You can get to Valley Forge National Park either via The Schuylkill River Trail or via the trail system in Chesterbrook (being formerly developed as part of the Patriot's Path to Valley Forge). This unique corridor is a hidden gem that will provide for a safe and completely grade separated trail that will attract many users due to its scenic and historic quality and proximity to regional rail stations including Exton, Whitford, Downingtown, and Thorndale. Use figures as determined by Chester Valley Trail Counters showed 477,092 users of the Chester Valley Trail, 68,225 on the Schuylkill River Trail and 350,713 along the Struble Trail, during 2021. Park at either Exton Park or the trailhead off of S. Warner Rd, and you can get a 28 mile ride; the former has a restroom, while the later has a port-a-john. The extensions recommended alignment is to develop the trail within the inactive Philadelphia and Thorndale low-grade rail corridor which parallels the Amtrak Keystone Corridor or the Main Line between Exton and Thorndale. In 2021, 477,092 people used the Chester Valley Trail, while 68,225 enjoyed the Schuylkill River Trail. 527 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<30715B5F81D1434990890CD627567620>]/Index[501 42]/Info 500 0 R/Length 124/Prev 659292/Root 502 0 R/Size 543/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Crossing rt. Our suburban reporters want to hear from you! I will definitely be back for speed work and I will probably use it for my longer runs (10+ miles). Visit the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions. The trail is very enjoyable. As of late 2011, three major segments of the trail, which is being constructed along an abandoned rail line that once connected Downingtown to Norristown and allowed freight trains to bypass Philadelphia, have been built in Chester and Montgomery counties. WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. The road noise, mostly from 202, and the several crossings (Rt 100 could really benefit from a bridge) stop me from giving it 5 stars. Montgomery Countys fully accessible 5-mile portion of the Chester Valley Trail now links the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown to the existing segment in Chester County that extends 14.5 miles west from Tredyffrin Township to Exton. If you're starting from Exton, I'd recommend NOT parking near Walmart but in Raymour & Flanigan's parking lot to avoid crossing Rt 100, which is very busy! The landscape opens up beyond here, with more farms and less congestion.While Valley Forge is located north of the trail, other historic locations of the Revolutionary War are closer by. Once implemented, there will be an additional 10.1 miles of trail including three new trailheads and connections to the existing Struble and East Branch Brandywine trails in the Downingtown area. the trail crossed a road. In other areas, homes and office parks are along the way. 100 is chaotic! I rode on a Sunday, so all these roads in and out of the shopping centers and office parks in the busy Rt 202 corridor were relatively empty. This way you can have a nice picnic waiting for you in Exton Park. The 1.9-mile section of the Cross County Trail from Germantown Pike to Joshua Road is in the study phase. There are a few road crossings but they are well controlled by lights and the drivers in this area seem to be familiar with the trail crossings and often stop before you get to push the button for the traffic signal. Can't wait for the expansions to be completed in the coming years and ride from Downingtown to Philadelphia. The rail-trail immediately crosses I-76 on a pedestrian bridge and heads west past retail centers and office parks along US 202. Beautiful views and even have several mile of tree cover as well. This is my new favorite trail. Fairly flat, and blacktop from start to finish, an easy ride even for beginners. I imagine some of this has to do with the newness of the trail. Extension Route of Chester Valley Trail Revealed - VISTA.Today SRPRA not to be confused with SEPTA is finally chugging along with plans to restore rail service connecting Reading, Pottstown, Phoenixville, and Philadelphia. Chester Valley Trail West - Chesco Planning All other runs probably don't make sense here as I can get the same workout by going out my front door. I am looking forward to the completion! We have ridden most of trail nice pavement easy road crossings very easy ride for family we park behind Swedesford shopping center plenty of parking. First of all, we had a late winter snow storm and this trail was cleared quite quickly and very well. Very well-kept and nicely made. Portions of the trail are parallel to, or coincide with, 18th Century, Revolutionary War movements by Washington's Continental Army and British General Cornwallis' troops, after the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777. The trail is used for commuting, exercise, and recreation by a variety of users including, walkers, joggers, cyclists, and inline skaters. Drivers always slowed down for us to cross. Chester County to Gain Five Additional Miles in Paved Trail Network According to Trail markings, bicycle speed is limited to 15 miles per hour. Signage makes the trail easy to follow, and the quarter mile markers are an improvement over the usual half mile markers. Meet Our New Community Planning Director, Bill Deguffroy! It is also a very wide trail with plenty of passing room. It mostly was funded with federal dollars through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program (CMAQ); Montgomery County spent about $1.97 million of its own capital funds. Plans call for extending it westward to Downingtown. Planning Commission Releases Final Plan for Chester Valley Trail Image via the Chester County Planning Commission. Please direct any questions or comments you may have to Brian Styche at bstyche@chesco.org. At its eastern end, the rail-trail connects to theSchuylkill River Trail inNorristown. Local Leaders Unveil 3.8 Mile Extension to Chester Valley Trail in The down side of this trail is the deafening noise from the traffic on 202 and that theres not much in the way of scenery. The extension project also included building three new pedestrian bridges (South Gulph Road, Henderson Road, and Boro Line Road) and updating two bridges for pedestrian/bike use. The Chester County Planning Commission (CCPC) completed the Chester Valley Trail Extension Study (CVTE) which investigated alternatives and determined a recommended alignment for extension of the Chester Valley Trail (CVT) from its current terminus in Exton into the Borough of Downingtown. Park benches were pretty common, too. Liked the fix it stations. First, in Exton, the crossing at Rt. this is not it! A look into SEPTAs new transit systems proposed for the Philadelphia suburbs. If your looking for a relaxing ride this trail isnt for you. I did find my way to where the trail starts up again at Commerce Dr. Getting across Rt 100 is a challenge. The other dangerous intersection is at Foundry Way in Malvern. Trail is perfect--not even a crack. :( OK so NOW the GOOD! Lots of stops to cross traffic. Chester Valley Trail Chester Valley Trail - 4a In Progress 6.34 1.04 Schuylkill River Trail Parkerford Road to Route 422 In Progress 5.71 4.11 Brandywine Creek Trail P&T Trail to Robbins Road Pipeline 5.83 0.30 Chester Valley Trail CVT Extension to Downingtown - P&T Line Pipeline 9.86 6.68 I can't wait for winter 2022 for extension to Sckuylkill river trail in Norristown. It has already completed a feasibility study for one section. Highly recommended!! Fabulous ride not at all marred by the multiple road crossings. Fun outing overall. As part of the Chester Valley Trail Extension project, this 11' lane will widen to 13' after . PDF TII Projects by Legislative District in Chester County Major Corridors In all, we walk the dog, go for runs, ride our bikes, play on playgrounds and can even stop for a beerall while using one trail. However, the trail is not very bike friendly as it has far too many crossroads that require stopping to wait for traffic and/or traffic signals. Trail will be extended west to Rt. Started at the North Gulf road. What is the Chester Valley Trail? What is the Chester Valley Trail Yeah, there's a few road crossings, a couple of which are across 4-lanes, but, I'm not used to that, and it's one of those things that I can accept. Note: we started at the King of Prussia end and rode to Exton, but the last mile or so of the trail was closed. There is a 0.8-mile spur trail that splits from the main route by the intersection of Commerce Drive and S Pottstown Pike/Main Street. Overall nice trail to bike and be out of the house. Despite helping to provide a pedestrian link between the area's many malls, shopping centers and office buildings, this segment appears to be underused. A nice, flat, paved and well marked trail. Love it if could connect to VF park trail, but overall a great trail whether biking, running or taking the dog for a walk. Chester Valley Trail Public Meeting Recap - Circuit Trails 4.5 is a more appropriate rating. bp 2 chester valley trail extension to downingtown multi-use trail x x x x x x bp 3 chester valley trail: exton to oaklands multi-use trail x x x bp 4 enola low grade extension multi-use trail x x x bp 5 struble trail extension x x x bp 6 chester valley trail west multi-use trail x x x bp 7 paoli pike trail: airport rd to line rd multi-use . Only about 500 ft of total elevation after doing a down and back. Nice trail in great condition. This Phase will be about 1.25 miles. 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. This feasibility study and master plan will pick up where the Chester Valley Trail Extension to Downingtown study leaves off and will identify and evaluate potential routes for extending the Chester Valley Trail (CVT) westward across the county to connect with the future 29-mile multi-use Enola Low Grade rail trail . You need to cross roads three times to reach the other side of 100. One of those is Battle of the Clouds Park, located 1 mile past Ecology Park, where the trail crosses Phoenixville Pike. Also be aware that you get a lot of noise from the traffic on nearby Rt 202 - it was noticeable and sometimes unpleasant, even without my hearing aids. @oiA'@!