Authored By: The Circuit Trails | February 8, 2019

It can be easy to fall into a typical Valentine’s Day routine. Chocolates, flowers, a nice dinner, an overpriced card… you know the works. But why should you have to do the same things every year? This year, why not shake up the plan and celebrate your love on the Circuit Trails? Allow us to be your personal Cupid – we’ve curated a perfect guide to help you find the best Valentine’s Day plans in and around the Circuit Trails, no matter your style. We hope you love these ideas as much as we do!

Photo by Allen Jones

For The Digital Darlings

Are you and your significant other social media sweethearts? We know some of the most scenic spots in the city that are sure to help you create posts that will have your followers swooning! To truly be #couplegoals, treat your sweetie to a Valentine’s Day photoshoot #onthecircuit! You can go big-time and hire a local photographer to do the snapping, or you can keep it intimate and be each other’s photogs for the day. A perfect place for this? The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail in New Jersey, which offers a scenic route along two canal systems.

From the quaint wooden bridges to stone-arched culverts, you’ll have lots of different locations to use as your backdrop. It’s a serene, flat trail so you won’t break too much of a sweat – and you’ll still be picture-perfect. Frame your favorite shots or share them on social media to keep the memories alive long after Valentine’s Day. (P.S. – we want to see these pictures, too! Tag us on social and use #onthecircuit.)

Photo courtesy Runner’s World

For The Big Question

When love is in the air on Valentine’s Day, anything can happen – including plenty of proposals! If you’re thinking about popping the question this year, you’ll need a jaw-dropping background. Look no further than the Delaware River Trail! With stunning views the Ben Franklin Bridge and Camden as well as the Delaware River, your significant other will be so wowed by the moment they’ll be sure to say yes. As a post-proposal celebration, stop by the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing for the Sweetheart Skates event right along the trail! Skating together with a beautiful view will be sure to have your fiancé smitten.

Photo by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation

For The Love Birds

Grab your Valentine and head to Tacony Creek Park for a bit of bird watching! Playing host to variety of bird, plant and animal species, Tacony Creek Park is perfect for the nature lover in all of us. If you can get your hands on one, grab a copy of the Takoony/Tacony-Frankford Watershed’s Bird Guide so you’ll know exactly what species you might find, and where. To explore the full park and spot as many species as possible, travel along the Tacony Creek Park Trail.

Want to continue the romance beyond Valentine’s Day? Head back out to the Tacony Creek Park for the National Audubon Society’s Great Backyard Bird Count on February 18!

For the Solo Valentine

Who says Valentine’s Day is just for couples? It’s a day of love, so grab anyone you care about – friends, family, you name it – and take a walk together. Exploring nature can be a unique way to disconnect from the busy world and focus on spending time with those you cherish. You can always visit your favorite trail or show a friend a trail they’ve never seen before. If you want our suggestion, we think Pennypack Trail in Philadelphia County is a great place to start! With 14-miles of trail you’ll be able to spend plenty of quality time with the people you love. If you go during the day, pack a lunch and have yourself a picnic in the scenic Pennypack Park!

Whatever you decide, spend your Valentine’s Day doing something you love – #onthecircuit and beyond. Happy Heart Day!