine, and eventually flows past the Sawmill parking lot. One other caution: Nolde reputedly has more than its fair share of deer ticks carrying Lyme disease, which can be avoided by keeping your feet and dog on the trails.
Written 24 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asprkl
151 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
We wanted an outdoorsy type day that wasn't too crazy. We found the Forrest after a bit of a GPS adventure. If you have trouble, just keep driving, you'll see an alternate entrance and parking lot.
We walked and followed different trails. They are well marked and there are even signs naming the trails or roads.
It smells like a beautiful forest, and it is..it just hits you. And it's relaxing. Your cell phone won't even work. Its not far from civilization, but it definitely feels like you are took a step away from the world here.
Take a small backpack with water and snacks. Maybe some bug spray too. Will definitely go back.
We walked and followed different trails. They are well marked and there are even signs naming the trails or roads.
It smells like a beautiful forest, and it is..it just hits you. And it's relaxing. Your cell phone won't even work. Its not far from civilization, but it definitely feels like you are took a step away from the world here.
Take a small backpack with water and snacks. Maybe some bug spray too. Will definitely go back.
Written 3 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kota281
Reading, PA91 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
When hiking among Nolde Forest's many trails it is easy to escape the suburban sprawl. Although the trails are not exceptionally scenic it is a great place to escape ashalt and concrete. The trails consist of hiking amongst trees. If you are not familiar with the forest's lay-out it could be a little confusing even though the trails do have signs. I would highly suggest obtaining a map of the forest at the parking lot. I usually hike for about two hours. I prefer to start my hike at the Sawmill Parking lot and hike uphill. However, there are trails which are relatively flat. Also, there are restrooms and a few picnic tables for visitors to use. Enjoy!
Written 29 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jkurtz1027
Wyomissing, PA18 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
I heard stories of cars being broken into at Nolde Forest last summer but never expected it to happen during the snow covered winter. Just after arriving at Lot 3 on Oregon Road on 1/31/16, a silver sedan with out of state plates and very dark tinted windows suspiciously drove by turned around and drove past again. The red flags we up but we decided to start our walk anyway. Literally, a few minutes into the walk, the same car drove down the road again. My husband and I had a bad feeling and decided to go back to the car, only to find the car window smashed and my purse stollen.
As nice as it is to walk the trails at Nolde Forest, I will never go back.
As nice as it is to walk the trails at Nolde Forest, I will never go back.
Written 1 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LouisePennsylvania
Pennsylvania140 contributions
Nov 2016 • Family
The trails are well maintained and fairly well marked. The park ranger is willing to give additional information about the difficulty level of the trails. There are many easy ones, yet there are challenging ones, too. Lots of gentle up & down to get a good work-out. Interesting mansion.
Written 6 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah S
Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, United States24 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
A hidden gem! Over 600 acres of wooded forest with over 10 miles of trails. Be aware that if you use your iPhone to get to the forest from the east, it will tell you that you have arrived at your destination well before the destination. Just continue on the main road and you will get there after another intersection. The mansion is amazing, and used as the park office. Pay attention to all of the hand made door handles and hinges. They are all different, and very detailed. The trails are shaded by trees, and marked, but there are a foot paths that are in the mix and may confuse newcomers. There are wide "roads" and narrower "trails." Look for the wooden trail markers to be sure you are on an official trail. There are picnic tables near the mansion parking lot, and more tables and restrooms near the sawmill parking lot.
Written 17 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris M
Old Airport33 contributions
Jul 2013 • Solo
Whether you want to stroll or study, run or read, hike or...well, let's just say that Nolde offers experiences for young and old. So, get out and experience the fresh air of the forest.
Written 28 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xjfive
Reading, PA14 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
The parking area is not secure and make sure to hide anything you don't want stolen. Otherwise it could be an excellent place to take a quick hike.
Written 14 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tari L
Pennsylvania1,856 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
We went to Nolde Forest for a short hike. My only complaint was that the park gates were closed and we could not enter through the main gate (due to snow). However, we did park at one of the trail heads and were able to access the park. The trails are well kept and marked (although the map provided did not exactly match up with the trails). We checked out the park office, which although closed, was beautiful. We hiked for about 5.5 miles through moderate trails. Very nice. We will be going back.
Written 4 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelissaY833
Freehold, NJ17 contributions
Nov 2017 • Family
I went with my husband and two teenage (13&15) children. And our dog. There are several trails. Most were easy to walk. Some were hilly, so appropriate shoes are recommended, although I managed with my Uggs. Most of the trails were clearly labeled. There were a couple of intersections that were not marked which confused us a little even with the map.
Written 1 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was just wondering if this place allows metal detecting on the property. Would love to detect and dig up some history!
Written 17 March 2018
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