=pH0pb` 6^,n I did this trail back in 2011 and was not thrilled. There is a short section on the northern part of the trail which is more exposed to sun and Rte 202 traffic noise. There are many well marked road crossings with gates and audible crossing signals. Help defend and expand trails nationwide. It then continues for an additional 1500 feet before abruptly dead-ending at a clump of bushes. Along the trail are some new bridges one in Bridgeport over railroad tracks, one above South Gulph Road in King of Prussia, and one over Henderson Road in Upper Merion Township. The location is home to one of the largest concentrations of employment and population in the Philadelphia region outside of Center City, and the trail provides a key connection of "The Circuit . Currently, a 5.1 mile section is complete, connecting Montgomery County to Chester County. It is a favorite destination for walkers, runners, families, and bikers since it is convenient to a large population. Counties: Chester. Great Job!! It is a wide trail and safe for two way 'traffic'. Beware of the many road crossings, too many, and some of them are 4-lane roads- a little dangerous especially if your riding with little ones. I found the use of audible signals or vocal warnings by those passing is also infrequent. The design will enable people with different capacities and abilities to use the trail system, whether its because of your age or a handicap or some other disability, Hartman said. The new 3.9 miles will run through Upper Merion Township and Bridgeport Borough to Norristown, where it will then connect with the Schuylkill River Trail. The new trail section is a 10- to 12-foot-wide, paved, multiuse path that is part of the Circuit Trails network, a vast regional network of hundreds of miles of multiuse trails in the Greater Philadelphia region that is growing each year. From that point, Montgomery County has built a link over the Schuylkill Expressway to South Gulph Road in Upper Merion. The only real problem is the many many crossings. Bike shops in Exton also make for easy service. The first section is in design and will extend the trail from Exton Town Center to near . Check or FAQs for more common login questions. WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyones stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. The route is a straight shot across the landscape, except for turns to accommodate busy road crossings. You will really enjoy this one! The extension will cost $6.2 million, and it will be fully funded by federal reimbursement through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program. Initially, the trail goes along some very congested real estate, but the sound barriers do muffle the traffic noise so in portions it is very nice, heavily wooded on both sides, and in some places refreshingly cool. The rail-trail ends in another 2.4 miles after passing through the community of Exton. Heads up tho! So I visited the trail for the first time today. I like this trail for early season rides or when riding with a group of mixed ability. Chester Valley Trail Extension to Downingtown . Our cub scout troop rode the 6 mile section and added part of the unpaved "phase 2" section, parts of which requires hybrid tires until it is paved. Each segment of the trail is at different stages in the development pipeline either already existing, under study, in engineering, or under construction, Hartman said. It's a fine trail if you like to walk or run. On top of that, truck traffic is extremely heavy and frequently blocks the intersection. This can also be viewed as a negative as I was passing people and getting passed by cyclists. Final Report. The trail takes visitors over the Schuylkill River in Norristown and provides access to view the new fish ladder at the Norristown Dam as well as opportunities to visit various shops, restaurants, and art galleries along the way. What is the Chester Valley Trail Extension? Today the 2.6-mile trail attracts more than 125,000 visitors each year. For all practical purposes you have to cross three roads, each with a long wait for the light and crossing signal. I went to the East end and then to Rt 100. This was our longest ride since starting back to riding and we were wooped at the end. TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, Schuylkill River Trail by Trail Junction Center (75 E Lafayette St, Norristown) and 0.3 mile west of Indian Run St & Commerce Dr (Exton). The 1.3-mile section from Joshua Road to Stenton Avenue is projected to start construction in 2023. If you are travelling a bit to get here and ride this trail you may want to hold off until it's finished because the KOP section is only a little over a mile. The trail section near Exton out to CFS has a lot of points where you cross traffic so be careful. PDF Moving the Circuit Forward to Reach 500 miles by 2025 I can see how they might run a paved path along Clover Mill Road. Definitely more downhill slope going towards King of Prussia. I highly recommend biking 14 miles one way but do not make the return trip. and continue the trail from the Exton Wal-Mart west to Downingtown are still in the planning stages. I'm basing my rating on comparison to other trails I've ridden. That said, my husband and I have greatly enjoyed biking from Paoli to Exton with our 3 year old. We will be sticking to the tried and true, bike friendly, Schuylkill River Trail. The trail extension project included the installation of two new pedestrian bridges at South Gulph Road and Henderson Road, and the enhancement of two existing bridges. Loved having retail on both ends for drinks/snacks. East Branch Brandywine Trail Facts. Definitely recommend for a family bike ride. All blacktop! Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Overall, I think CVRT is more a commuter trail than recreational trail. The remote sections are nice and trail well maintained but would choose a different trail next time. Localized trails can link to the veins and the capillaries in the larger system. Its shaded much of the way and successfully hides the fact that it runs very close to the 202 expressway. Well maintained, paved, with plenty of shade. Additionally, 202 can be a bit noisy. Delaware County Community College consolidating Exton, Downingtown The trail surface is paved in asphalt that is fully ADA accessible. Riding east, there is 2 miles round trip east of the trailhead off of S. Warner Rd; as w. the western end of the trail, it's ugly but at least more interesting. What is the Chester Valley Trail? What is the Chester Valley Trail Picked up the trail for an evening ride at Church Farm Lane which is the border between Exton Park and Valley Creek Corporate Center. hb```}|@(a}):W{`,O2%(\zPZcGGG1b l@n 3p%X$ `a6bRV-,58'ob+Yb^%u #W! The trail extension project included the installation of two new pedestrian bridges at South Gulph Road and Henderson Road, and the enhancement of two existing bridges. The Road crossing at Rt 100 is rather bizarre. I can see it used for recreation and basic transportation. 100 intersection is not worth crossing --> 3 crossings, plus the trail west of it is both short & ugly (1 mile round trip). I'm just curious what the plan is, if anyone knows. despite what the map may indicate. Overall a great trail! Lots of bikers, walkers and families on this trail but majority were friendly as you passed. View Final Report; View Final Appendix; Project Description. Alternately, Downingtown also has the Streubel Trail, on the other side of town. The Chester Valley Trail now extends 5 miles east in King of Prussia to Norristown where it connects to the Schuylkill River Trail. So, if you are riding this trail roundtrip and want to be riding downhill on the return trip, then I suggest that you park at the King of Prussia Trailhead. This trail is paved, 12 feet in width, and will eventually be 22 miles long. Agree some parts were not scenic and were near busy roadways but crossings were safe and clearly marked. Very well maintained with good shade. The installation of the new bridge over Henderson Road in Upper Merion Township for the Chester Valley Trail. The trail . . The westernmost segment runs for 0.8 miles in the vicinity of the Main Street at Exton shopping center. This extension of the existing 13.5 mile trail will provide connections to the existing Struble and East Branch Brandywine Trails in the Downingtown area. Currently, a 5.1 mile section is complete, connecting Montgomery County to . Clean trail and a decent amount of tree coverage at most points for those hot sunny days. it is best to start this trail from the King of Prussia side and ride to the end point in Exton. Completed in 2010, this segment is already very popular with cyclists, in-line skaters, hikers, joggers, dogwalkers and parents pushing young children in strollers. Construction of segments that will close the gap from Ship Road to Iron Lake Blvd. As a woman who typically runs alone, it's worth noting that I felt quite safe here (I'm not particularly paranoid but in today's times safety is a consideration now). This trail dose have some potential, I have no idea how is managing it. Starting from the King of Prussia trailhead I found the trail too close to busy streets for me. We were both very comfortable. Chester County is expecting to extend the trail into Downingtown. Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. Brandywine Conservancy is working with Caln Township and the Chester County Planning Commission on a feasibility study for its portion of Chester County's Chester Valley Trail West extension, which the previously completed study refers to as the "Beaver Creek Trail.". Lots of benches to stop and take a break. Montgomery County has seen a surge in trail users since the COVID-19 pandemic started. But due to the many road crossings and that some of the trail is along major highways and that one is funneled to road crossings requiring sharp turns , I am giving this trail a 3 star rating. The newly extended 22-mile Chester Valley Trail will connect Chester and Montgomery counties to Philadelphia. I don't know? A few road crossings but they are not too busy and safe. I'm anxioust to ride end-to-end. But I WAS FRUSTRATED! It runs too close to major highways making it quite noisy in spots. Current plans call for adding five more miles to the countys 22-mile-long network of paved pedestrian trails.