I rode this trail on Sunday June 26th and had a great ride. This is a very good trail but not a great one. I saw every thing from full suspension Mt bikes to road bikes on the trail. About 80% of the trail is under a tree canape and on a hot summer sunny day that is a blessing. There were mile markers every half mile and by in large the trail is well marked. This is another family friendly trail that is very near a large population. Just below Spring Mt there is a 12% grade for about a 1/4 of a mile, not fun going up but a great ride down. There are a lot of bench's from one end of the trail to the other. The south end was much busier then the north end. The high light of the trip for me was the Pennsylvania Live Steam Railroad at mile marker 8, I am a kid at hart.

Was in town for a wedding and ,per the recommendation of a local running store, ran this trail. I ran a 9 mile section (4.5 out and back)starting at the parking area at the intersection of RTs 113 and 29 going south. I wanted a place that I could run early in the morning while still dark . After getting multiple opinions that it was safe to run in the dark I found the parking area to be tidy, porta-john reasonably clean, overpasses free of graffiti etc. The trail is mostly crushed gravel with small portions that are paved. In Collegeville, the trail is a little tricky to follow if it is both dark and not familiar, in the light while not geat signage the path is easy enough to find. It follows through wooded areas, residential, and in-town business district. There is no traffic in the very early morning. The path becomes pleasantly busy but not congested in the early morning. In this section of the trail there was a porta-john at the trail head and business district to stop if needed. The trail was relatively well maintained. A great run, and big bonus to get to run this trail while in town!

we rode this about 2 years ago (not all of it) from valley forge and liked it alike, so we went back and started from green lane......this is a very lovely trail once you get rolling....leaving from green lane is very disjointed and on the road for part of the 1st mile...afterwards it becomes the nice easy to follow trail we remembered....unfortunately the spring mount section is still under construction (as of 10/23...several weeks late as to scheduled completion) and we had to turn around, so our planned 35 mile ride turned to a mere ten.....we tooled around green lane park for some more riding....but if you're looking for a long ride, check to see if construction is completed before choosing your start point

This is a very good trail, but 1/4 of the people are rude. They will not go 1 inback of 1 and also expect you to move over.

The Perkiomen Trail is a pleasant peddle through changing scenery and surfaces...woods, towns, bridges, and fishermen (and women) in the creek, sunlight and shade, paved and cinder. There are no "Oh wow, look at that!" vistas, but it is an enjoyable ride. If you have read about the steep hill, not to fear, there is a nice bench at the top where you can catch your breath and laugh along with everyone else who gives in and walks their bike up the hill.

If you want to spend a leisurely afternoon on your bike and not go long distance, start in the Central Perkiomen Valley Park in Schwenksville and peddle south for as long as you desire and return to a picnic lunch in the park where there are restrooms and bar-b-q grills. Or, stop for lunch along the way at the Collegeville Diner; the trail passes by their front door, and enjoy the air conditioning and the food, both of which are good.

First, on directions - from the PA Turnpike, there are signs for Valley Forge but no mention of Rte422. Once off you will see signs but be diligent - the connections there are very confusing. Got on 422 north - at one point it is obviously going through the park (green all around, no exits). Then, an exit but no sign for Egypt Rd - I guessed right (whew!), first right to the huge parking lot!

Took the trail from there to Green Lane Park/Snyder Road Trailhead. At that point, all signs for Perkiomen disappear - there were roads, and a trail to the west. We decided to just turn around rather than ride on streets or hope the trail went somewhere (would be nice in the future if someone would document final trail route).

The trail is wide and overall condition was very good to excellent - small crushed stone or asphalt. Signage was excellent (I just wish I had gotten the contract to provide the plethora of "Do Not Leave the Trail" signs). Road crossings had marked crosswalks or lights.

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, so many people were on the trail it was hard to ride abreast for long. Once past Schwenksville, the traffic dropped markedly. An update on the "mountain" pass north of there - yeah, its steep! The Spring Mt Rd bridge is still out (and will be out for some time!). On the return, I had hoped to take the road bypass mentioned earlier, but goofed. I **believe** the way to bypass the mountain is to use Main Street and Spring Mountain Rd (east of the river) then pick up the trail on the west side of the river (I believe the Perkiomen Path bridge is still open but do not know this for a fact). Thus, on the return, you would ignore the "Spring Mt Rd is closed" sign and continue on the trail south.

There is an earlier mention of an Ice Cream store on the trail at Schwenksville - well, it has food too - and there is a mini-mart at the gas station to the north. Lots of places to east in Collegeville too.

