Instead of taking one directly across Rt 100, one is forced to divert 90 degrees away from the trail (heading northbound) to cross over Commerce Dr and then cross over Rt 100 (paralleling the trail), and then cross the opposite direction on Commerce Dr (Southward) to return to the trail on the west side of Rt 100. So in conclusion, if in the area and want to get a few miles in, give this a try. The Spring Garden Street Greenway would connect the Schuylkill River Trail and the Delaware River Trail, creating safe passage across Philadelphia. 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. Overpasses and tunnels, which help avoid street crossings, make this a family-friendly route. Will definitely ride it on our next trip to PA. You are riding through an urban area and along some highways. . The Planning Commission is working towards determining a recommended alignment for extension of the Chester Valley Trail into the Borough of Downingtown and . Third, very nice long trail. It's not congested like the Schuylkill River Trail. Very smooth if you are on a road bike. Good for casual riding. First time on the trail today and loved it. 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. Its just a little boring. In 2021, 477,092 people used the Chester Valley Trail, while 68,225 enjoyed the Schuylkill River Trail. The trail is generally constructed to a 10-12 width with 2 level shoulders on each side. Non athletes or Weekend Warriors will also find this Trail to be very good. The road crossings provide natural stopping points to re-group. The Chester Valley Trail is a multi-use, rail-to-trail facility that roughly follows U.S. The 10- to 12-foot-wide asphalt path, which is open daily, 8 amsunset, has a slight uphill grade from King of Prussia to Exton. Luckily, I saw a gentleman and his daughter unloading bikes and asked - well, it was STILL not the easiest to find! The other dangerous intersection is at Foundry Way in Malvern. Once completed, the Chester Valley Trail will form a prominent link in southeast Pennsylvania's emerging greenway network, with connections to the Uwchlan and Struble trails, several local parks and Valley Forge via Patriot's Path, another multi-use trail currently in development. (NJ drivers are less likely to stop than PA drivers.) So there ends up being lots more stop and go along the path. 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. Emily Rizzo is WHYY News suburban reporter covering Bucks and Montgomery counties. Read more about the planned trail extensions in the Daily Local News. This trail is perfect for local residents. Meet Our New Community Planning Director, Bill Deguffroy! The Chester County Planning Commission is proud to release the final Chester Valley Trail Extension to Downingtown Feasibility Study and Master Plan.We are very excited about the potential for developing this trail in the heart of central Chester County and expanding The Circuit, Greater Philadelphia's regional trail network. Chester County Planning Commission The Chester Valley Trail is currently 18.6 miles in length with 13.5 miles open for use in Chester County and 5.1 miles open to the east in Montgomery County. There is a parking lot off S. Warner Rd. The westernmost segment runs for 0.8 miles in the vicinity of the Main Street at Exton shopping center. Transportation Priority Projects in Chester County Current plans call for adding five more miles to the countys 22-mile-long network of paved pedestrian trails. You need to cross roads three times to reach the other side of 100. The 3.9-mile extension would stretch the existing 14.5-mile Chester Valley Trail, which runs from Exton in Chester County into King of Prussia. This extension connects the Chester Valley Trail with the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown. Just need to be attentive around mile 7.5 when the trail seems to end -- it doesn't just need to go left at the PNC Bank. The only real problem is the many many crossings. and continue the trail from the Exton Wal-Mart west to Downingtown are still in the planning stages. Is the plan to connect to that?? Chester Valley Trail | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website Beaver Creek Trail. Yes, some slight slopes, but nothing serious. Chester Valley Trail Extension | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website Chester County trails more than just recreation - The Mercury Named for the late Robert G. Struble, a teacher, conservationist, county commissioner and Brandywine Valley . Work by Chester and Montgomery Counties began in 2009 to convert the railbed into a trail. 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 . Several of the crossings are by bridge or tunnel and some are on the street. Please give today. He has a mountain bike. Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. I can see it used for recreation and basic transportation. The 1.3-mile section from Joshua Road to Stenton Avenue is projected to start construction in 2023. Montgomery County officials are moving forward with two major trail projects that will make it easier for folks to travel through the county on foot or bicycle. Formed in 1850 by the Philadelphia and Reading Company, the Chester Valley Railroad stretched 22 miles between Bridgeport and Downingtown. In icy/snowy conditions the trail may be closed until parking and access areas are addressed. Not too difficult and the trail is shady so for an August day it wasn't too hot. The trail surface is paved in asphalt that is fully ADA accessible. Doubt that I'll do all 28 miles in the future: a) Riding west, the rt. (the back.) Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites, Chester County's Exton Park Site - 132 Church Farm Lane, Exton, Battle of the Clouds Park - 125 N Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, East Whiteland Municipal Building - 209 Conestoga Rd, Malvern, West Whiteland Municipal Building - 101 E Commerce Drive, Exton, Battery powered wheel chairs by persons with disabilities, Strollers, including those connected to bicycles, Equestrian use, including horseback riding or carriage use, Motorized vehicles, including motor vehicles (excluding authorized vehicles). Image via the Montgomery County Planning Commission. 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. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? Next time I'll know, but the first time was not easy. (Courtesy of Montgomery County). Noise from 202 was blocked mostly by a wall. 