French Creek State Park covers a broad sweep of wooded hills southeast of Reading, with lakes, picnic areas, and a large trail network. It is one of the better outdoor escapes in this part of Pennsylvania, especially if you want hiking without driving all the way to the Poconos.
The park has routes for walkers, mountain bikers, and horse riders, plus fishing and boating on its lakes. It is worth a half day if you have a car and want a break from towns and highways.