We had a really nice time - the trail offers varied scenery, and is well maintained.

David

Stolen biline: "Ride a trail, write a report"

We started the ride north to south, starting near Green Lane and ending at Lower Perkiomen Valley Park. Trail is in good condition, tho there are some spots of very loose sand/gravel that are a little tricky. One of those spots is the start of a hill that has a posted 12% grade. We did avoid those hills on the return ride, thanks to the directions previously posted here by twowheelertom! Several times we ended up out on the roadway; and there wasn't a very good shoulder--particularly tricky in afternoon rush hour traffic. Lots to see along the path, and there are several nice benches for taking a break. We stopped at the Collegeville Diner for a light supper on the return trip...great place to stop. Also has a lot of places along the way for joining in and doing a shorter version of the trail if you don't feel like doing 38 miles out & back.

Unlike the Schuylkill River Trail, from which this is a lengthy spur, most of this trail is unpaved. In some ways that's good, but in other ways it's not so good. This path generally follows the path of the old Perkiomen Railroad that was abandoned in the 70's. The two biggest towns on the trail are Collegeville and Schwenksville, and both have enhanced their business districts thanks to this trail.

Deep shade makes this trail a good choice for summer usage. While there is ample room to ride two or even three abreast, the trees along the trail have matured enough to provide almost full coverage, even in the midday sun. On the other hand, in the autumn when all those leaves fall and then get wet, that could make cycling a little dicey. But if you can catch the colors before the leaves fall, it's a breathtaking sight.

From around Thanksgining to late March, there isn't enough daylight or warmth to dry out the trail. While it does remain open year-round, I for one don't like biking on it in those conditions.

From south to north, here are some notable features on the trail:

Oaks - Lower Perkiomen Valley Park. A dam helps provide scenic views of the creek and wildlife in this area. The trail is paved here.

Collegeville - There are numerous places here to rest, eat, and drink. The Collegeville Shopping Center, less than a block away on Main Street, offers even more choices.

Rahns - Trail head provides access to/from PA 113.

Graterford - Junction of Skippack Township Trail, which takes you to Palmer Park, Skippack Village, and Evansburg State Park. Perkiomen Trail is paved in this section.

Plank Road - Central Perkiomen Park.

Schwenksville - Old train station is now an ice cream stand, conveniently located to serve both trail users and traffic on PA 29/73 in town. There is also a bike shop here that is accessible from the trail.

Spring Mount - Ski and camp area nearby; old arch bridge (to be closed June 2009 for repair work). There's also a pizza place here--in the middle of nowhere! The trail goes right past it.

Perkiomenville - Trail crosses PA 29 for last time, enters Green Lane Park.

Between Schenksville and Spring Mount there are challenging grades both ways, and the unpaved surface makes it even more daunting for some. Here is how you can bypass that: From Schwenksville, where the trail turns right to cross the bridge, go OFF the trail here. Turn right at the light at Ortino's, use the shoulder of PA 29/73 for 7/10 mile, turn right at the light at Spring Mount Road. Follow this 8/10 mile to stop sign, turn left. Go past hotel and pizza place, follow trail signs to return to trail. From Spring Mount, turn right at the 3-way stop sign, take this road 8/10 mile to light at 29/73, turn left. Use shoulder of highway 7/10 mile to next light, turn left. You'll see the trail on the right, you can access it there.

I would give this trail three-and-a-half stars out of five, and here is how I would make it better:

1. If they want it to be an unpaved trail, fine. But cinders should be the surface, not crushed stone or gravel. The latter is OK for mountain bikes or comfort bikes, but not so hot for hybrids or road bikes. About 1/2 mile south of Yerkes Road (near Collegeville) there is a spot than needs attention because there are exposed rocks in the surface that could pose a flat hazard, and every time we get a heavy rain it keeps getting worse.

2. Unless it is cost-prohibitive, find a better place to run the trail between Schwenksville and Spring Mount.

I grew up in Collegeville and remember watching trains along the route in the 1960s. I am very glad to see the old right-of-way become something useful for the entire Perkiomen Valley community.

"We rode this 16 mile out and back yesterday. Two things that you might want to know if you take this ride. One, there's a hill that many casual riders will need to walk, definitely not a rails-to-trails 2%'er. It's not bad, but if you have someone how has no gears or isn't up to the hill, go a little more east to miss the hill. Second, no matter how many times you ride this trail, you must ride on the 4th Sunday afternoon of either June, July, or August. At Rahns, there's a group called the PA Live Steamers. They offer mini-steam train rides for donations once a month. The kids will absolutely love it and the oldsters will enjoy the unbelievable detail in the trains. My 4-year old said it was the best part of the trip. "

"Mu wife and i came from south Jersey to ride this trail. We happened upon it awhile back while visiting Valley Forge National Park, but at that time it wasn't completed. We got lost in Collegeville that time.