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. Thank you to all those who backed this trail and work to maintain it. 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 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. 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. Chester Valley Trail | Pennsylvania Trails | TrailLink The bulk of this section parallels Commerce Drive from Iron Lake Blvd. Love it if could connect to VF park trail, but overall a great trail whether biking, running or taking the dog for a walk. The construction of the Chester Valley Trial extension to Downingtown will be completed in two phases. The CVT is well-maintained, paved, offers shade on hot days, and provides links to numerous residential, commercial, and recreational areas, making it perfect for cyclists, in-line skaters or walkers. When the missing link is completed in Montgomery County it will connect to the Schuylkill Valley Trail. As compared to the Perkiomen or Schuylkill trails, CVT is like city riding. All blacktop! Longer-term plans anticipate extending the trail even further west, to Atglen, where it will join the new Enola-Low Grade Trail. Nice trail in great condition. Worth the travel from Maryland. One of those is Battle of the Clouds Park, located 1 mile past Ecology Park, where the trail crosses Phoenixville Pike. Its shaded much of the way and successfully hides the fact that it runs very close to the 202 expressway. There I are just enough small hills to make it interesting but not too steep.There is a clean restroom and water fountain at approximately 11 miles. It's an easy 30mi (end-to-end and back again). About 3 miles of the trail already exist starting at the Schuylkill River Trail in Conshohocken and going up to Germantown Pike. There are several street crossings but they have pedestrian blinking lights and the crossings are well marked so I felt safe crossing with my boys. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. I can't wait for winter 2022 for extension to Sckuylkill river trail in Norristown. But that takes you to Boot Road. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. The county will start designing the last 5-mile stretch of the trail in 2023. Chester Valley Trail | Tredyffrin Township Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY. endstream endobj 502 0 obj <. The installation of the new bridge over Henderson Road in Upper Merion Township for the Chester Valley Trail. I love running on this trail! Incoming traffic has the right of way and does not stop. Chester Valley Trail Extension to Downingtown 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 36.0 Seeking Funding 2023 -2030 Struble Trail Extension Completion of multi -use trail from Marsh Creek State Park to Reeds Road I think "they" should bring in a group of "test," first-time-on-the-trail riders, and, individually, have them see if they run into the same problems I did. Possible alignments are looked at the Route 30 Multimodal Transportation Study. 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. Bill Rettew traversed the particulars for the Daily Local News. The route is a straight shot across the landscape, except for turns to accommodate busy road crossings. Chester County to Gain Five Additional Miles in Paved Trail Network The trail is paved the entire way and crosses several busy roads, but each intersection is clearly marked and passable. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? Around the 8 mile point, the scenery is more open, with farms along the trail. I essentially had to stop running for several minutes while I waited for the light to change. The trail is paved from Morehall rd to N Ship rd except for about a mile. There are lots of road crossings, and road noise from Route 202, but it was so pretty! I WILL be back, probably many times. 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. Meanwhile, the Schuylkill River Trail, which runs through East Coventry and North Coventry townships, will have four miles added to its current 5.75 miles this spring. The trail is broken up by numerous street crossings. I like this trail for early season rides or when riding with a group of mixed ability. This trail is wide and very well maintained. The trail section near Exton out to CFS has a lot of points where you cross traffic so be careful. 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. Get a fresh perspective of people, events and trends that shape our world. If you are going to do this trail you really need to read a few reviews. I rode the entire 13.5 mile trail from King of Prussia to Exton. And there is a massive hill between that area, and where the Downingtown Trail is along 322. It's harder going then coming back, but the street crossings are minimal and non invasive, the other riders/walkers are considerate and upbeat. On top of that, truck traffic is extremely heavy and frequently blocks the intersection. I am looking forward to the completion! 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. Town Tours & Village Walks Program Wraps up 27th Year, Brownfield, Greyfield, & Infill Development. 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. We rode the entire length out and back on a 95 deg day. 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 . Ran to the left after parking. West of Church Farm School towards Exton the trail is unpaved and becomes packed gravel then old train bed with large rocks and weeds. The section that I have ridden stretches from Valley Creek Rd near the Church Farm School eastward to Rt 29 near the new Wegman's - approx 4.5 miles. These trails are flat and family friendly and often have a shoulder for running or stepping off the trail. So the Chester Valley Trail was a site for sore (hamstrings) eyes! 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. For more information, please contact Brian Styche, CCPC's Transportation Services Director at 610-344-6285 or bstyche@chesco.org. It has already completed a feasibility study for one section. The trail has a slight downhill grade from the Exton Trailhead to its southwest end (Between Rt 100 and S.Whitford Rd) and is about 2 miles one way. The additional mileage is coming to the Chester Valley Trail and the Schuylkill River Trail. Some are ok and easy, some are a lot more difficult. 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. Fun outing overall. There are many township parks and Valley Forge National Park along the trail or that connect to the trail. 