So I visited the trail for the first time today. Chester County trails more than just recreation - The Mercury In 2021, 477,092 people used the Chester Valley Trail, while 68,225 enjoyed the Schuylkill River Trail. 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. (Courtesy Montgomery County). We found it well maintained, paved and wide. But I would not want to bike this route on a weekday. On Monday, March 13, 2023, the Montgomery County Commissioners joined with other local officials to cut the ribbon on the Chester Valley Trail Extension, a 3.8-mile extension of the Chester Valley Trail. In icy/snowy conditions the trail may be closed until parking and access areas are addressed. (the back.) Good track to work on your speed. Get a fresh perspective of people, events and trends that shape our world. Struble Trail | Pennsylvania Trails | TrailLink The county will also connect that part of the Cross County Trail at Stenton Avenue to the Wissahickon Trail with a new 2-mile extension. This trail is wide and very well maintained. Complete a comprehensive feasibility study for the Chester Valley Trail. Just rode this trail for the first time today - 4/2/16 - started in Exton - FIRST, the "BAD" - my complaints - I followed the directions posted here, but, when I got there, I had NO IDEA WHERE the trail WAS. It will offer access to Philadelphia and the western parts of Montgomery County. The Chester Valley Trail is also part of the Circuit Trails, a developing 800-mile urban network of trails in Greater Philadelphia, of which about 350 miles are complete. Anyone who knows, I would appreciate it. We've started at both the Exton end and the King of Prussia end (2 different days) and in both cases rode about 7 miles to Media, where we had lunch, and then did the return trip. The entrance into the park near Church Farm School is not marked and the parking lot is not complete. It is relatively flat but still a good workout. PennDot really needs to put in a crosswalk for the trail and walkers on the south side of Commerce Dr. As previously stated, the trail surface is smooth and well maintained. on the other side. Fourth very nice bathroom and parking area at Exton Park on Church Farm Road. View or download a copy of the Chester Valley Trail Extension Feasibility Study and Master Plan. Trail is crowded with multiple users- bikes, jiggers, skateboarders, etc. Copyright 2023 American Community Journals, LLC |, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Each of these municipalities is represented on a project Steering Committee along with representatives from other County departments and local stakeholders. When complete, the $6.2 million project will run 17.5 miles across the county, from the Schuylkill River Trail in Conshohocken to the Pennypack Trail in Upper Moreland and Bryn Athyn. Started at the North Gulf road. There are several stores to stop at for a break. Completion of multi -use trail from Exton to Thorndale : 23.0 ROW Acquisition 2024-2030 Chester Valley Trail West Completion of trail from Downingtown to Atglen . The trail is very enjoyable. The Chester Valley Trail Extension project is a 3.8-mile expansion of the Chester Valley Trail completed in March 2023. The historic Reading Railroad is planning a comeback as Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority holds its first meeting. Chester Valley Trail Extension | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website Please give today. Definitely more downhill slope going towards King of Prussia. Does anyone know for sure how exactly they're going to connect where the trail currently ends (at Walmart basically, in Exton), to the existing Downingtown Trail that runs along 322? Yes, some slight slopes, but nothing serious. I found the use of audible signals or vocal warnings by those passing is also infrequent. She really enjoys going through the tunnels and over the bridges and pressing the stop traffic button at Swedesford Rd. Chester Valley Trail Public Meeting Recap - Circuit Trails endstream endobj 502 0 obj <. Overall nice trail to bike and be out of the house. I saw a lot of different types of bikes, recumbents, rollerblades, runners! WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program (CMAQ). There are many township parks and Valley Forge National Park along the trail or that connect to the trail. 