Union Canal Trail:
Pennsylvania
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
The Union Canal Trail is a well-developed and maintained crushed stone trail that parallels sections of the Tulpehocken Creek in Berks County, PA The original Union Canal ran 79.5 miles from Reading, PA to the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg, PA. It is a beautiful trail that passes historic stone buildings left from the canal days. Several of these are now used for park offices and add to the charm of the area.
The length of the Union Canal Trail has been extended by several miles along the Army Corp of Engineers property, across farmland leading to and surrounding Blue Marsh Lake. A portion of the extended trail is a well developed crushed stone tread about 12 feet wide and good for horse travel. At the Stilling Basin entrance the trail turns to single track. Signage indicates that this portion of the trail is being leased to the County by the Army Corps. The trail does not follow the original canal corridor after Rebers Bridge Road.
... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
Two areas that provide the best parking and trail access are Gringes Mill (includes a seasonal weekend concession stand) and the Berks Heritage Center.
... Click to read more
... Click to read more
Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
Awesome Trail
By ceceily on July 02, 2010
I rode this trail from Grings Mill to Reber Bridge and back with my daughter today. It was very scenic and pretty flat but you will be pedaling the whole way. The only complaint that I have was that the trail was a bit narrow but overall its a nice trail. I will be back again.
Union Canal Trail and Blue Marsh Lake
By cooneym1 on September 26, 2009
I began the Union Canal Trail at the Heritage Center on Red Bridge Road and that particular site bisects the approximately 5 mile long trail. It's a scenic and easy ride. Great place for beginner riders and families. If you're interested in a much longer and difficult ride then the Blue Marsh Lake recreation area now adjoins this trail at Rebers Bridge Road marker 12. The Union Canal Trail ends there and directly across the street is an access path to Blue Marsh Lake. It's about a 2 mile connector leading to Stilling Basin and direct access to the 30 mile loop around Blue Marsh. There are more elevation changes at Blue Marsh and the trails are a combination of old fire roads and single track.
Great Ride for the family
By kendana on June 08, 2008
Very easy and enjoyable ride for the entire family. Kids can easily bike a few miles on the rather flat, gravel path. Parents can ride with little ones in a bike seat or in a bike trailer. Also, the trail is mostly in the shade from start to finish.
Browse Trails by Activity: