The Pennsy Trail is a short, but sweet rail-trail located in Haverford Township, to the west of Philadelphia. The trail's southern and northern ends are currently broken up by Manoa Road, with the goal being to add a connecting bridge sometime in the future.
The southern section is surfaced with woodchips, and begins in a residential area behind a large LA Fitness complex. The trail heads northwest along the former Newtown Square Rail right of way before reaching Manoa Road. Users should take caution here, as a short steep path provides the only means of descending to cross the road to continue to the northern part of the trail. This portion of the trail was recently upgraded to a macadam surface and is more amenable for biking, as it traverses the lightly wooded corridor along the edge of Veterans Park and proceeds north through quiet neighborhoods before ending at the parking lot for the recently built Haverford Area YMCA. The trail also provides access between Princeton Road and Lincoln Avenue via a short paved path just north of Veterans Park, which offers a great neighborhood connection and provides access to the smaller Bailey Park.
Trail users should be aware that several sections of the trail run through planned or active construction projects; be sure to check the Friends of Haverford Trails website for updates before hitting the trail!
Parking is available at the parking lot at the trail's northern end, or at the end of Princeton Road or Harvard Road near the midpoint of the trail.
To reach the northern trailhead, take I-476 towards Havertown. Take exit 9 and proceed east on SR 3/West Chester Pike. Turn left onto Eagle Road and continue on Eagle Road; the trailhead will be on the right in the YMCA parking lot, just past the intersection with Lawrence Road.
This trail is mostly straight with a few curves and inclines. Perfect for riding a bike or roller skating on.
We were looking for short trails near each other and this trail fit the bill. It was one of eight that we rode in one day. We started at the north end and rode to where the paved section stopped. We could see what looked like a poorly maintained single track trail across the street and decided to pass on riding that section. The trail surface is in great condition on the paved section, but other than that not much to see here.
Never been on the south section (not a fan of ticks, etc.) but the north section is very nice. Shaded and cool in the summer. No lights so I will only go during daylight hours. Those walking dogs keep their pets on leashes and pick up after their dogs which is really nice to see. Everyone encountered is friendly and offers a "good morning/afternoon" which is pleasant. Looking forward to the day when the south section is paved as well.
The southside of this trail is not maintained. In fact it seems like alot of it has been sprayed with herbicide or left to grow over. It is terrible how Haverford Township does not value
it's trail resources.
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