Trails

Neal Thorpe Trail - Located above the Lock 60 Recreation Area in Mont Clare, PA, the Neal Thorpe Trail follows the Schuylkill river North to the Upper Schuylkill Valley Park. Known to many as "The Ravines", because of the three ravines that provide entry points to the upper trails, these trails will give you some nice elevation change, technical terrain at times, and a few stream crossings.

Pickering Creek Trail - The Pickering Creek Dam Trail has some historical significance, as back in the 1900's they would dam up the area in the winter in order to collect ice which would be shipped to Philadelphia. The trail along the creek is relatively flat, and obstacle free, with an old bridge in the middle to get across the creek. There is a second trail that runs along the top of the ridge, once you cross the bridge near Bird Ln. The upper trail runs parallel to a housing development, and the trail to get there is fairly steep. One section even has a rope to help you get up over a small ridge, which can be a bit icy/slippery during the winter months. Expect to see dog-walkers, nature photographers, and trout fishermen along the trail.

Valley Forge National Historical Park - Established as the first state park of Pennsylvania in 1893, Valley Forge has miles of trails to explore. A favorite starting point of mine is the Yellow Springs Trail Parking lot because of its close proximity to Mount Misery and Mount Joy, two "mountains" divided by Valley Creek. If you're looking for vert, this is one of the best places to get some in the area. On the North side of the Schuylkill river, you'll find additional trails, popular with mountain bikers, but also good for running. Good starting points on that side are Betzwood Park or the parking lot off of Pawlings Rd.

French Creek Trail - Approximately two miles in length, the French Creek Trail is a nice flat trail that follows ... drum roll please... French Creek. The trail has three entrances - on the east side off of Township Line Road, in the middle off of Rapps Dam Road, and on the west side off of Hares Hill Road. While open year-round, the trail is particularly great in the summer months when you could jump into the creek to cool off!

Natural Lands' Bryn Coed Preserve - The Bryn Coed Preserve is a 1,505 acre "mosaic of forest and farmland" that was acquired by the Natural Lands organization in 2017. The preserve has well maintained and gently rolling hills which are popular with hikers, runners, and cross-country skiers. The trails on the East side of the park are mainly in open fields, or run adjacent to wooded areas, but the West side has a couple nice forested areas including a hill towards the end of the Red Trail. The main entrance with ample parking is off of Flint Rd, but there is also a smaller parking lot (5-6 spots) on the West side off of Miller Rd, and a larger parking lot and access at Bryn Coed Township Park off of Saint Matthews Rd.