0 The other dangerous intersection is at Foundry Way in Malvern. Second complaint - I rode east to around Mile 5.0, then turned around. I just moved up to PA from FL a few months ago and while I've been an avid runner for some time, frankly the Florida topography, at least on the East coast, doesn't do much by way of hill conditioning. This can also be viewed as a negative as I was passing people and getting passed by cyclists. Once one reaches Exton Park Trailhead, where water, restroom and tables are available, unless one wants to go into Exton, there is little reason to travel further. PDF TII Projects by Legislative District in Chester County Major Corridors As compared to the Perkiomen or Schuylkill trails, CVT is like city riding. The Chester Valley Trail extension is considered integral to Montgomery County's trail system, Hartman said. I'm basing my rating on comparison to other trails I've ridden. The 6.4 mile of the Chester Valley Trail is expanding in both directions with construction starting this month. This way you can have a nice picnic waiting for you in Exton Park. 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. (Courtesy of Montgomery County). Because of all of the rain this, have ridden this & other paved trails more than I would like. Also, its heavily used on the weekends making for a crowded ride. Current plans call for adding five more miles to the countys 22-mile-long network of paved pedestrian trails. Possible alignments are looked at the Route 30 Multimodal Transportation Study. If you are going to do this trail you really need to read a few reviews. 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. The plan is to expand this trail one mile to the west. 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. Chester Valley Trail West - Chesco Planning If you are looking for a quiet bike ride in a beautiful setting, I would not suggest it. It runs too close to major highways making it quite noisy in spots. 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. I parked at the lot off of Route 30 by the soccer fields. The only real problem is the many many crossings. The Chester County Commissioners accepted the plan at their December meeting to close out the grant provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program that partially funded the study. Will definitely be back. Picked up the trail for an evening ride at Church Farm Lane which is the border between Exton Park and Valley Creek Corporate Center. Primarily residential on one side and highway (202?) The study made 3 recommendations: In 2011 Tredyffrin Township did a feasibility study to examine a connection from the Chester Valley Trail to the Paoli Train Station. The trail section near Exton out to CFS has a lot of points where you cross traffic so be careful. The paved rail-trail rolls for just under 19 miles between King of Prussia and Exton, encouraging a variety of users, such as stroller-pushing parents, colleagues on a walking meeting, or cyclists seeking a quick 40-miler.The trail uses the corridor of the Chester Valley Branch of the Reading Railroad, which was completed between Bridgeport and Downingtown in the 1850s; the line hauled freight into the late 20th century (passenger traffic ended in 1935). What is the Chester Valley Trail? What is the Chester Valley Trail One mile of trail has already been built in Montgomery County. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. (the back.) We walked our bikes across the 3 intersections around the work since we were determined to get to the end of the trail. The trail parallels US 202, which youll barely notice as you travel through a wooded corridor that opens up to farmland approaching Exton. The historic Reading Railroad is planning a comeback as Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority holds its first meeting. Beautiful views and even have several mile of tree cover as well. All in all, this is a great trail and I'll be doing this again. Chester County trails more than just recreation - Daily Local I can see how they might run a paved path along Clover Mill Road. This should be on all trails. It is primarily shady and completely flat which makes it perfect for long training runs. Visit the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions. It will link the existing 14.5-mile portion of the Chester Valley Trail to the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown. Additionally, 202 can be a bit noisy. 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. PDF TII Projects by Municipality - Chesco Planning I can't wait for winter 2022 for extension to Sckuylkill river trail in Norristown. I know other reviews have mentioned the lack of signage and I think this has improved. Public Meeting #1: 'Introduction' was held October 8th, 2015 at the West Whiteland Township Building Main Meeting Room. The Chester Valley Trail Extension project is a 3.8-mile expansion of the Chester Valley Trail completed in March 2023. This gives rise to multiple road crossings, and many are signal controlled, especially at major crossings. Loved having retail on both ends for drinks/snacks. 