Great trail by bike. Very shady. Not too hilly

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.

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!!!

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.

We love exploring new sites around us and came to this location this past Sunday July 11th, 2021. This is a gigantic picnic place with plenty of parking space. If you want to ride your bike, avoid this location. Poor visibility; sharp corners and people walking on the trail. Nature!? Yes, on weekdays. This weekend people were blasting cars aududio and wa just unberable. We are not returning to this place.

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!

I've been on this trail three times, and from my experience there, it was a solid trail but needs improvements. It has a great amount of potential, and could soon live up to its name.

The trail is serene on both sides of the Ikea/Home Depot Business area, it was an enjoyable experience for sure, but there were flaws that should be fixed.

Two of the crossings, which would be the main Ikea entrance and Gallagher Rd, are dangerous to cross and have poor signage. I highly recommend improving the signage to signal drivers of trail users.

Because of the trail being very serene on both sides and having a pleasant experience there, I would have rated this 5 stars, but it loses a star due to poor signage and dangerous crossings.

Not much to see. Narrow path.that runs thru Runnemede. Parking lot at end of trail has signs regarding towing unless restaurant patron. No shade, walk is completely in the sun.