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. Youve got to build that basic infrastructure that provides the broad access that you can then tie into and connect, he said. Chester Valley Trail Extension Study WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. We are very excited about the potential for developing this trail in the heart of central Chester County and expanding The Circuit, Greater Philadelphias regional trail network. I only walked a small section, about 3 miles but it was clean and perfect. Clean trail and a decent amount of tree coverage at most points for those hot sunny days. The westernmost portion, through the still largely undeveloped Exton Park, has an uneven, gravel and stone surface, which gives way to smooth asphalt next to the Valley Corporate Center and continues east to Route 29. I've definitely struggled a bit with the acclimation to some of the 'hillier' trails in PA/DA. Other riders were friendly and there were But, there are a lot of BUSY road crossings on this trail; most with road crossing signals. About 3 miles of the trail already exist starting at the Schuylkill River Trail in Conshohocken and going up to Germantown Pike. The access at Exton Park is great with parking and restroom. The westernmost segment runs for 0.8 miles in the vicinity of the Main Street at Exton shopping center. Just needs to be MARKED better at several places! One mile of trail has already been built in Montgomery County. Counties: Chester. One of those is Battle of the Clouds Park, located 1 mile past Ecology Park, where the trail crosses Phoenixville Pike. Bill Rettew traversed the particulars for the Daily Local News. Once this occurs, the Chester Valley Trail will form part of the Schuylkill-Susquehanna Passage, a long-distance greenway that will connect Harrisburg and Philadelphia. 100 in the next phase and eventually all the way to Downingtown so you cannot yet gain access at Ship Rd. Park benches were pretty common, too. Ask us a question or send an idea for a story you think we should cover. I imagine some of this has to do with the newness of the trail. East Branch Brandywine Trail | Pennsylvania Trails | TrailLink It IS a really nice trail! I am only giving this trail three stars, not because the trail is a poor experience, but it is a short trail for me, and there are numerous road crossings. The extension will cost $6.2 million, and it will be fully funded by federal reimbursement through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program. The trail . 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). Will definitely be back. :( OK so NOW the GOOD! Well maintained, paved, with plenty of shade. I know other reviews have mentioned the lack of signage and I think this has improved. Got a question about life in Phillys suburbs? At its eastern end, the rail-trail connects to theSchuylkill River Trail inNorristown. The only drawback is crossing several roads which could be a challenge at busy times, and could be a negative for bikers. I can see it used for recreation and basic transportation. At the Exton Park, there is a detailed trail sign and also indications of future trails, including the proposed route to link with the Schuylkill River Trail from King of Prussia. The trail surface is paved in asphalt that is fully ADA accessible. There are about a dozen road crossings, a couple across major highways. I almost never give out 5 stars and never give out a single star so a three is not bad in my book. Users will eventually be able to take the Cross County Trail to the Wissahickon Trail, Power Line Trail, Cresheim Trail, and the Schuylkill River Trail into Philadelphia. 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. And don't get your hopes up when you see the 0.5 mile sign, there is still another mile or so to go. The grounds are immaculate! Join us at Chester Valley Trail West Public Meeting, Planning Commission Releases Final Plan for Chester Valley Trail Extension to Downingtown, Download a full copy of the final report and watch a short summary video of the recommended improvements. We rode the entire length out and back on a 95 deg day. 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. In the less congested western end, the trail utilizes short tunnels to cross US 202 and Swedesford Road.Theres no lack of fast food and restaurants in the retail centers along the eastern segment. First envisioned in 1991, the numerous disjointed segments of the Chester Valley Trail are finally starting to come together. Primarily residential on one side and highway (202?) 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. A couple of mild, short hills face travelers in Malvern and just past PA 29. That would be nice to include on the trail information page. (Not sure how busy it is one weekends.) In 2021, 477,092 people used the Chester Valley Trail, while 68,225 enjoyed the Schuylkill River Trail. Chester Valley Trail | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website At some point during your activities on this trail, you will come across dear. Does anyone have firm facts about the path that the existing Chester Valley Trail is going to use to get to Downingtown? I spent an hour trying to get to it off of ship road and route 30. Plans call for extending it westward to Downingtown. Used it for the first time last week. The only crossing that is a real pain is going over Route 100 if you want to ride past Main Street at Exton. After some lunch - off to Exton where we reached the (dead) end of the trail! Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. It continues past the Veterans Memorial Park and into the King of Prussia area of Upper Merion Township. On March 13th, 2023 a 3.8 mile extension of the Chester Valley Trail officially opened in Montgomery County. 