I’m hearing that a part of the trail is completed in Pottstown. Where is it open?
You are right. Construction has been completed on a 1.5-mile segment that extends the trail from its current end at Keystone Boulevard to the Berks County Line. The trail crosses Old Reading Pike and Grosstown Roads. It is 12 feet wide with a macadam surface. Of course, no motorized vehicles will be permitted on the trail.
I also wonder about the new Audubon Loop Trail, which is part of the Schuylkill River Trail. Sounds exciting. Can you give me some information about the loop?
The Audubon Loop Trail is a new connection to the Montgomery County’s John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove. It starts at the Pawlings Road parking lot and extends to the Audubon center and then to Egypt Road where you cross the PennDOT bridge over the Perkiomen to reach the Perkiomen Trail. In all, the loop is 4.5 miles long. It’s exciting for the county because visitors to the Audubon center are now able to bicycle or walk from the main stem of the Schuylkill River Trail, AND the loop will give visitors a great short, diverse trail experience. The trail is macadam, and there is a steep hill to climb as you head toward the Audubon center from Egypt Road. Visitors should be prepared! Road bikes are fine for the entire Loop.
What is happening in Conshohocken? It looks like a new development is disrupting the trail. Please explain.
A new condominium development is adjacent to the trail at the intersection of W. Elm Street and Oak Street in Conshohocken Borough. As part of the construction, the developer built a new permanent trail along the Plymouth Creek and along the SEPTA Tracks to make the connection between Colwell Lane and Stoddard Street. The new trail makes a connection to the new Cross County Trail and will be wider than the existing Trail area with new landscaping and connections to the new condos.
When you opened the new section west of Betzwood, I noticed a lot of fencing. Why?
Good Question. The trail in that section passes through the Valley Forge National Historical Park. Due to environmental concerns, the park service has asked the county to restrict access from the trail to a couple of points where official trails are located. For the entire length of the trail from Philadelphia to Oaks, visitors are asked to stay on the trail and to access the trail to and from clearly marked places. This restricted access is very important for various reasons, including private ownership outside the actual trail limits and for environmental purposes.
During the winter, I often like to ride for recreation and for some commuting. I notice that the trail is not plowed right after a storm. Will this change?
The trail will not be plowed regularly. You may have to wait a day or so for our crews to complete plowing. In the meantime, the trail can be used for cross-country skiing.
