Berks County Parks
This map highlights the park systems owned by the County of Berks.
The Berks County Parks and Recreation system includes the Allegheny Aqueduct Historical Park, Antietam Lake Park/Angora Fruit Farm, and Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park. Within Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park are a number of recreational and historic areas including: Berks County Heritage Center, Berks Leisure Area, Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, Red Bridge Recreation Area, Stonecliffe Recreation Area, Union Canal Bicycle and Walking Trail, and the restored Union Canal Lock #47E.
Union Canal Towpath
Union Canal Towpath . Click to expand.
Part of the Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park System
Berks County Heritage Center
Berks County Heritage Center . Click to expand.
Part of the Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park System
Red Bridge Recreation Area
Red Bridge Recreation Area. Click to expand.
Part of the Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park System
Gring's Mill Recreation Area
Gring's Mill Recreation Area. Click to expand.
Part of the Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park System
Berks Leisure Area
Berks Leisure Area . Click to expand.
Part of the Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park System
Stonecliffe Recreation Area
Stonecliffe Recreation Area. Click to expand.
Part of the Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park System
Antietam Lake Park and Angora Fruit Farm
Antietam Lake Park and Angora Fruit Farm. Click to expand.
Antietam Lake Park is a county-owned park comprised of approximately 66 acres and includes Antietam Lake, woodlands, wetlands, and many historic structures, including the restored Valve House. The Park allows for multiple activities such as fishing, biking, hiking, and educational programs. Equestrians and pets are welcome on the Park’s 14 miles of trails.
Allegheny Aqueduct Historical Park and Beidler House
Allegheny Aqueduct Historical Park and Beidler House. Click to expand.
The Schuylkill Navigation Company built the Allegheny Aqueduct in 1824. This "bridge for boats" was needed for the water of the canal to successfully cross over the Allegheny Creek. Operation of the canal and aqueduct ended in 1931. Restoration of the Aqueduct took place in 199 and the structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Conrad Beidler built the Beidler House in 1783. The nearby grist mill, built in 1766, was destroyed by fire and only the stone walls remain. The house is open by appointment and for special programs.
Union Canal Towpath
Part of the Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park System
The Union Canal Bicycle & Walking Trail is a 4.5-mile-long crushed stone path that follows the Tulpehocken Creek between Stonecliffe Recreation Area and Reber’s Bridge Road. Designated as a National Recreation Trail, the Union Canal Trail provides a link to multiple Berks County Parks including Stonecliffe Recreation Area, the Berks Leisure Area, Red Bridge Park, Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, and the Berks County Heritage Center. At the southern terminus of the trail, at the Stonecliffe Recreation Area, the Union Canal Trail connects to the Schuylkill River Trail. Reber’s Bridge Road, the northern end of the Union Canal Trail, a 1.8-mile connector trail links the Union Canal path to the Blue Marsh Lake Trail System. This Connector Trail is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
Website: Union Canal Towpath Trial
Berks County Heritage Center
Part of the Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park System
The Berks County Heritage Center is a historic park that encompasses two museums, the Gruber Wagon Works, a National Historic Landmark, and the C. Howard Hiester Canal Center.
In addition, the site is home to several historical structures including Wertz’s Covered Bridge, Melcher's Grist Mill, Deppen Cemetery, Bicentennial Eagle Memorial, Fraternal Order of Police Memorial, Doctor's Grove, the Distlefink sculpture, an herb garden, Mildred the houseboat, the Epler’s One Room School House maintained/operated by the Friends of the Epler’s One Room School House), and many historic farm buildings related to the site’s previous use.
Tours of the museums are offered seasonally May through October along with several programs and special events hosted throughout the year. Year round restrooms and picnic tables are available.
Website: Heritage Center
Red Bridge Recreation Area
Part of the Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park System
The Red Bridge Recreation Area is located on Tulpehocken Road just below the actual bridge site. This small park features a picnic pavilion, seasonal restrooms, a badminton court, and easily accessible fishing on the Tulpehocken Creek.
Website: Red Bridge Recreation Area
Gring's Mill Recreation Area
Part of the Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park System
The historic buildings at Gring's Mill Recreation Area house the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department's administration and maintenance offices. An information center, group meeting facilities, and year-round restrooms are located in the adjoining barn. Recreation facilities include picnic areas, a pavilion, six tennis courts, an eighteen-station exercise course, one sand volleyball court, and a children's play area. A game court area features volleyball and shuffleboard courts, quoits, and horseshoe pits.
Seasonal group meeting facilities and year-round restrooms are located in the restored barn. Recreation facilities include picnic areas, a pavilion, six tennis courts, an eighteen-station exercise course, and a children's play area. A game court area features volleyball and shuffleboard courts, quoits, and horseshoe pits.
Gring’s Mill hosts a summer concert series, educational programs and the month long annual Holiday Lights program in December.
Web Link: Gring's Mill Recreation
Berks Leisure Area
Part of the Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park System
The 1940s era Sheeler House serves as the offices for the Park’s Recreation staff and headquarters for the Department’s Park Rangers. The Leisure Area includes a picnic pavilion, picnic tables, seasonal restrooms, and one pickleball court. The wood and iron foot bridge provides access to the Union Canal Bicycle and Walking Trail and marks the former location of a historic mule bridge used on the Union Canal.
Website: Berks Leisure Area
Stonecliffe Recreation Area
Part of the Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park System
Situated at the site of a former stone quarry, this park was the first developed in the park system. In 2003, the Action Park for skateboarders, bikers and in-line skaters opened to an enthusiastic audience. A combination football/soccer field, basketball and volleyball courts an exercise cluster and playground are all available for use, as well as seasonal restrooms, picnic tables and a fishing dock.
Website: Stonecliffe Recreation Area
Antietam Lake Park and Angora Fruit Farm
Antietam Lake Park is a county-owned park comprised of approximately 66 acres and includes Antietam Lake, woodlands, wetlands, and many historic structures, including the restored Valve House. The Park allows for multiple activities such as fishing, biking, hiking, and educational programs. Equestrians and pets are welcome on the Park’s 14 miles of trails.
Angora Fruit Farm’s 22 acres, added to the Parks system in 2013, is a former farm and commercial orchard. The area is being developed for nature related programing and exploration, and provides access to the Parks trails system.
Allegheny Aqueduct Historical Park and Beidler House
The Schuylkill Navigation Company built the Allegheny Aqueduct in 1824. This "bridge for boats" was needed for the water of the canal to successfully cross over the Allegheny Creek. Operation of the canal and aqueduct ended in 1931. Restoration of the Aqueduct took place in 199 and the structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Conrad Beidler built the Beidler House in 1783. The nearby grist mill, built in 1766, was destroyed by fire and only the stone walls remain. The house is open by appointment and for special programs.