Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox. We started in King of Prussia and before long were at Wegman's in Malvern. A great 14 mile trail that you can make longer or shorter to suit your needs. 100 crossing, but you need to be alert. 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. Once complete this trail will connect Downingtown, Coatesville, Parkesburg, Atglen and points in between with the . The railroad roadcut - dating from the mid-1800s - was a cool oasis of green walls. Despite helping to provide a pedestrian link between the area's many malls, shopping centers and office buildings, this segment appears to be underused. For all practical purposes you have to cross three roads, each with a long wait for the light and crossing signal. Length: 2.5 miles. It's a fine trail if you like to walk or run. 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. Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY. (NJ drivers are less likely to stop than PA drivers.) This trail is such a tease, because once it is fully finished it will be a great ride. Trail will be extended west to Rt. Facilities Montgomery County, PA CivicEngage Public Meeting #2: 'Alternatives Analysis Review / DRAFT Recommended Alignment' was held March 30th at the West Whiteland Township Main Meeting Room. I love running on this trail! The county is looking for funding to construct a roughly $8 million to $10 million trail bridge over Germantown Pike to continue the trail into Whitemarsh. The installation of the new bridge over Henderson Road in Upper Merion Township for the Chester Valley Trail. Only about 500 ft of total elevation after doing a down and back. It then continues for an additional 1500 feet before abruptly dead-ending at a clump of bushes. 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. When is soon? The Chester Valley Trail Extension passes through three municipalities, Upper Merion Township, Bridgeport, and Norristown. There is a short section on the northern part of the trail which is more exposed to sun and Rte 202 traffic noise. The project has been in the works for three years. I've definitely struggled a bit with the acclimation to some of the 'hillier' trails in PA/DA. Paving is nice. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. 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. The Downingtown Trestle Bridge, built between 1903 & 1906, is 1451 feet long and 122 feet high over the Brandywine Creek. Hours of operation are from 1/2 before sunrise to 1/2 hour past sunset. A few road crossings but they are not too busy and safe. Chester County Planning Commission Bike shops in Exton also make for easy service. Planning Commission Releases Final Plan for Chester Valley Trail The cost is estimated to be $1.5 million, which will be paid for using county bond funding, a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant, and a grant from Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Regional Trails Program/William Penn Foundation. Ask us a question or send an idea for a story you think we should cover. 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. PDF Moving the Circuit Forward to Reach 500 miles by 2025 Cons - The scenery is less than ideal. 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. Overall, again, a NICE TRAIL! Very smooth if you are on a road bike. You'll be pleased. 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. 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. If you are looking for a quiet bike ride in a beautiful setting, I would not suggest it. The project was funded primarily by the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ), along with capital improvement funds provided by Montgomery County. Chester Valley Trail Extension - Circuit Trails 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. The county will start designing the last 5-mile stretch of the trail in 2023. While the Chester Valley Trail West Study completed . According to a recent Chester Valley Trail Extension survey, respondents would like to see a connection to historical landmarks along the Trail. Though the trail is incomplete (the goal is to tie in with the Schuylkill River Trail) it runs through established neighborhoods as well as farm land along an old right of way that is more greenway than suburban. So there ends up being lots more stop and go along the path. One of those is Battle of the Clouds Park, located 1 mile past Ecology Park, where the trail crosses Phoenixville Pike. Meet Our New Community Planning Director, Bill Deguffroy! 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. Upper Dublin is taking the lead on designing and funding its section of the trail just over 4 miles from Pennsylvania Avenue up to Welsh Road. This proposed segment of the Chester Valley Trail would connect the currently planned terminus in Downingtown to the Enola Low Grade Trail in Lancaster County. The route is a straight shot across the landscape, except for turns to accommodate busy road crossings. I will definitely be back. (Not sure how busy it is one weekends.) In other areas, homes and office parks are along the way. The good news for bicyclists is that the trail is flat, wide, smooth, and fairly scenic as it winds past parks, forested land, and streams. on the other side. 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. Construction of segments that will close the gap from Ship Road to Iron Lake Blvd. Next time I'll know, but the first time was not easy. I like having access to it at different points. This trails brings me such joy! The bad is that you will need to keep a close eye out for the many walkers, runners, strollers, and families. Activities: Biking, walking, jogging, rollerblading. 0 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. It was not tranquil especially during rush hour. Starting from King of Prussia (South Gulph Road Parking Area) and riding out to West Whiteland Township Trailhead (Main Street at Exton), the ride is relatively flat with a slow and constant elevation gain. 542 0 obj <>stream Does anyone know where I can park close to the trail around Wayne without the risk of getting towed? Chester Valley Trail Public Meeting Recap - Circuit Trails Well maintained, plenty of benches to sit and have a drink. hb```}|@(a}):W{`,O2%(\zPZcGGG1b l@n 3p%X$ `a6bRV-,58'ob+Yb^%u #W! Lots of bikers, walkers and families on this trail but majority were friendly as you passed. But that takes you to Boot Road. It continues past the Veterans Memorial Park and into the King of Prussia area of Upper Merion Township. Most is shaded and the cars were very good about stopping when 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. Definitely recommend for a family bike ride. Struble Trail | Pennsylvania Trails | TrailLink Our suburban reporters want to hear from you! 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. We love this trail! The additional mileage is coming to the Chester Valley Trail and the Schuylkill River Trail. I essentially had to stop running for several minutes while I waited for the light to change. I can see how they might run a paved path along Clover Mill Road. 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. (Though part of that was a headwind.) It is primarily shady and completely flat which makes it perfect for long training runs. I find it to be a valuable addition to our time as a family. Read more about the planned trail extensions in the Daily Local News. The CVT gets a bit dense with crossings, cars and highway noise at either end. 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 . 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. The westernmost segment runs for 0.8 miles in the vicinity of the Main Street at Exton shopping center. There is also parking at businesses and small shopping centers including Worthington which includes Wegmans and Target at Route 29 (Morehall Road). There are about a dozen road crossings, a couple across major highways. 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. As compared to the Perkiomen or Schuylkill trails, CVT is like city riding. View or download a copy of the Chester Valley Trail Extension Feasibility Study and Master Plan. I cannot claim to be a frequent trail user. There are several stores to stop at for a break. There are many township parks and Valley Forge National Park along the trail or that connect to the trail. 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. Will definitely be back. 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. So I visited the trail for the first time today. 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. Just needs to be MARKED better at several places! There are several road crossings that require (and have) crossing controls. Fortunately, this will likely change in the next few years, as major sections between Route 29 and Warner Road, and King of Prussia and Norristown, will close two of these gaps and create an unbroken trail from Ship Road to the Schuylkill River Trail. The historic Reading Railroad is planning a comeback as Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority holds its first meeting. Overall, I think CVRT is more a commuter trail than recreational trail. Much of the trail has a nice canopy of trees. (Courtesy Montgomery County). 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. 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. This is a great trail for those that want to get in a good workout either running or biking without battling the hills of Chester County. the work area is estimated at 85% complete. Is it still there? 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 # of road crossings will bother some more than others, but they don't compare to the Barnegat Branch trail & northern section of the Henry Hudson trail near the NJ shore. Chester Valley Trail Extension | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website I can't wait for winter 2022 for extension to Sckuylkill river trail in Norristown. 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