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. The Chester Valley Trail extension is considered integral to Montgomery County's trail system, Hartman said. But on this trap I had a great ride from the Malvern trail head. 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. lacks trail etiquette And mostly I hated the busy road crossings from Malvern on. The trail descends much of the way from Exton Trailhead to the northeast end - King of Prussia Blvd. A 3.8-mile eastward extension to Norristown opened in March 2023 and connects the trail to the Schuylkill River . The remote sections are nice and trail well maintained but would choose a different trail next time. pts 4 downingtown train station rail station, parking, ped access bp 2 chester valley trail extension to downingtown multi-use trail bp 3 chester valley trail: exton to oaklands multi-use trail bp 12 brandywine trail ext: bradford av to boot rd multi-use trail bp 30 business 30: lloyd ave to train station streetscapes On hot days, we can detour to Wegmans and grab a cold snack. . 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. 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. Meet Our New Community Planning Director, Bill Deguffroy! Save for the small, unpaved section between Ship Road and the Valley Creek Corporate Center, each completed segment is user-friendly. Please direct any questions or comments you may have to Brian Styche at bstyche@chesco.org. You'll be pleased. I can see how they might run a paved path along Clover Mill Road. This is not for riders looking for speed, because as mentioned in other reviews, the trail is shared with walkers, runners, strollers, skaters and training wheels. For a few miles you are riding next to I-76 so you will hear traffic but it is not deafening. Chester Valley Trail | Tredyffrin Township Sections not yet open to the public are posted as "NO TRESPASSING. Security issues and maintenance are coordinated by calling 610-344-5656. For all practical purposes you have to cross three roads, each with a long wait for the light and crossing signal. PDF TII Projects by Legislative District in Chester County Major Corridors Two of them had pedestrian yields that at least meant I could cross. Overall a great trail! (Courtesy Montgomery County). One was in a development and had no traffic. I don't know? Crossing rt. The 6.4 mile of the Chester Valley Trail is expanding in both directions with construction starting this month. It might get a little boring. In the middle, where it follows the Chester Valley Railroad bed, it is at its best. I drove up from Wilmington De and it was close to a waste of time and effort. The trail is suppose to be 12 wide and it is in places but at most crossings it is a maze to get through especially when the traffic is heavy and a wide range of people from novices to experienced road bikers who are impatient with the rest of us. Highlight was on the east end there is a Wegmans Super Store just off the trail. PDF TII Projects by Municipality - Chesco Planning 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. Is it still there? The second phase will take the trail over US 30 and into Downingtown. Another time I wouldn't go further west than Rt 100 until the trail is extended further toward Downingtown, which, apparently, is to happen soon. estimated completion in November 2013 from Paoli,cedar hollow road to Valley Forge Park. The first section is in design and will extend the trail from Exton Town Center to near US 30. The Chester Valley Trail extension is considered integral to Montgomery Countys trail system, Hartman said. Enjoy. It is a wide trail and safe for two way 'traffic'. Emily Rizzo is WHYY News suburban reporter covering Bucks and Montgomery counties. Enjoy! Several of the crossings are by bridge or tunnel and some are on the street. Also, its heavily used on the weekends making for a crowded ride. If you are going to do this trail you really need to read a few reviews. Download a full copy of the final report and watch a short summary video of the recommended improvements. Very smooth if you are on a road bike. The trail is asphalt all the way, and virtually level. Trail end points: PA Route 322/Downingtown Pike (near Bradford Road Avenue) and PA Route 322/Downingtown Pike (east of the Sugars Bridge Road intersection) Trail surfaces: Asphalt. 29 you need to zig and zag and wait for the traffic light and as you continue east the trail goes through the Target/Wegman's parking lot. Our suburban reporters want to hear from you! The crossings are well designed to keep cyclists and pedestrians safe. Public Meeting #1: 'Introduction' was held October 8th, 2015 at the West Whiteland Township Building Main Meeting Room. Image via the Montgomery County Planning Commission. A nice little bridge as well as a nice little tunnel, nice scenary along the way. It's mostly flat, though, heading back West was a BIT more difficult than the ride East. Chester County Planning Commission The Spring Garden Street Greenway would connect the Schuylkill River Trail and the Delaware River Trail, creating safe passage across Philadelphia. (NJ drivers are less likely to stop than PA drivers.) All motorists very considerate. