Explore the best rated trails in Newtown, PA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Palmer Township Recreation Trail (Towpath Bike Trail) and D&L Trail . With more than 172 trails covering 1023 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I walk these trails often. It’s one of my happy places.
Living in Middlesex county are and getting into biking it’s good long path and safe. Has lot bumps as other reviews and lots stops with street crossings. Started at Gerard St and made it down just past Keansburg area roughly 14 miles round trip. Hard to keep fast momentum or consistent pace with stops but as a beginner it’s great place to ride safely
Great trail. Love the new bridges and smooth black top.
When I first started riding the Chester Valley Trail, the connection to the SRT was only a concept. So I would ride from King of Prussia to Exton, parking at the park and ride lot. It is mainly flat and mostly wooded, but there are a lot of road crossings, the most dangerous one is right after entering Chester County, where an exit ramp from Rte 202 has cars not caring about stopping at the trail, which has a walk sign. There have been signage improvements in a lot of the other trail crossings, taking some of the risk out of it. It is paved, and the only steep part, and hardly that, is around the Vanguard Headquarters. There is a park at Exton, with water and restrooms. In addition, unlike many trails, it is considered a commuting trail so there is winter maintenance. That makes about a 25 mile round trip to Exton and back. Since then, the trail now connects to the SRT. Connecting, one has two very steep bridges to go over, and other less steep parts approaching King of Prussia. That part of the trail is mainly in the open, and road crossings are signal controlled. It goes along Rte 202 in Chester County, and there are sound barriers, so when the trees are in leaf, it actually is muted in noise. In Fall colors, it is gorgeous. And in hot weather, cool, especially in the Chester County portion. A positive is it is flat, but a negative are the many road crossings. I have found a mix of riders and walkers but it seems few riding clubs traverse the trail, so riders will not be zooming by one. In the summer, on weekends, there is a recombinant bike group for handicapped people who you may meet, starting from the Exton Park.
I basically do the trail from Oaks to Schwenksville. From where I start my bicycling on the SRT, that is a 45 mile round trip. For years, there was sewer line replacement along the river, which resulted in a temporary line along the early part of the trail, but when they finished, a large portion was resurfaced with firmly packed gravel, making for easy riding. It is shaded, so cool on hot days. The two road crossings early on (Cedar Mill and Arcola) can be a bit tricky, but it seems signage for motorists has helped, and for crossing Rte 29, there are overhead flashers, which really help. Sections that used to be less fun after rains have seen asphalt laid, which is helpful. There is a small cafe in Schwenksville that can be nice to visit. The trail is not usually crowded, with more walkers than bicyclists. There is water and rest rooms at both Lower Perkiomen Valley Park and Central Perkiomen Valley Park. One can also access the Audubon Trail to get to the James Audubon Center from Lower Perkiomen Valley Park.
The trail is ~ 20 miles in each direction. A good mix of paved, gravel, dirt — with minor sections that are “single track”’ish.
Beautiful ride through woodlands and farmland. The crushed stone can be a little tricky in spots where it is slightly piled up and a couple of gravelly spots. There are a few small hills and a short ride alongside busy Forked River Road. I would like to go again during peak foliage.
I just moved back to the Philadelphia area. The Chester Valley Trail continues to be one of my favorites. I’m a mid-level road biker and this trail suits me well. The CVT is in beautiful shape: lots of trees and the western half in particular is very bucolic. Yes there are road crossings and some traffic noise, but honestly, the tree cover and the quality of the trail make up for any issues. I also like it because it’s not as busy as the SRT (another excellent ride and great for faster riders or the Perkiomen)
I enjoyed the trail but my dog, not so much. This trail has lots of ticks so be careful and make sure to do physical checks before heading home. My dog is on flea and tick meds and these ticks did not care. They were all over me and my dog. I would suggest to stick to the main gravel road if you want to avoid all that. Other than that, Lots of nature is incorporated into it. You will see all types of birds, turtles, and bunnies through the trail as well.
Really enjoy walking this trail either by myself or with friends/my dogs. It’s well kept and maintained. I feel safe at all times. Everyone is friendly and the park employees are always up and down the main trail. There are so many sights to see from the water/ponds/rivers to statues and old colonial style type structures.
Right next to the Brandywine Creek, mostly level. Easy to access. Great views.
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