trails: Home Of The Schuylkill River Trail

Montgomery County, PA

P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404-0311
Courthouse Hours: 8:30a.m. to 4:15p.m.
Phone: 610-278-3000
Website: www.montcopa.org

Schuylkill River Trail

Map

The Schuylkill River Trail is a 13.5-mile multiuse trail that runs from Philadelphia to Oaks.  It was built on the Pennsylvania Railroad right-of-way and parallels the scenic Schuylkill River as it passes through various townships and boroughs.  The trail is a popular destination for biking, rollerblading, jogging, and walking.  It is recognized as a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Trails System.  We are currently in the process of extending the trail from Oaks to Mont Clare.  (Click here to view the feasibility report for the Schuylkill River Trail extension from Oaks to Mont Clare).  The trail is administered by Lower Perkiomen Valley Park (610.666.5371).

New Segment Opens on Schuylkill River Trail
An additional segment has been completed on the Schuylkill River Trail.  This
2-mile segment extends the popular Schuylkill River Trail from Oaks, where it intersects with the Perkiomen Trail, to Mont Clare.  It is now possible to travel 25 miles from Center City Philadelphia to the village of Mont Clare.  With this opening, the Pottstown segment is the only remaining portion of the Schuylkill River Trail that needs to be completed in Montgomery County.  Chester County is moving forward with its portion of the project, which will eventually result in a 60-mile recreational trail from Philadelphia to Reading.   
 

New Project Announced

Montgomery County, with the assistance of Upper Providence Township, is beginning an exciting new project to restore the historic Schuylkill Canal towpath in Port Providence, Montgomery County.  Campbell Thomas and Company, a Philadelphia consulting firm, has been chosen to complete the design engineering for the project.

 

Once the restoration is complete, the tow path will serve as a part of the Schuylkill River Trail for walking and bicycling.  Road bicycles will be encouraged to share the roadway between Longford Road and Route 29.  Please visit the canal restoration page for regular updates and meeting notices. 

 

Important Information for Trail Users      

Trail Construction - Norristown

Construction activities will be taking place on the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown from the transportation center west to Chain Street.  The project, which will begin on Monday, May 5, 2008 and continue for approximately three weeks, involves trail widening and resurfacing.  The trail will remain open at all times.

 

Oaks Stone Arch Bridge Now Open

The Oaks stone arch bridge over the Perkiomen Creek is now open to trail users.  Click here to view the construction work as it progressed to completion.

Trail Construction - Plymouth Township
The Schuylkill River Trail in Plymouth Township will be affected by construction activities beginning in September 2007.  A new railroad line will be installed adjacent to the trail between Conshohocken and Norristown, which may require short-term trail closures.  Work activities may extend into the winter, weather permitting.  Bicyclists and pedestrians should take note that workers will be stopping traffic on the Schuylkill River Trail during times when heavy equipment or grading activities may compromise the safety of the trail user.  The project will involve construction of a temporary trail, separated by a barrier, so that trail traffic will remain uninterrupted during most of the construction period.  However, trail users should be prepared for delays.  Signs will be placed on the trail approaches to the construction work, warning trail users of possible closures.  For construction updates, please visit the county's trail Web site or call 610.278.3557.