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? I am looking forward to the completion! According to a recent Chester Valley Trail Extension survey, respondents would like to see a connection to historical landmarks along the Trail. Only about 500 ft of total elevation after doing a down and back. There's construction at the main intersection in Exton at the moment about a mile-ish from the trail end. Not one rough spot in the paving, not one piece of trash on the entire 14 mile length. We will have to wait for the politicians to get some good weather to pat themselves on the back about what a great job they did before the trail is officially open, but in the meantimeexcept for the extreme eastern edge east of Old Eagle School Road and the extreme western edge, west of the Church Farm School, the path is open and clear of snow and ice. 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. We walked our bikes across the 3 intersections around the work since we were determined to get to the end of the trail. On the plus side, if you take your shopping cart with you, it passes by Wegmans, Target, Walmart and every other big box store along its way, with convenient access to all their parking lots. Separately, King of Prussia has committed to complete their 2 mile connector section by 2013 which will connect the Chester Valley Trail to the 50+ mile Schuykill River Trail system. The additional mileage is coming to the Chester Valley Trail and the Schuylkill River Trail. I will definitely be back for speed work and I will probably use it for my longer runs (10+ miles). Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. This should be on all trails. A 3.8-mile eastward extension to Norristown opened in March 2023 and connects the trail to theSchuylkill River Trail, which creates access to Valley Forge National Historical Park to the north and Philadelphia to the south. By Mark Hostutler. This trail is such a tease, because once it is fully finished it will be a great ride. We were both very comfortable. Chester Valley Trail extension spotlights connection to Norristown's Schuylkill River Trail. hbbd```b``+@$SdExA$40,8`q L|` l@Z ".D@1#cmT#30}0 Kn Chester County pedestrians and bicyclists will soon be able to spread out a little more. A popular well kept asphalt trail of 14 miles. The drawbacks (frequent road crossings and occasional visual proximity to rte 202) are easily outweighed by the quality of the trail. My friend and I parked at the Exton Park Trailhead which offers many amenities; such as full service bathrooms, playground area, and a tremendous parking lot. www.chesco.org For more information, please contact Brian Styche, CCPC's Transportation Services Director at 610-344-6285 or bstyche@chesco.org. Extension to identify a preferred alignment and preferred bicycle/pedestrian facility types from Downingtown to the Enola Low Grade Trail. I rode the King of Prussia portion yesterday and I can't wait for it to be completed. 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. A new major trail in Montgomery County to open this winter I quite literally DID NOT KNOW WHERE the trail was! Liked the fix it stations. Visit the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions. The trail is paved the entire way and crosses several busy roads, but each intersection is clearly marked and passable. this is not it! The Chester Valley Trail will generally follow a now-abandoned rail corridor and will connect Chester Countys Struble Trail in Exton with Montgomery Countys Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown. But that takes you to Boot Road. The Chester Valley Trail Extension is a planned 3.8-mile extension of the Chester Valley Trail. Thanks you to the Parks & Recreation Guys who have taken care of the trail and kept it plowed, ice free and safe this winter! This is my new favorite trail. The trail will be constructed to be 10-12 feet wide with an asphalt or concrete surface. 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. There are mileage markers almost every half mile, and also some signs for points of interest. Currently part of the trail is under repair so there is a clearly marked detour but that added 2 more crossings on a busy road. The only real problem is the many many crossings. Youll pass several small parks with picnic tables: DAmbrosia Park at 4 miles, Cedar Hollow Park at 6.6 miles, and Ecology Park at 10.1 miles. It's not congested like the Schuylkill River Trail. In Exton, the crossing at Rt 100 is a mean 3-way dog-leg. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. The Chester Valley Trail will generally follow a now-abandoned rail corridor and will connect Chester County's Struble Trail in Exton with Montgomery County's Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown. The railroad roadcut - dating from the mid-1800s - was a cool oasis of green walls.
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