Green Lane Park is a splendid family destination. Surrounding its three forested lakes are miles of trails that take full advantage of the beauty of the park’s rugged upper Montgomery County setting, and accommodate all levels of hikers, from beginners to old hands. The woods are rich in birds and wildlife.

A paddle in the quiet Green Lane Reservoir is a great way to take in the scenery. Kayaks may be rented at the Hill Road Day Use Area. The smaller, less scenic Deep Creek Lake can be paddled from the Deep Creek Lake boat rental area, where canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats are available. Both lakes also provide opportunities for fishing; Deep Creek is stocked with trout in spring.

On land, 25 miles of hiking trails wind through the woods. For young kids, easy options are the 2-mile Hemlock Point Trail, a woods trail loop with several lakeside openings in the seldom-used Hemlock Point Day Use Area, and the 1-mile Whitetail Nature Trail, a self-guided nature loop that heads up a stream valley in the Hill Road Day Use Area. In the Deep Creek Day Use Area, the Orange Trail is a long but easy loop that is primarily a woods walk with some creek crossings. For older kids, try parts of the more challenging Blue and Red trails around the reservoir’s rocky perimeter; see the park map for details about reaching these trails. (Note: Mountain bikes and horses are permitted on all trails except for Hemlock Point Trail.)

In snowy winters, the trails are popular for snowshoeing and skiing, as they offer great lake views through the woods.

Biking in the park is also popular. A 4-mile section of the multiuse, naturalsurface, 20-mile Perkiomen Trail begins in Green Lane and passes through the Deep Creek Day Use Area; this section is suitable for kids 8 and up. A 1.5-mile connector trail leads to it from Hemlock Point (this route offers easy riding, though there is one steep, paved hill that may be difficult for young bikers).

The park also features 30 primitive family tenting campsites, picnic areas, playgrounds, and playfields. Green Lane even has an equestrian campground limited to campers with horses.

Remember: Swimming and private boats are prohibited in the lakes.

Explore the Perkiomen Trail.
 

It’s best to bring snacks and a picnic.