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. A great 14 mile trail that you can make longer or shorter to suit your needs. It will offer access to Philadelphia and the western parts of Montgomery County. On top of that, truck traffic is extremely heavy and frequently blocks the intersection. There is lots of green space on both sides of the trail so that most of the time you don't realize that you are in the middle of quite a built-up area. On our way out we encountered an injured raccoon in the middle of the trail that had been cleaned up on the way back. 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. The trail is well-maintained. I have a Mountain bike, but this trail is good for road bikes as well. According to Trail markings, bicycle speed is limited to 15 miles per hour. The 1.9-mile section of the Cross County Trail from Germantown Pike to Joshua Road is in the study phase. View Final Report; View Final Appendix; Project Description. Crossing rt. I spent an hour trying to get to it off of ship road and route 30. This took me out to the parking lot by Wegman's. 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. The installation of the new bridge over Henderson Road in Upper Merion Township for the Chester Valley Trail. We take a break while he plays on the playground and then off we go, back towards home. The grounds are immaculate! Chester Valley Trail spans 18.6 from Schuylkill River Trail by Trail Junction Center (75 E Lafayette St, Norristown) to 0.3 mile west of Indian Run St & Commerce Dr (Exton) . 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. 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. I rode the entire 13.5 mile trail from King of Prussia to Exton. The third required me to navigate a high traffic intersection. Third, very nice long trail. www.chesco.org I essentially had to stop running for several minutes while I waited for the light to change. Lots of benches to stop and take a break. Pros - Relatively flat and straight. Chester County is expecting to extend the trail into Downingtown. 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. SURE, it's EASY for someone who knows it already, which obviously includes those who designed it and put it together, and don't realize where the "fails" in the markings are, and NEXT time, and there WILL BE next TIMES, I'll know, but, again, there are places where it needs to be better marked. At its eastern end, the rail-trail connects to theSchuylkill River Trail inNorristown. Other riders were friendly and there were Get a fresh perspective of people, events and trends that shape our world. the work area is estimated at 85% complete. The road crossings provide natural stopping points to re-group. hb```}|@(a}):W{`,O2%(\zPZcGGG1b l@n 3p%X$ `a6bRV-,58'ob+Yb^%u #W! TWICE, on the way back, I LITERALLY got LOST! This trail is such a tease, because once it is fully finished it will be a great ride. I only walked a small section, about 3 miles but it was clean and perfect. Flat and paved is always a welcome reprieve from crushed stone or otherwise. We started in King of Prussia and before long were at Wegman's in Malvern. Complete a comprehensive feasibility study for the Chester Valley Trail. Copyright 2023 American Community Journals, LLC |, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Download a full copy of the final report and watch a short summary video of the recommended improvements. The eastern most section was recently added which extends the trail to Montgomery county. 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. 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. There are about a dozen road crossings, a couple across major highways. 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. I can see it used for recreation and basic transportation. 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. 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. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Looking forward to more rides! 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. Extension to identify a preferred alignment and preferred bicycle/pedestrian facility types from Downingtown to the Enola Low Grade Trail. I quite literally DID NOT KNOW WHERE the trail was! Youve got to build that basic infrastructure that provides the broad access that you can then tie into and connect, he said. 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. Nice trail in great condition. Trail is crowded with multiple users- bikes, jiggers, skateboarders, etc. 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. This is a well built trail that travels down Pennsylvania's Great Valley. Doubt that I'll do all 28 miles in the future: a) Riding west, the rt. It was understandably busy. Emily Rizzo is WHYY News suburban reporter covering Bucks and Montgomery counties. a wide variety of athletes will find it very accommodating. Wide and clean, this trail is well suited for recreational riders. The drawbacks (frequent road crossings and occasional visual proximity to rte 202) are easily outweighed by the quality of the trail. 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. 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. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Very well maintained with good shade. I like this trail for early season rides or when riding with a group of mixed ability. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? Read more about the planned trail extensions in the Daily Local News. In addition, recommendations are made for providing on and off-road connections between the P+T line, Struble Trail, and East Branch Brandywine Trail through Downingtown. 