Berks County is blessed with some excellent trails for hiking and walking.

While some are challenging, even for experienced hikers, others are easy enough for children and novice hikers.

Regardless of your interest or fitness level, you probably can find a trail on which to enjoy the fall weather and changing foliage.

These are just a few of the many trails available throughout Berks and in surrounding counties.

The Union Canal Bicycle and Walking Trail

This is an easy, level path that runs along the Tulpehocken Creek and contains points of interest such as a covered bridge and the Gruber Wagon Works.

The path is about 4.2 miles one way, running from the Stonecliffe Recreation Area in Reading and ending at Reber’s Bridge Road in Bern Township.

From there, you can get on the Union Canal Connector Trail and connect to a trail system at the Blue Marsh Recreation Area. This trail also is accessible from Gring’s Mill Recreation Area in Spring Township.

Get more information at bit.ly/2ioLC3A.

Nolde Forest

Located in Cumru Township, Nolde is home to 10 miles of trails, some of which are handicapped accessible.

Trails range from wide and easy walking to rocky and more challenging. Trail loops can be joined to create longer hikes. Maps are available at the parking area near Nolde Environmental Education Center.

You can read more about the various trails at bit.ly/2h8FnnU.

Neversink Mountain Preserve

The preserve provides beautiful views of the city of Reading, and is home to a variety of animals and plants.

Managed by Berks Nature, the trails surround the city and are accessible from various locations.

The most popular vistas are the City Overlook and McIIvain Pavilion, known as the Witch’s Hat.

You can download trail maps for Neversink and the other trails managed by Berks Nature at www.berksnature.org/trails.

Hawk Mountain

Head to Hawk Mountain in Albany Township and enjoy a hike on the 8-plus miles of trails located there.

About 75,000 people visit the location every year to hike, attend events and watch for predatory birds. The migration season is underway, so now’s the perfect time to take a short, easy walk, or a more challenging hike over rocky trails.

Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and, if possible, visit during the week, as weekends get crowded at this time of year.

You can get descriptions of all the different Hawk Mountain trails at bit.ly/2yp0slq.

French Creek State Park

The park, which spans parts of Robeson and Union townships in Berks County and parts of North Coventry and Warwick townships in Chester County, is home to more than 35 miles of marked trails, with trailhead parking available in convenient areas.

Nine trails range in length from 1 to 8 miles. None of the hikes are considered easy, so choose a length that you’ll be able to handle.

You can get descriptions of the trails at bit.ly/2A404VT, and download a detailed trail map at bit.ly/2A1DSM8.

Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop

This may be one of the most difficult hikes found in Berks County, but the payoffs are huge. Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle are considered to be the best Appalachian Trail vistas in Pennsylvania, making the steep climb well worth the effort.

Park in a lot at the Hamburg water treatment plant to start the approximately 8.5-mile loop. Make sure you have proper footwear, as some of the trail is very steep and rocky.

You can read more about this hike and download a map at www.midatlantichikes.com/pulpitrock-pinnacle.htm.

Daniel Boone Homestead

Hikers are welcome to use the equestrian trails at the Daniel Boone Homestead in Exeter Township, as well as the paved roads around the historical site. There also is a trail around a small lake that home to numerous varieties of waterfowl.

While there is no cost to use these trails and roads, hikers who wish to walk on the gravel paths within the historic area must enter through the visitor center and pay a $3 grounds fee.

All of these paths are easy hiking and family friendly. You can access a map of the equestrian trails at www.danielboonehomestead.org/recreation.html.