Explore the best rated trails in Smyrna, DE, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Springlawn Trail and Liseter Trail . With more than 97 trails covering 408 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.
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 actually started at the fishing pier and went through the pond-side trail. Was on a bicycle. Realized I wasn’t supposed to ride on the trail half-way through. Oops. Anyhow I enjoyed that part of the trail on my bicycle as it was good for my beginner trail skills. Did end up on the gravel road towards the end. Anyhow I enjoyed it, not thrilling, but was nice none-the-less.
This was the second time I visited this trail. But the change in parking location from Quarryville the first time to Red Hill Road in Pequa this time made all the difference. From the that trailhead, you can choose what direction you’d like to enjoy the trail. But I would highly recommend going west towards the Martic Forge Trestle and the beginning of the spectacular views of the Susquehanna to River
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.
The description of the trail says it is completely paved, but we started at the parking lot off of Wolfe Neck Road, and it is hard-pack, not paved. This was OK for us, but if we were on inline skates, we would not have been able to ride that section.
We rode northwest, towards Golden Eagle Blvd. After about a mile, it was paved. Traveling southeast, the surface was also hard-packed. We didn't go the whole way in that direction, so I don't know if it would have become paved at some point.
The trail is beautiful and well-marked. It was a Friday, midday, and the trail was busy. The road crossings were well-marked and had warning lights. The motorists were very respectful, waiting for trail users to cross.
I wish there were a few more signs with trail etiquette reminders. Twice, there were people stopped for a break and standing ON the trail, making passing them a challenge.
Kudos to Delaware for a great trail.
One of our favorite rides. Lots of shade for a hot days ride. We park at the back right side of the High School, there’s easy access to the trail.
The bikeway is used as a pet toilet for developments that run alongside, very few bother to clean up after their pet, disgusting. Bring a club with you to fight off aggressive, untrained dogs too.
The asphalt surface is dangerously uneven from tree roots pushing thru. The debris hasn't been cleaned off in years, so you don't know what under the dead leaves and pine needles.
Watch out for wild motorcycle riders, ebikes, and 4 wheelers roaring by. Crossing streets along the path can be deadly. Most cars fly into the intersection without being aware!
I now ride in the street where its safer!
If you visit Lewes or Rehoboth Beach plan to take your bike and check out these trails. The J&B combined with Cape Henlopen SP is my favorite, be sure to ride it in both directions as well. This year I added the Georgetown section (it's a fair distance out and back from Lewes, ends up somewhere near Rt. 9 and Cool Spring Rd). The very straight, very flat paved Georgetown/Lewes Trail was busy close to Lewes on a warm Saturday in May, I expect summers are even more crowded. There are more road crossings than I like but cars were courteous. The J&B twists through both Lewes and Rehoboth with everything from paved residential areas to gravel paths through wooded and open field sections in between. The signage is adequate but it is easy to get misdirected in Rehoboth. If you make your way through Rehoboth on whatever route you choose, continue to the southern entrance of Cape Henlopen. You can't miss the Gordon Pond Trail which takes you through the park and back to Lewes. Cape Henlopen trails are well marked, there are multiple other trails within the park also. There are many places to stop and rest and bathrooms along all 3 sections.
If you visit Lewes or Rehoboth Beach plan to take your bike and check out these trails. The J&B combined with Cape Henlopen SP is my favorite, be sure to ride it in both directions as well. This year I added the Georgetown section (it's a fair distance out and back from Lewes, ends up somewhere near Rt. 9 and Cool Spring Rd). The very straight, very flat paved Georgetown/Lewes Trail was busy close to Lewes on a warm Saturday in May, I expect summers are even more crowded. There are more road crossings than I like but cars were courteous. The J&B twists through both Lewes and Rehoboth with everything from paved residential areas to gravel paths through wooded and open field sections in between. The signage is adequate but it is easy to get misdirected in Rehoboth. If you make your way through Rehoboth on whatever route you choose, continue to the southern entrance of Cape Henlopen. You can't miss the Gordon Pond Trail which takes you through the park and back to Lewes. Cape Henlopen trails are well marked, there are multiple other trails within the park also. There are many places to stop and rest and bathrooms along all 3 sections.
Some riders do not announce themselves while passing us slower riders - witnessed between Valley Forge and Norristown on 7/22/2025. And often see riders going way too fast in congested areas, one rider yelling at other riders as though he owns the trail, not slowing down. There is a speed limit of 15 miles per hour and often riders are going 25+ MPH. This is not a speedway but rather a trail for enjoyment, for walkers, bikers, in-line skaters, and NOT for an accident waiting to happen!!! If someone is training or going for speed, find a roadway that is more appropriate.
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