Chester County · outdoor
French Creek State Park
One of the most underused big parks in Chester County. 7,730 acres with 35+ miles of trails, a pool at Hopewell Lake, disc golf, fishing, and a nature center with seasonal programs. The pool admission is $13/person which is hard to beat for a full day outdoors. Download trail maps before you arrive — cell service is unreliable.
Source record checked 2026-09-01
French Creek is one of the largest state parks in southeastern Pennsylvania and gets a fraction of the attention Marsh Creek does. The 35+ miles of trails range from easy loops to serious hikes, and the park's size means you genuinely feel remote even though you're in Chester County. The pool at Hopewell Lake runs through Labor Day — $13 per person, with a dedicated shallow area for small swimmers. Disc golf course is free and a surprisingly fun add-on for older kids. If you're considering an overnight, camping and cabin rentals are available via 888-PA-PARKS.
Know before you go
Restrooms with flush toilets are available at bathhouse buildings near the pool and picnic areas, and picnic tables are set up throughout the park with a large grove near the pool. Parking is free (the pool has its own separate admission fee). The pool schedule shifts from year to year (a 2026-season opening delay was announced in May), so call ahead or check the DCNR page before planning a pool trip. One recent review of the main playground noted there's little shade directly over the equipment, though the surrounding trails are heavily wooded. Leashed dogs are welcome.
- Address
- 843 Park Rd, Elverson, PA 19520
- Hours
- Grounds open daily 8a–dusk. Pool open seasonally, Mon 11a–5:45p, Thu–Fri 11a–5:45p, Sat–Sun 11a–6:45p (closed Tue & Wed). Pool opening dates vary year to year — confirm before you go.
- Parking
- Multiple lots throughout the park. Free to enter the grounds; pool has a separate $13/person admission. Main lot near the visitor center is the best starting point.
- Crowds
- Far less crowded than Marsh Creek despite being larger. The trails in particular feel genuinely wild — you can go an hour without seeing another person. Pool gets busy on hot summer weekends.
- Good for
- Toddlers, Preschool, Kids, Tweens, Teens
- Type
- outdoor
- Price
- $$$$
- Seasons
- spring, summer, fall
Know before you go
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Parking
- Free
- Picnic tables
- Yes
- Dogs
- Yes
- Drive time
- ~40 min from West Chester
- Drive time
- ~30 min from Exton
- Drive time
- ~30 min from Downingtown
Sources: pa.gov, reading.macaronikid.com
Make this plan work for your family
Check current opening information before leaving. Need a different kind of outing?
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