Owl’s Nest Park, Doylestown Pa.

Quick, Easy. Great for Kids and Adults Alike!

Owl’s Nest Park, located in Plumstead Township in Doylestown is the perfect park for a quick walk by yourself our outing with the littles.

The park is located on Silo Hill Road (off Curly Hill) and nestled between a small housing development and Tohickon Middle School. You can get to this via Curly Hill off 611 or Route 313. If you take Silo Hill directly off 611, just note that this road is partially gravel.

Starting in the parking lot, you can go one of two ways: a small loop that goes into the woods and another trail that passes a pond towards the creek. If you cross the bridge after the pond you will end up on school property, which is prohibited during school hours. If you stay on the trail, you will hug the creek. When we visited in mid-March, the trail was grown over, so you could only go so far before having to turn back.

Quick Facts about Owl’s Nest Park:

• 26.16 acres
• Natural wildlife area open to walking
• ADA trail
• Boardwalks over wetlands
• Outdoor classroom with Educational Signage
• Picnic Area
• Fishing pond
• Parking lot fits about 6 cars

My 21 year old son, who grew up hiking with me, was home for a visit and was disappointed the trail wasn’t longer, as we were really enjoying it. I would have also preferred a longer hike, but I think this park is the perfect size if you have toddlers or younger children–just enough time to get out, stretch your legs, play in the creek or hang out by the pond and get back in the car and go home before hunger and crankiness set in! Because this park has an ADA trail, strollers and wheelchairs are easily accomodated.

The parking lot is right off the trail, so it’s less than five minutes to walk to the pond, as opposed to a larger park that may have you hiking 10 minutes to the entrance. I have visions of little ones running to see what’s going on at the pond, but there’s also a bench for those who would prefer to reflect with a cup of coffee on a quiet morning. And, much to my surprise there were restrooms located in the parking area.

My favorite part about this property are the signs that have been thoughtfully crafted to provide education about the importance of everything that lives and thrives on this park. Even in March, the buzz of life could be felt. We didn’t see any owls, but did see and hear lots of birds. I love the fact that this is literally an outdoor classroom, teaching the importance of pollinators and riparian buffers, bats, wetlands and where rain goes. This park is open to the public and if you wanted to bring a group in, just contact the township’s Public Works department to reserve a time.

Address: 5367 Silo Hill Road, Doylestown.

Enjoy!