542 0 obj <>stream We were both very comfortable. The CVTE study is partially funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2). I will definitely be back for speed work and I will probably use it for my longer runs (10+ miles). WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. 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 Schuylkill River Trail stretches from Philadelphia to beyond Reading with many connecting trails which will result in an uninterrupted trail system easily exceeding 100 miles (after connectors are completed-check back in 2013 for that ride). 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. Can't rate this trail until its finished but have high hopes for it. First of all, we had a late winter snow storm and this trail was cleared quite quickly and very well. There are several stores to stop at for a break. Because of all of the rain this, have ridden this & other paved trails more than I would like. Today the 2.6-mile trail attracts more than 125,000 visitors each year. A great 14 mile trail that you can make longer or shorter to suit your needs. East Branch Brandywine Trail | Pennsylvania Trails | TrailLink I can't imagine they like the trail that much as there was a lot of sand/dirt/brush washed up on the trail from the recent rains. I did not cross Rt 29 (not necessary if only doing a 10 mileryou can run a little more near the parking lot in Exon to supplement the small shortage), but all other street crossings were simple and very well marked. The railroad roadcut - dating from the mid-1800s - was a cool oasis of green walls. All in all the CVT is a nice trail, one that I would like to do every year. It's mostly flat, though, heading back West was a BIT more difficult than the ride East. Chester Valley Trail Extension - Circuit Trails Several new bridges have been constructed to carry the trail over local roads, while a few underpasses and culverts left over from the railroad, have been refurbished. Our suburban reporters want to hear from you! Two of them had pedestrian yields that at least meant I could cross. 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. Now on that note it is a fun smooth ride. The Chester Valley Trail now stretches 13.5 miles in Chester County, from the Montgomery County border and running through Tredyffrin, East Whiteland, and West Whiteland townships. 2023 The Circuit Trails. 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. Does anyone have firm facts about the path that the existing Chester Valley Trail is going to use to get to Downingtown? Public Meeting #2: 'Alternatives Analysis Review / DRAFT Recommended Alignment' was held March 30th at the West Whiteland Township Main Meeting Room. 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 The trail would be just over a mile long and expand the practicality of connecting these two major transportation facilities. The spur connects to the Exton SEPTA/Amtrack Station. Only about 500 ft of total elevation after doing a down and back. You can see a lot of time and money has been put into this trail since it crosses over a number of roads. It meanders through the neighborhoods behind houses and businesses. It has since been investing in pre-existing and new trails across the county, and making huge strides. First, in Exton, the crossing at Rt. On other crossings you just have to look carefully both ways. The Chester County Planning Commission has officially unveiled a recommended route for the Exton-to-Downingtown extension of the Chester Valley Trail. Youve got to build that basic infrastructure that provides the broad access that you can then tie into and connect, he said. 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. 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. WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program (CMAQ). 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. Agree some parts were not scenic and were near busy roadways but crossings were safe and clearly marked. I thought it was a great ride. Very shady for hot days. Leaving Bridgeport, the route curves south and then west as it meanders through King of Prussia, a community named for a local Colonial-era inn built in 1719. The crossings are well designed to keep cyclists and pedestrians safe. Does anyone know where I can park close to the trail around Wayne without the risk of getting towed? It is relatively flat but still a good workout. A popular well kept asphalt trail of 14 miles. From that point, Montgomery County has built a link over the Schuylkill Expressway to South Gulph Road in Upper Merion. Hazards include dangerous road crossings and high speed road bikers. My recommendation would be to drive further down (3-4 miles in the trail, around Penn medicine) and its getting quieter. Additionally, 202 can be a bit noisy. States: Pennsylvania. I was pleasantly surprised the first time I road this trail. Parking is available at a number of locations along the trail. I ride on the trail too, but I don't understand why bikers choose to break the speed limit rule on a trail that is so frequently used by runners and walkers - especially when it is crowded. Ironton Trail near Coplay PA & the southern Henry Hudson Trail near Freehold NJ are also paved & shady, but they are no where near as long. Duane Morris investigation into Central Bucks finds no discrimination against LGBTQ students, Shapiro signs first bill, expands Pa. health insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, 3 unions at Rutgers University have reached tentative agreements. However, the fact that several major segments remain unbuilt, necessitating lengthy detours on busy roads, give the trail a low overall rating. PDF TII Projects by Municipality - Chesco Planning The trail parallels US 202, which youll barely notice as you travel through a wooded corridor that opens up to farmland approaching Exton. I find it to be a valuable addition to our time as a family. I went to the East end and then to Rt 100. In other areas, homes and office parks are along the way. All other runs probably don't make sense here as I can get the same workout by going out my front door. The remote sections are nice and trail well maintained but would choose a different trail next time. Would recommend to families, runners, walkers alike! This should be on all trails. I spent an hour trying to get to it off of ship road and route 30. . I quite literally DID NOT KNOW WHERE the trail was!

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