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. I am looking forward to the completion! The access at Exton Park is great with parking and restroom. Please direct any questions or comments you may have to Brian Styche at bstyche@chesco.org. Started in the car park at the western end and rode all the way to KoP. WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program (CMAQ). 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. 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. It's an easy 30mi (end-to-end and back again). The only drawback is crossing several roads which could be a challenge at busy times, and could be a negative for bikers. Ask us a question or send an idea for a story you think we should cover. Thanks you to the Parks & Recreation Guys who have taken care of the trail and kept it plowed, ice free and safe this winter! Signage makes the trail easy to follow, and the quarter mile markers are an improvement over the usual half mile markers. The project study area includes 6 Chester County municipalities: Caln Township; Downingtown Borough; East Bradford Township; East Caln Township; West Bradford Township; and, West Whiteland Township. Fourth very nice bathroom and parking area at Exton Park on Church Farm Road. 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. It's mostly flat and straight, but there are some short hills on the few on-street segments. Bike shops in Exton also make for easy service. 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. 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. There are a fair amount of road crossing with two being busy four lane highways but they all either have signals or stop signs. Be careful here. The route is a straight shot across the landscape, except for turns to accommodate busy road crossings. Chester Valley Trail | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website So MORE SIGNS and BETTER MARKING is a MUST! PDF Transportation Priority Projects in Chester County Status - June 2022 The Chester Valley Trail Extension project is a 3.8-mile expansion of the Chester Valley Trail completed in March 2023. 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. 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 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. 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 . I rode the King of Prussia portion yesterday and I can't wait for it to be completed. Luckily, I saw a gentleman and his daughter unloading bikes and asked - well, it was STILL not the easiest to find! The trail is well used by walkers and bikers on weekdays but there was not so much traffic to make it feel crowded. West of Church Farm School towards Exton the trail is unpaved and becomes packed gravel then old train bed with large rocks and weeds. west to the Exton Wal-Mart. We found it well maintained, paved and wide. I look forward to learning how to connect, on the east end, to the Schuylkill River Trail that goes all the way to Center City (PHL). This trail dose have some potential, I have no idea how is managing it. 29 near Wegmans is not as obnoxious as the rt. My brother and I rode this asphalt trail. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. 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 Chester Valley Trail Extension to Downingtown . Incoming traffic has the right of way and does not stop. 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. East Branch Brandywine Trail Facts. Transportation Priority Projects in Chester County 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 @oiA'@!=pH0pb` 6^,n Exton to Downington Section: The construction of the Chester Valley Trial extension to Downingtown will be completed in two phases. Your donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around the country. Nice trail. There is a short section on the northern part of the trail which is more exposed to sun and Rte 202 traffic noise. 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. I will definitely be back for speed work and I will probably use it for my longer runs (10+ miles). It might get a little boring. This is an very good suburban rail trail that passes by a variety of businesses and residential areas. It then continues for an additional 1500 feet before abruptly dead-ending at a clump of bushes. It is relatively flat but still a good workout. Note: we started at the King of Prussia end and rode to Exton, but the last mile or so of the trail was closed. Trail is perfect--not even a crack. this is not it! It has already completed a feasibility study for one section. Chester Valley Trail - Extension to Downingtown - YouTube Is the plan to connect to that?? 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. Not too difficult and the trail is shady so for an August day it wasn't too hot. The trail surface was all asphalt and was in superb condition; no buckling, smooth as glass. But I would not want to bike this route on a weekday. If you are looking for a great trail to hear mother nature. 