By jmcginnis11 in August, 2011
Although it will be a vital link in a series of trails that will connect the Poconos to downtown Philadelphia (and the East Coast Greenway) when completed, the recently finished section of the Schuylkill River Trail between Cromby and Spring City does not offer much in the way of scenery. The trail closely parallels a high-tension power line and has little shade, and numerous utilities, including other power lines, oil and gas pipelines, the Cromby Power Station and a sewage treatment plant dominate the landscape (though it might be interesting to watch trains pull in and out of the active rail siding outside the power plant). The fact that dense vegetation obscures views of the river in most locations is another disappointment. Nonetheless, the trail has smooth asphalt and crushed stone surfaces, is wide enough to easily accomodate cyclists, hikers or horseback riders passing each other in opposing directions and adequate signage. The potential for playing a key role in revitalizing the riverfront and drawing business to towns like Spring City and Royersford also exists.