South Hill: Trails, Forests and History

South Hill combines paved trails, wooded parks, wetlands, an artificial lake and historic traces with the shopping opportunities at South Hill Mall. Those planning a trip with a variety of interests will find opportunities here both for an active day outdoors and for quieter discoveries. When searching for a vacation rental, you can therefore consider whether nature experiences, history or a diverse range of shopping and dining options should be the focus of your trip.

Discover Forest Trails and Wetlands

A notable starting point for walks is South Hill Community Park. Its paved trails are connected to the Nathan Chapman Memorial Trail and the Heritage Recreation Center. The Nathan Chapman Memorial Trail leads through forests and wetlands, offering a landscape experience that clearly differs from a purely park- or shopping-focused outing. For your daily planning, you can view the trail as a nature experience while taking into account the transition between wooded sections and wetter landscape areas.

Wildwood Park also places a clear emphasis on nature. The site covers 80 acres, 55 of which are naturally wooded. In addition to fitness trails, there are several other trails. This allows you to plan your visit in different ways: you can deliberately choose a fitness trail or use the available trails as an opportunity to explore the park at your own pace. Another historic feature is also located in Wildwood Park: The water tank was built in 1928, has been out of service since the 1950s and can still be viewed.

Lakeside Scenery and Open Park Areas

Bradley Lake Park is located in the South Hill neighborhood, covers almost 60 acres and is predominantly wooded. It lies along a 13-acre lake created by peat bog excavation and the construction of a dam. This history of its creation gives the landscape a distinctive historical dimension. If being surrounded by nature at your destination is important when choosing your accommodation, Bradley Lake can be an important factor in shaping the focus of your stay.

A different park setting awaits you at Meridian Habitat Park and Community Center, also known locally as Puyallup Amphitheatre. The 36-acre wooded park includes a community center and a large lawn. The park can be reached via Pierce Transit bus route 402. This specific bus connection may be a factor in your planning if you do not want to organize your excursions exclusively by car.

History Along the Pioneer Trail

In addition to nature, South Hill offers connections to the region's past. The Heritage Recreation Center is located in the South Hill Heritage Corridor. The site features historical markers about the Pioneer Trail. Together with the historic water tank in Wildwood Park, this creates a travel experience in which history is visible not only in a single building but at various locations in the surrounding landscape and parks. Visitors interested in historical development and local memorial sites can easily combine this focus with walks.

Shopping and Dining as a Separate Part of the Day

South Hill Mall is a regional shopping center with well-known anchor stores as well as unique, modern stores for home and fashion. South Hill Mall also includes a covered food court and more than half a dozen independent restaurants adjacent to the property. This makes the mall an independent contrast to the wooded parks and trails. You can plan your time there as a shopping day or include the selection of stores and restaurants in your considerations if you do not want every day of your trip to be devoted exclusively to nature.

South Hill as a Starting Point for Different Interests

The different landscapes and experience areas make South Hill a destination where your preferred daily activities can usefully guide your accommodation search. Nature enthusiasts can incorporate park and trail experiences into their daily plans, while those interested in culture can take the historical markers and water tank into account. Anyone who prefers variety can combine walks, history and South Hill Mall over several days of travel. Find other places for your trip planning under Lakewood, Sumner, Graham, Buckley, Eatonville, University Place, Ashford and Puyallup.

For the main travel overview: Pierce.