Perkiomen Trail

The Perkiomen Trail is located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and runs along the Perkiomen Creek from its junction with the Schuylkill River Trail (accessed from Valley Forge Park) to Green Lane. Use the link below to visit the "official" website to find a development schedule and other useful information.

Length:	19.5 miles when completed (late 2003).
Surface:	Packed gravel, with a portion of the southern section paved.
Shade/Sun:	Some sections in full sun, but primarily shaded.
Amenities:	Restrooms at Valley Forge Park and Perkiomen Park.
Food:	Vending machines at Perkiomen Park.
Parking:	Valley Forge Park (Betzwood), Pawlings Road, Perkiomen Park, many others.
Website:	Montgomery County Perkiomen Trail

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- General Description -

Sunday, April 13, 2003 was unusually warm and sunny, so we decided to kick off our 2003 biking season here at the Perkiomen Trail. We started our tour at the Schuylkill River Trail extension, which leads east through wooded countryside and alongside US Route 422 from Valley Forge Park to the southern trailhead of the Perkiomen Trail. The Schuylkill River Trail crosses the Perkiomen Creek on a large concrete arch railroad bridge just before the connection to the Perkiomen Trail. Heading north along the west bank of the Perkiomen Creek, we soon reach Wetherills Dam, located near the entrance to Lower Perkiomen Valley Park. This park contains restrooms, cooking grills and some playground equipment, making it an ideal stop for a quick rest or a picnic lunch.

The paved trail continues north from the park along the creek until it junctions with Upper IndianHead Road. Here you must head uphill on a "share-the-road" section of Upper Indianhead Road for about 200 yards until the trail resumes on the right side of the road. The trail turns to gravel at this point, and is unpaved for the remainder of the northern section (as of 07/18/03). The trail is nicely wooded and shady, and in places is carved into the hillside above the creek. A new bridge has been built where the trail crosses over Doe Run, a small feeder stream into the Perkiomen. In several places the old railbed cuts through the surrounding hills and crosses ravines over embankments, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life.

The trail jogs slightly at the junction of Yerkes Road, and then continues fairly straight and level through some residential areas until crossing Route 29 south of Collegeville. The trail bypasses the old railbed (a future section) through town on two more "share-the-road" sections, until it rejoins the old railbed again just above the Perkiomen Bridge Hotel (you must cross Route 29 again).

The trail continues north from Collegeville through more cuts in the hillside, and runs alongside Route 29 until it once again crosses the road. Passing through a small park, the trail again follows the Perkiomen Creek for a short distance before once again returning to the old railbed. Here it crosses Schoolhouse Run (another feeder stream) on an old stone and cement arch bridge, and continues north towards Graterford.

[Author's Note - due to time constraints I was forced to end my trip here. I look forward to riding further north on the entire trail as additional portions are openned].

Background Image: Schuylkill River Trail crossing the Perkiomen Creek