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Print Friendly MapThe Joseph Plumb Martin Trail offers a pleasant, paved loop through Pennsylvania's Valley Forge National Historical Park. Nestled against the wooded Schuylkill River, the park provides a wealth of historical and interpretive sites from the Revolutionary War and is crisscrossed with more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails (many of which are unpaved) to explore. The trail is named after a solider who served from 1776 to 1783 and left behind writings of his experience.
Nearby—though separated by the river—lies a section of the Schuylkill River Trail, which winds 27 miles from Valley Forge southeast to Philadelphia. Both the Schuylkill trail and the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail are part of a growing 750-mile trail network in the Philadelphia region called The Circuit Trails.
Parking and restrooms are available along the trail throughout Valley Forge National Historical Park (1400 N. Outer Line Dr., King of Prussia).
A nice loop trail past numerous historical sites and monuments to Washington’s troops in Valley Forge park. Washington’s Memorial Chapel is stunning. The monument, the arch, the cabins where the revolutionary troops stayed thru brutal winter conditions and just natural beauty of the valley provides great scenery for a ride. None of the hills are”monumental “ but there are several of them. them.
This trail is not for beginners. I’ve been working out for 18mos and road cycling for 2.5mos. It’s a busy trail for walkers and hikers and the asphalt is fairly narrow. The whole 5mi is up and down, some are fairly steep. I ended up walking my bike 3x. However, intermediate to advanced riders will enjoy this as a sprint. Just be careful if it’s busy there’s a number of blind hairpin turns that could plough you into people. The park is gorgeous. Save this ride for a cool Fall day.
Not a long trail, but completely paved and a beautiful way to see all the high points of the park. There is a spur that goes down to Washington's Headquarters and museum, which is really great.
No cars, no hordes of tourists... nothing but, park and blue skies for miles around!
Using a recumbent trike, rode it clockwise w. an excursion to the Knox Quarters' parking lot. Tamest part is the northern section that runs along rt. 23, but even that has its ups & downs.
A less scenic would be worth the effort to drive to Valley Forge NP for a measly 6.1 miles, but there are plenty of locations to get out & take some landscape photos.
Trail is paved w. a few easy road crossing, but some of these at the bottom of a hill ... make sure that you are in one of lower gears before crossing.
Plenty of benches to take a rest, handful of restrooms, and some areas where you lock-up your bike.
Despite the hills, will ride here again because of the scenery.
this park is beautiful!!! the Martin Trail takes you through this scenic park with some shady tree spots and some exspansive valley views. easy walking trail around Valley Forge park but there are also some dirt trails through the park if you want to go your own way.
Took a mid-day ride on this trail and it is beeeeeeautiful!!! Like I saw two painters with legit easels painting the scenery, beautiful! Completely paved, fairly straightforward loop (I got off track riding into a parking lot). A bit on the hilly side for beginner riders (or riders trying to get back in shape ...ehem, me) but I will definitely be back here for a walk soon!
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