I cannot claim to be a frequent trail user. I have used the Struble Trail near my home mostly, and have a little experience with several other rail trail systems in SE PA.

Today being especially beautiful and the weather cool I chose to ride on the Chester Valley Trail. It was understandably busy.

This is a well built trail that travels down Pennsylvania's Great Valley. Though the trail is incomplete (the goal is to tie in with the Schuylkill River Trail) it runs through established neighborhoods as well as farm land along an old right of way that is more greenway than suburban. It is a favorite destination for walkers, runners, families, and bikers since it is convenient to a large population.

I found it unsafe since many of the bike riders do not observe the 15mph speed limit that is clearly marked on the pavement and is appropriate for a multi-use trail. It is a wide trail and safe for two way 'traffic'. However, when bikers traveling over 20mph on the trail choose to pass in the middle of the trail, where there is east and west bound congestion, the risk they create for collision is a serious threat to everyone. I found the use of audible signals or vocal warnings by those passing is also infrequent.

I ride on the trail too, but I don't understand why bikers choose to break the speed limit rule on a trail that is so frequently used by runners and walkers - especially when it is crowded. If the CVT was designed for such high speeds there would be mandatory lanes for bike riders.

If I could give it a zero, I would. That goes for any place (with the exception of animal preserves) that does not allow dogs. Dogs are not allowed at any of Berks county recreational parks except Antietam Lake.

This is a good trail for inline skating. Asphalt is very smooth. It's up and down the whole way so good cardio and fun downhill.

Just rode this trail this AM and it was fabulous …scenic and interesting

One of the nicest trails we’ve ridden along the C&D canal. Start at Shaffers Canal House Restaurant and ride on blacktop trail. Beautiful scenery! Ice cream shop along trail, or restaurant half way or if you make it to Delaware City, be sure to eat at Crabby Ducks on water!!!

The 'newly' paved section is great.

I think the paving will slow down the traffic on that section of the trail.

For a paved trail... It's rough. Was it planned that way? If it wasn't you should ask for a refund from the paving company.

My wife and I rode the trail on our recumbent tandem in June. It has been one of our favorites. The northern part of the trail is a little bumpy, but overall the is one of the best riding surfaces I been on. The fine gravel was very hard packed. Almost like riding on pavement without the cracks. It was nice to see a number of bathrooms along the trail.

4.5 stars. Really nice. Parked in big parking lot off Paper Mill Rd and road to PA line. Mostly flat although the last half (heading north towards PA line) has a very slight uphill grade. Made for a nice return trip. About 10 small road crossings- some were more like driveways and others had occasional cars. Some bumpy and gravel areas, but mostly pretty easy riding. I saw some road bikes on the trail, but a gravel or hybrid bike would be better on the rougher patches.

They just repaved the new castle side and it’s great!