We parked at the Lower Perkiomen Valley Park off of 422 (Oaks exit). We rode towards Schwenksville. By the time we got to Bethie's Cafe we weren't too hungry so we ventured further. We turned around once we climbed the hill near the Spring Mountain ski area.

We thought it was quite a contrast that some residents along the way left out a water container and lolipops (on Cedar near Spring Mountain), while others apparently fought the trail and had it travel around their property. I most enjoyed seeing the different homes along the trail.

We decided to eat at Bethie's since it was recommended by other reviewers, but we had quite a decision since the Ice Cream Junction offered sweets too (Ice Cream Junction is a little further past Bethie's Cafe towards Green Lane).

Surprisingly we made it back to our starting point 15 minutes faster after a hearty lunch. The only tip I can offer is to get a view of the bird feeders if you eat at Bethie's.

We'll be back!"

"I just wanted to say thank you to Commissioner Merlino for supporting this trail. It is one of the nicest we've ridden in Pennsylvania. We've ridden the whole thing and enjoyed the variety along the way.

We also want people to know that biking this trail was the reason we came down from northeastern PA. On two occasions we spent a night in a motel, had several meals and bought gas, so the trail definitely contibutes economically to your area. Keep up the good work. We're looking forward to returning."

"As with all of my trail reviews, please allow me to set the stage. It's May 1, 2004, and according to the bank, it's about noon, 80 degrees, and very sunny. I've ridden this trail before, but only going west from this point. Now, I'm going to try the east leg. I parked my truck in the lower Spring Mount Ski Resort parking lot, and entered the trail at that point. The trail surface is similar to west bound leg, packed, crushed stone. The beginning part of my ride seems ok so far, meandering along the lazy river. Oops, I spoke too soon. In front of me sits a steep, curving hill. I wasn't ready for this, at least not so soon. At the top of the hill is a welcome park bench. I wasn't the only one to need it. After catching my breath, I rode on. Down the other sides, a short trip on the road, not anything major though. The trail goes past the back yards of a few homes and stores in Schwenksville. I detoured into a local bike shop (Tailwind), to say hello to the guys, then back to the trail. It seems to change from stone to a paved surface in several locations. You'll go past several parks, most with visible restrooms (just in case). One area where you're going to want your water bottle full is near the prison. The trail is not shaded, and probably for good reason. A guard told me, ""So convicts have nowhere to hide."" A little farther down the path, I came upon Bethie's Café. They're very nice, so stop in for and iced tea, I did. Well, that's as far as I went this time. After resting at Bethie's for a few minutes, I headed back..

Ride on and remember, leave only tire tracks."

"This is a nice, flat trail for biking or inline skating. However, the parking area is a hangout for perverts, who continually drive through and park and wait by their cars. "

"Officially completed on November 22, 2003, the Perkiomen Trail (PT) can now be ridden its entire length, 19 miles, without leaving the trail. As a rural rail-trail, it is unique in the Philadelphia area. The trail often winds through cuts in the surrounding rock high above the creek, which provides some great vistas. You'd swear you were miles from any urban setting, even though one is just around the corner.

Since this is a bike-hike-equestrian trail, one often meets horses and hikers, too. Beware the 1/3 mile steep hill on the northern end just north of Schwenksville. It traverses the same hills that the Spring Mt. Ski resort does, which one can see just before beginning the hill heading north from Schwenksville. Casual bikers will need to walk it.

For seniors,children and non-bikers, there is a concession in Schwenksville renting the same wheeled buggies one can see on a boardwalk ""down the shore"". See also ""A place to eat on the PT"" on this site for Bethie's Cafe. Send thanks to former Montgomery County Commissioner Mike Merino for this Trail; it was his brainchild. John Wood, Open Space Planner for the county, has done great work on it also.

The PT is worth the trip."

"We often spend our weekends riding the beautiful PT. One of our favorite resting points is Bethies Cafe, which is complete with bicycle racks, a hitching post, a picnic table, an outdoor drink vending machine and wonderful food.

My wife and I especially like the homemade breakfast specialties and warm atmosphere. Next time you are on the trail, make Bethies your resting stop!"

"Let me be up front: I love the PT. I regularly drive the 10 miles or so from nearby Chester County to ride it, even though there are plenty of other biking opportunities for me that are closer.