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 . Second, I love the quarter mile markers. Currently, a 5.1 mile section is complete, connecting Montgomery County to . SRPRA not to be confused with SEPTA is finally chugging along with plans to restore rail service connecting Reading, Pottstown, Phoenixville, and Philadelphia. And there is a massive hill between that area, and where the Downingtown Trail is along 322. A view of the Chester Valley Trail. Within Montgomery County, the Chester Valley Trail passes . It is a favorite destination for walkers, runners, families, and bikers since it is convenient to a large population. Otherwise, the proximity to 202 and the numerous road crossings makes the trail feel choppy and you never really feel disconnected from suburbia. (Though part of that was a headwind.) 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. The completed $20.2 million trail will be 22 miles long. 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 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. You are riding through an urban area and along some highways. :( OK so NOW the GOOD! The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox. Chester County Planning Commission For more information, please contact Brian Styche, CCPC's Transportation Services Director at 610-344-6285 or bstyche@chesco.org. Chester Valley Trail | Pennsylvania Trails | TrailLink The spur connects to the Exton SEPTA/Amtrack Station. estimated completion in November 2013 from Paoli,cedar hollow road to Valley Forge Park. Anyone who knows, I would appreciate it. But going further has major road crossings, and one enters into a major commercial area, and about a mile or so past that, the trail simply stops. 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). Well maintained, paved, with plenty of shade. What is the Chester Valley Trail? What is the Chester Valley Trail A few road crossings but they are not too busy and safe. Well maintained, plenty of benches to sit and have a drink. Chester County park rangers patrol the trail. Chester Valley Trail | Chester County, PA - Official Website Hazards include dangerous road crossings and high speed road bikers. 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. I imagine some of this has to do with the newness of the trail. In icy/snowy conditions the trail may be closed until parking and access areas are addressed. For a newbie, these crossings were sometimes confusing. 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. Fairly flat, and blacktop from start to finish, an easy ride even for beginners. 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 at the more northern end of the trail. The construction of the Chester Valley Trial extension to Downingtown will be completed in two phases. I almost never give out 5 stars and never give out a single star so a three is not bad in my book. Currently, a 5.1 mile section is complete, connecting Montgomery County to Chester County. Facilities Montgomery County, PA CivicEngage First envisioned in 1991, the numerous disjointed segments of the Chester Valley Trail are finally starting to come together. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? I have used the Struble Trail near my home mostly, and have a little experience with several other rail trail systems in SE PA. Today being especially beautiful and the weather cool I chose to ride on the Chester Valley Trail. I highly recommend biking 14 miles one way but do not make the return trip. Not one rough spot in the paving, not one piece of trash on the entire 14 mile length. The Trestle Bridge may be renovated for . Construction of segments that will close the gap from Ship Road to Iron Lake Blvd. Sections not yet open to the public are posted as "NO TRESPASSING. Security issues and maintenance are coordinated by calling 610-344-5656. 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. 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. Beaver Creek Trail | Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art Overall, I think CVRT is more a commuter trail than recreational trail. A 3.8-mile eastward extension to Norristown opened in March 2023 and connects the trail to the Schuylkill River . 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. (Courtesy Montgomery County). 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.". There were a couple of maintenance stations along the way. Extension Route of Chester Valley Trail Revealed - VISTA.Today Maintenance and operation east of County Line Road should be directed to Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites. We were both very comfortable. Now on that note it is a fun smooth ride. The bulk of this section parallels Commerce Drive from Iron Lake Blvd. 100 in the next phase and eventually all the way to Downingtown so you cannot yet gain access at Ship Rd. Despite its current, short length, this trail allows residents from communities south of the Schuylkill Expressway and Route 202 to walk or bike to the King of Prussia Mall. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Montgomery County has seen a surge in trail users since the COVID-19 pandemic started. WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. The scenery varies greatly, from woodsy tree tunnels to office parks and residential. walkers too. It continues past the Veterans Memorial Park and into the King of Prussia area of Upper Merion Township. Length: 2.5 miles. Lose to opening. All in all the CVT is a nice trail, one that I would like to do every year.
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