The Schuylkill River Trail

As summer approaches around the corner with warmer weather and with many plants starting to bloom, it is a great time to explore various trails and areas around Philadelphia, weather on a bike or on foot. One such amazing trail includes the Schuylkill River Trail.

This beautiful trail is partially completed and runs along the Schuylkill in paved sections from Auburn to Hamburg, Reading to Pottstown and Oaks to South Street in Philadelphia. There are projects in progress to join these segments and it should span over a hundred miles when it is completed. There is a 27-mile-long paved stretch from Philadelphia to Valley Forge Historic Park with a huge amount of walking opportunities. Along the trail, evidence of industrial development, railroad transportation and production of iron and steel can be seen.

This trail goes through a variety of landscapes, including rural, urban, agricultural, and industrial land. There is definitely a lot to see while on the trail. This trail draws over 20,000 people each year.

The Schuylkill River Trail also passes through Wissahickon Creek in North Philadelphia, which is worth checking out. The Wissahickon name means “catfish creek” in Lenape language. There are dozens of miles of trails in Wissahickon Valley Park, a lush, 1,800-acre gorge, crossing forest and meadow and a jaw-dropping creek. Wissahickon feels like a breath of wilderness within a close proximity to Philadelphia.