Explore the Watershed

Armentrout Preserve

Trail Head

End of Beale Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422

Length

1 Mile

Difficulty

Moderate

Amenities

Parking, Leashed dogs, Birding Hotspot, Picnic Area or Benches, Equestrian Trail

Trail Overview

Looking for a walk that’s off the beaten path? Search no further than the 58-acre Armentrout Preserve in Whitpain Township. This quiet preserve features young and old forests as well as sweeping meadows and natural, unpaved trails for walkers and equestrians. Here you’ll see several kinds of habitats and feel immersed in nature.

When you arrive at Armentrout, choose between two walking paths. The Armentrout loop trail is 0.7 miles long and begins on the east side of the parking lot. This loop connects with the Camp Woods trail via a trail that crosses a private driveway at 410 Morris Road. The Horseways/Whitpain trail through the woods is just over 1 mile and begins on the west side of the parking lot. Both trails offer hilly terrain.

After walking, take advantage of the picnic table at the intersection of the two trails for a snack or water break.

Trail Details

Parking

End of Beale Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422
Google Maps
Directions
Before You Go
General Trail Rules & Information
Other Info

The Armentrout loop trail is 0.7 mile; the Horseways/Whitpain trail through woods is just over 1 mile.

WHAT YOU MIGHT SEE

Most of Armentrout is made up of shrub-scrub meadow. As you walk, you will see a diversity of native plants, such as young Eastern red cedar and white pine trees, common milkweed, and a sea of goldenrod. If you look closely, you may spot some of the insects that call Armentrout home, including the meadow fritillary butterfly, milkweed beetle, and purple-backed cabbage worm moth. A small stream, which is a tributary to the Wissahickon Creek, also flows through Armentrout and creates a wetland area. This environment is home to Northern ring-necked and Eastern garter snakes (neither of which are venomous to humans), and green and pickerel frogs.

Margaret Rohdei

Trail History

Virginia Armentrout

In 1997, Wissahickon Trails learned that local resident Virginia Armentrout planned to sell most of her 50+ acres of farm fields and forested groves. Together with neighbors and the Whitpain Township government, we worked with Ms. Armentrout to purchase the land and turn it into open space that the community can enjoy.