Find the top rated atv trails in Brookside, whether you're looking for an easy short atv trail or a long atv trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a atv trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
If you don't mind a cold weather hike, park at the base of the Conowingo Dam. From November through March, the area below the dam is one of the largest nesting locales for bald eagles in the eastern US and you can watch them as you hike. Look to your side as you head south and you will also see some lengthy depressions in the ground, remnants of a canal constructed there in the early 19th century. I have taken scouts hiking there repeatedly over the years.
Went here to work off a big meal at Texas Road House in Lancaster. Of course we hike in the upper trail. A little breath catching on a full stomach but good exercise. Some beautiful views of the Susquehanna River up and down stream. And the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail below. Will have to bring my bike down and ride that. Wife and son took the low road back while I took the steep shortcut to the high trail.
So sad to report that the entire wood section of the beautiful Martic Forge trestle bridge burned yesterday, possibly started by brush fires below. This was restored in 2015 after being closed for 20 yrs, linking the section from Safe Harbor to Red hill rd. No word yet on future plans, I believe this is under Martic Twp jurisdiction. I pray this tragedy doesnt derail the planned Safe harbor expansion. The low grade is still a diamond in the rough.
I usually link this ride with the Schuylkill River Trail, as it links up with it at Oaks, PA, and there is parking available either at the Pawlings Road trailhead along the Schuykill River Trail, or the Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, where trail maps are also available at the parking lot. A good portion of the trail, after about 1.5 miles, is fine gravel or packed dirt, and goes along nicely wooded and scenic areas, which used to be a railroad. There are several road crossings in the Collegeville area that are stop light controlled. The crossing of Rte 29 is perhaps the least pleasant of the crossings, since vehicle traffic can be fast and heavy and it is not stop light controlled. Once crossed, you are on packed surfaces, and pleasant riding. There are quite a few parking areas along the trail, so with the trail map, one can easily schedule your journey as befits your skill or endurance level.
Once past Schwenksville, one does a brief climb, followed by a steep descent to the Perkiomen Creek. For me, that ends my journey on the trail and the last time I bicycled that far, it was all gravel down the slope.
I wasn't able to ride it for a number of years, but now, what nice improvements are there to be found. From Norristown to Valley Forge, mainly new macadam surface, plus the addition of several spots of racks of bike repair tools. And, the water fountain is about 1.2 miles from Valley Forge Park. There are areas of washboard type macadam around the Conshohocken area, and from Spring Mill to where it branches down to the Schuylkill River, relatively new macadam. Once you leave the tow path in Manayunk, it sort of tosses you into the street, which is crowded, so take the sidewalks, giving care for pedestrian traffic. Once you hit the Fairmount Park area, relatively decent trail surface, but expect heavy traffic all the way to what is now the end of the trail in Philadelphia. I take away one star due to the heavy Philadelphia traffic, and right now the detour around the Art Museum due to construction and confusing signage. The entire route is relatively level, so easy riding.
Since the upper end (above Philadelphia) is far less crowded, one may encounter cycling groups that travel at high speeds and can be annoying if they think they own the trail.
The trail here is all paved and runs adjacent to a bubbling Creek. It's good for a stroll, particularly with a stroller or dog. The nearby Merry Place playground is well maintained and great for small kids.
If you like ships, this trail offers a fantastic opportunity to view them up close and learn about shipbuilding and the development of the U.S. navy at the Independence Seaport Museum, which sits trailside.
This wide, easy trail puts you right next to the Delaware River, so the views of the waterway and the Ben Franklin Bridge are really nice. It's also right behind the Adventure Aquarium, which my 8-year-old daughter loved, especially the shark tunnel! Adjacent to the trail is also the USS New Jersey, a battleship that you can tour.
A nice trail that takes you though woods, open fields, and a stretch of marshy area with very vocal frogs! A few views of Lums Pond- probably better views on inside trail. Definitely wet & muddy in areas if you go after rain/snowmelt. Warning- I went a week after a nor’easter blew through and there were A LOT of downed trees covering the path. Not a huge deal for a runner to find a path around but the cyclist I met up with wasn’t pleased with the time he had to carry his bike. But, once again, this was after severe weather. Overall, a pretty, easy, & well marked trail!
I rode the walk way back in the early 1970`s On the way to the jersey shore. I was real excited and it did not let me down. The view of Philadelphia and surrounding area was just magnificent. Being on the bridge itself is just a step back in time. The bridge is about 100 yrs. old. Even now when I drive over it I am still in awe of the architecture. I took some pictures but they are old Polariods. They don`t meet the requirments.
Enclosing, it is a must to do biking or walking. There is a lot of history nearby such as the Battle Ship New Jersey and Aquarium on the Camden side. The Constitution Center and the Independence Hall on the Philadelphia side, all within walking distance from the bridge.
Working at the airport and looking for a fun, easy run close by to suit my limited ability !! I ran around Derby lake which was about a 5k distance on double track trail. Trail was wide with no elevation, a little muddy after the rain but easily run able. Parking was easy, facilities were clean, run was fun. I will be back next time I’m in town !!
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
