Montgomery County, PA

The Trail

The 19-mile Perkiomen Trail runs through the Perkiomen Creek Valley from its junction with the Schuylkill River Trail at Oaks, Upper Providence Township to the largest County Park, Green Lane Park.  Most of the trail is a 10-foot wide cinder or stone aggregate (non-paved) surface with grass shoulders.  Selected sections are paved where deemed appropriate.

The multi-use trail follows the Perkiomen Creek and connects three County parks (Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, Central Perkiomen Valley Park, and Green Lane Park) and two County historic sites (Mill Grove at Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary and Pennypacker Mills).  It passes directly through ten (10) municipalities making connections to numerous municipal parks and open spaces along the scenic waterway.  The trail provides access to Valley Forge National Historical Park via its connection to the Schuylkill River Trail extension.

The trail is an important regional amenity and landmark; it provides a wealth of benefits to nearby communities by:

• Preserving a greenway link, along the Perkiomen Creek;
• Serving as both a recreation and a transportation resource;
• Providing access to the creek, for sightseeing, fishing and other water related recreation.
• Enhancing property values; and
• Contributing to local economies by bringing new customers to existing businesses and by creating a demand for new services.

The Perkiomen Trail is more than simply an independent corridor – it is part of a larger, interconnected trail network planned for Montgomery County that encompasses a total of 160 miles.

Perkiomen Trail Mileage Chart

Historical Background

The principal alignment of the proposed Perkiomen Trail follows an abandoned railroad bed that is inherently suited for trail development because of its level grade and stable base.  The former railroad bed remains largely intact as an open space corridor.

A greenway and a trail along the Perkiomen Creek had been visions of local and County government officials since the 1970's.  Most planning studies involving the Perkiomen Creek Valley include this greenway concept, and the County's purchase of the railroad corridor in 1978 was a result of those earlier planning efforts.  The trail concept has remained as an important element for County Park planning.  The trail is one of 12 regional trails recommended in the County’s newly advised Open Space Plan.

County, state, and federal funding is in place to proceed with planning, design, acquisition and construction of the trail.

Home