One of my favorite destinations on the PT is Bethie's Cafe near Graterford. I go often for a Sunday morning ride with Bethie's as the midpoint in the ride just to have breakfast there. Bethie's has two of its signs right on the PT, so you can't miss it. From either end of the PT, it is a great rest stop!"

"Let me start by setting the scene for you. It's June 25, 2003 at 5:00 p.m. and it's 95 degrees. I'm riding an old mountain bike with no suspension. My impression of the trail is that it's a great, mostly shaded, ride.

The surface is almost entirely packed gravel, so it's fairly smooth. I wouldn't think twice about bringing my wife and her comfort bike. They both fair very well on this trail. You'll cross a couple of bridges, see lots of animals, a few swimming holes, and the occasional bench for when you get tired. Just be careful when crossing the streets, as there are several, but they're not heavily traveled.

Ride on and remember, leave only tire tracks."

In late April Montgomery County opened another 2.5 mile extension to Graterford. Just 4 miles separates the northern and southern Perkiomen Trail. By the end of the year you will be able to ride off-road from Locust Street in Philadelphia to Green Lane Reservoir 45 miles away (except for a mile in Manayunk and a 1/2 mile in Shawmont).

"What a terrific trail...lots of shade, and beautiful plantings trailside. Friendly people walking and riding. Very few horses. But evidence of some :)"

"I rode the paved and unpaved portion a few days ago w/o too much difficulty on 20mm wide tires. I managed to reach the halfway part of the unpaved trail, about one mile short of Collegeville, before experiencing very loose small stone. (Southern part). Work has already begun on the Collegeville to Graterford portion. It's expected this trail will be completed in 2003. "

"The newly opened paortion of the trail from Oaks to Collegeville has two distinct faces. The Oaks end is paved and very family friendly. I passed several mothers with strollers, a couple rollerbladers and some older couples out for a fitness walk. Right around the county line the pavement gives way to crushed stone.

The crushed stone surface is rough and in many spots the stone is thick and loose, making it difficult to control your bicycle at times. This portion of the trail is only going to appeal to the true knobbies out there and not to families with children. Even walking the trail on the crushed stone is uncomfortable. But I am told this will remain as long as a certain county commissioner has his way, because he is a horse fanatic and feels pavement will preclude horses from using the trail. Someone needs to tell him that horse use on this trail is miniscule at best when compared to the numbers of cyclists and walkers of all ages that are eager to use the trail on the Collegeville end. "

"I have ridden both ends of the Perky Trail. I first rode the northern section from Spring Mount, PA, to Green Lane Park. I thought it was decent, a little rought in spots (I rode this section shortly after some heavey rain). There were a couple of very sceneic creek crossings. Once you get to Green Lane you can ride back through the park. I rode the new southern section as soon as it opened. I started at Betzwood Park which is actually part of the Schuylkill Trail; this section is over 3 miles of newly paved, very wide, fire road. Lots of bladers here and families riding so watch your speed and courtesy. This section continues into Lower Perkiomen Valley Park in Oaks where it shadows the creek and snakes back through the park's picnic area. There is access to rest rooms here and water. The paved trail ends about a half mile from the park where the Perky
Trail begins. This approximate 3 mile section is
small stone. Some areas are very loose and accumulating while sections are now packed down. I have been this a number of times now and have seen riders quit before going too far due to the loose stones. Certainly a MTB or ATB bike area though I did ride it on my Hybrid Street bike with 30mm tires. The trail is good, will be better once it settles, feels like you are going uphill most of the way, offers some nice views of the creek. It is a good ride."

"Eight miles at the southern end of the Perkiomen Trail, which tracks across the heart of Montgomery County, is now open.

The Betzwood-Collegeville section will be the second part of the 19-mile path for hikers, cyclists and equestrians to open. The northern piece, between Spring Mount and Perkiomenville, opened last fall. Officials hope to link the north and south ends by the end of next year - their deadline for opening the final stretch, from Collegeville to Spring Mount.

The mostly cinder and packed-gravel path is laid largely on the old Reading Railroad line, running along the Perkiomen Creek. At the south end, the Perkiomen Trail hooks into the 22-mile Schuylkill River Trail, which runs from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to Valley Forge National Historical Park."

"I was on the trail yesterday, 5/27/02. Very nice, well maintained. Will definitely return and do more of it.
I entered from the southern end and found that the Camp Rainbow parking is closed as of April, 2002. You can park behind the Spring Mountain Hotel with immediate access to the trail. Also, there is a nice big parking lot on Crusher Road, just east of trail, to access the trail there. "