Union Canal Trail:
Pennsylvania
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Description:
The Union Canal Trail parallels Tulpehocken Creek between Stonecliffe Action Park northwest of downtown Reading and Blue Marsh Lake. The original Union Canal ran 79.5 miles from the Schuylkill River at Reading to the Susquehanna River at Middletown Harrisburg. Completed in 1827, the canal was not very successful for transporting goods boatmen were hesitant to use the narrow channel and locks. The scenic trail passes several historical stone buildings built during the canal's heyday; many are now used for park offices and add interest to the towpath trail.

The Union Canal Trail occupies property managed by the Army Corp of Engineers. It leads across farmland to surrounding Blue Marsh Lake. Much of the trail is a well maintained crushed stone surface, 12 feet wide. At the Stilling Basin entrance the trail turns to single track.

Note: Horses are not allowed on the Union Canal Trail but are permitted on the multi-use trails at Blue Marsh Lake.

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Parking & Trail Access:
Parking is available at the eastern end at Stonecliffe Action Park along Columbia Street and at the Berks Heritage Center on Tulpehocken Road (opposite the creek from the trail; bridge access to trail available). You can also park at Gring's Mill off Red Bridge Road (includes a seasonal weekend concession stand), off Rebers Bridge Road (south of the creek) and off Palisades Road.

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Reviews: [3 trail ratings]
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Nice Trail - new connector trail to Blue Marsh Lake area
By joerebman in July, 2011
I rode this trail today...it's a nice ride with a lot to see. At one point you ride under a large covered bridge and there are a number of beautiful historic buildings along the trail. There is now an extension of the trail at Reber's Bridge over to the Stilling Basin parking area of the Blue Marsh Lake area. It adds another 0.9 mi to the trail... part way you leave the Tulpehocken Creek (River?) and head uphill, but it's ride-able and a nice ride along fields of wildflowers.
Union Canal Tow Path
By baybiker in November, 2010
My wife and I road this trail on sunday from Rebers Bridge to the SRT trail that ends in Reading at a paved street. It is a lovely trail and a nice ride, from Rebers Bridge it is mostly a slight down hill grade to Reading. The section of SRT trail that ends in Reading takes you through a slightly bad section of town. I did not think it was that bad but my wife said she would not ride that last section by her self. The section heading towards Blue Marsh is a very nice trail also we only road to the first parking lot. It has more hills on this section because it doesnt follow the canal path. All in all it is afive star trail.
Location of trailheads
By Wuz314159 in October, 2010
If you come from Lancaster, I highly suggest the Wyomissing trailhead.
Exit 422E @ the Berkshire Mall / Crossing Drive exit.
Turn Left @ the bottom of the exit.
2 lights until Berkshire Blvd... turn Right.
over the highway & turn Right on Tulpehocken Road.

Resh Avenue & Tulpehocken Road, Reading, PA

I hope this helps.
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