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Print Friendly MapThe Exeter Scenic River Trail traces the north bank of the Schuylkill River. The tree-lined route provides views of the river and runs to the Klapperthal Trail at the base of Neversink Mountain. Visit in autumn to experience the vibrant fall colors.
Midway along the route, Trout Run Park (950 W Neversink Rd, Reading) has a variety of sports fields, including football, soccer and baseball. The park bathrooms are open to the public dawn to dusk April through October. Please note that pets aren't allowed in park.
Parking is available at the eastern end of the trail (intersection of Gibraltar Rd & Old Gibraltar Rd, Birdsboro) and midway along the route at the Trout Run Sports Complex (950 W Neversink Rd, Reading).
Visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.
We rode this trail on a Monday in early December when the temp. was in the low to mid 40s. We rode past the gate at the end of the parking lot and onto a wide path with a fine stone surface. After about a half of a mile the trail surface changed to a more coarse stone surface. The is one short steep section near the end of the trail. The scenery is very nice, even with leaves on the trees.
I'd grown up in Gibraltar (1970's) and still live in the area. I'd never known about this trail until a friend had recently told me about it.
Took my first ride on it this past Friday. Made it as far as the Rt. 422 overpass, but ran out of daylight. Was a very pleasant cruise. Trail is well maintained (I'm the leader of the French Creek State Park trail maintenance crew). I'm really looking forward to this trail being connected to the SRT and Neversink Mt. trails.
I'm interested in the pre-history of this trail. Does anyone know if this trail was formerly a road or railroad bed? I've noticed the abutments for a bridge that used to cross over to Old River Road on the Gibraltar side of the river. The abutments indicate that the bridge went over the present trail, so that makes me wonder if the trail was formerly a rail bed. Perhaps it was the original rail bed of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad (precursor of the Reading RR)
Sorry for the long-winded "review", but I'm not sure how else to communicate with others about my questions. If there's a better forum for me to have these discussions, then please direct me to it. Thanks!
It was a great day. One end of the trail is really well kept and the other end is rustic. We had a great time going end to end. At first we saw no one, but as evening approached more people came out walking. It is very well worth a visit!
Parked in the lot with a friend and we hiked up river to the turn up the mountain. I had gone under the railroad through a strech of tunnel that was dangerous because it was ice covered. We stopped and turned around.
Great, easy walk along the river.
Saw signs that there had been many who had walked before in the snow which had been on the gound most of two months.
Clapperthal trail is one I will take in the Spring too much ice for the winter and too much climbing up the mountain.
As the previous reviewer stated, the Exeter Scenic River Trail certainly lives up to its name! The trail, which follows the north bank of the Schuylkill River in the suburbs east of Reading, passes through lush, shady forests, giving one the feel of being much further from civilization than they actually are. The tall trees form a canopy that keeps the trail cool in summer, the melodic sounds of birds can clearly be heard, and mammals like squirrels, chipmunks and the occasional deer rustle through the thicket and sometimes cross the trail. The only manmade sounds are the shifting of gears on bicycles, footsteps of hikers and, from time to time, boaters on the river and freight trains on the nearby Norfolk Southern rail line. The trail is lined with numerous benches, giving users the opportunity to stop and enjoy the serenity, relax or eat a snack. It also perfectly compliments the Schuylkill River/Thun Trail on the south bank, and together with that trail and the Neversink Trail, forms an enjoyable loop route for area hikers and cyclists.
This trail is definitely more scenic than some others, as it runs parallel to the northeastern shore of the Schuylkill River. There are no steep inclines and is popular with runners, joggers, walkers, and cyclists alike. Even saw some individuals tubing down the river. The parking is off of Gibraltar Road, but the trail can also be accessed from Trout Run Sports Complex. At this time there are 3 geocaches along the route of this trail.
Mile for mile this is one great trail. I was in the area to do the Thurn Trail and did a quick trip on this trail. It is a family friendly trail and I would suggest that if you do the Thun trail that you make sure you take a short detour and do this nice two plus mile trail. It follows the Schuykill River and has a great canopy and is quite level.
This lovely short trail follows the Schuylkill River from Gibralter to the base of Neversink Mountain. Wooded and quiet, it is ideal for a family outing, with plenty of benches along the way, and a mostly level grade. We went in late May, when the wild Phlox was in bloom, but be careful - there was also plenty of poison ivy between the trail and the river!
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