John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum — Attraction in Philadelphia

The Heinz should be considered a Philadelphia treasure. That such an environment (the largest freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania) is preserved in a bustling urban environment is truly commendable. And don't worry you'll be reminded that it is in an urban environment due to its proximity to I-95 and International Airport.

But let's get to the chase. While their might be larger, closer, and more developed parks to Philadelphia, i wonder if many of them have the natural visible wildlife diversity as the Heinz. On my visit, i caught a glimpse of a muskrat, several herrings, egrets, and rabbits, as well as heard a number of other birds i wasn't able to identify visually. The Heinz also has an extensive trail network (with the main loop around the pond/lake/lagoon being just over 3mi long) very well-marked. The trails are for the most part wide and improved enough for cycling, hiking, and jogging (activities which were going on during my visit). They also are relativity flat, making it easy for the beginner in these activities. Other activities are as well, such as fishing and kayaking. It's also nice to see that areas in which certain activities can and cannot take place are well-marked. The Heinz features a visitor/interpretative center on the grounds as well as plenty of parking. The Lindbergh entrance is not the only access point to the refuge, but it is the one with the most parking, information (where the visitor center is located), and access to activities.

That's not to say their aren't drawbacks. Your easily reminded that you're in an urban environment. While i can't speak for the refuge as a whole, but at least around the impoundment trail your can constantly hear the roar of engines from the airport (which is only a couple of miles away). The southern portions of the park also abut to I-95 and an active rail line. Both of which can produce plenty of noise, but are somewhat dampened by the vegetation. Don't be surprised to find some unsavory characters in the park or in the parking lot (where i noticed a couple soliciting for something). You are in an urban area. But the one big problem i had was getting to the Heinz. The signage directing you to it is almost non-existent. My recommendation, if you're not familiar with the area, bring a map or directions, otherwise you could easily just drive by it.

regardless though, if your want a nice day to explore a natural habitat that you don't find in SE Pennsylvania, i...

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...

This is a secreted gem nestled in the middle of a busy suburbia / airport. The area is quite large, and it is snugly pressed against I95. But it is so lush and rich, that you could easily escape the hustle of life. The only time reality crashes in is when the nearby business engages their mechanical hammering - but even this is muffled.

Still, there are long trails of various types. You'll find a well maintained handicap (wheelchair) accessible trail that leads you to well built boardwalks. There are magnifying lenses installed to view the vast wildlife in this area, including handicapped/wheelchair friendly viewing stations.

There are hard-pressed trails that will take you to several nature blinds and outlook stations. There is a major, double-decker bird watching station which will give any birder a perfect view of migratory birds. There are biking trails, and hiking trails. People come here for various reasons: nature walking, trail hiking, bike riding, bird-watching, butterfly watching, migratory bird observation, and fishing.

Recently they've enhanced their kayaking services and dock. Now they are offering kayaking tours.

I strongly recommend everyone stop by here to escape the world.

There are no food services on sight, but there is a small visitor's center, providing restroom and information. You'll also find a small shop where you can support this naturally important estuary. Enhancements are always underway, with plans to connect this large nature reserve to a...