chester valley trail extension to downingtown

My recommendation would be to drive further down (3-4 miles in the trail, around Penn medicine) and its getting quieter. As mentioned in the other reviews this trail will become a significant part of the overall Philadelphia/SE PA region trail network in the future but the immediate "phase 2" expansion begins in April 2012 and will result in 15 miles paved from Exton to King of Prussia by 2013. Public Meeting #2: 'Alternatives Analysis Review / DRAFT Recommended Alignment' was held March 30th at the West Whiteland Township Main Meeting Room. Parts of the Chester Valley Trail are labeled as "Patriot's Path," a path proposed to connect the Paoli Massacre Site with Valley Forge National Historic Park. Bill Rettew traversed the particulars for the Daily Local News. Found it to be much easier to run on than the Valley Forge Freedom Trail since there were far less cyclists riding at high speeds. Its how we live. We will go back after a few more trails to see if we still think the same. It continues past the Veterans Memorial Park and into the King of Prussia area of Upper Merion Township. 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. Chester Valley Trail. 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. Crossing the river via a protected pedestrian/bike lane on theNorristown Dam Bridge, theChester Valley Trail winds throughBridgeport and passes an old inn named for Frederick the Great. Montgomery County is advancing another major trail project the new Cross County Trail. The design will enable people with different capacities and abilities to use the trail system, whether its because of your age or a handicap or some other disability, Hartman said. (Though part of that was a headwind.) Having said that, on the 4th of July it was easy to maintain 15 mph--we were never in a bunch-up that required us to slow down. I have a pretty poor sense of direction and never once had an issue finding the trail, just look for the green trail signs at road intersections. Despite helping to provide a pedestrian link between the area's many malls, shopping centers and office buildings, this segment appears to be underused. When the missing link is completed in Montgomery County it will connect to the Schuylkill Valley Trail. I love running on this trail! Routes 30 and 202 through central Chester County from West Whiteland Township east into Montgomery County. TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, Schuylkill River Trail by Trail Junction Center (75 E Lafayette St, Norristown) and 0.3 mile west of Indian Run St & Commerce Dr (Exton). It then continues for an additional 1500 feet before abruptly dead-ending at a clump of bushes. If you are looking for a great trail to hear mother nature. It is relatively flat but still a good workout. The Chester Valley Trail extension is considered integral to Montgomery County's trail system, Hartman said. There were a couple of maintenance stations along the way. 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. Overpasses and tunnels, which help avoid street crossings, make this a family-friendly route. 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 CVTE study is partially funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2). Weve ridden short distances on this trail toward King of Prussia ( ride to K of P Town Center and eat outside at one of the many restaurants) but last week was Our first excursion towards Exton. And don't get your hopes up when you see the 0.5 mile sign, there is still another mile or so to go. Will definitely be back. 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. The Chester Valley Trail is a multi-use, rail-to-trail facility that roughly follows U.S. 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 Have ridden this trail several times. The 6.4 mile of the Chester Valley Trail is expanding in both directions with construction starting this month. Also a lot of stops because of those roads. It was understandably busy. I drove up from Wilmington De and it was close to a waste of time and effort. It also seemed to be a very good trail for families and I noticed many out for a group bike ride. The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox. estimated completion in November 2013 from Paoli,cedar hollow road to Valley Forge Park. The remote sections are nice and trail well maintained but would choose a different trail next time. 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? I find it to be a valuable addition to our time as a family. There are also many cross streets which will slow your time considerably, even though most of them are secondary roads. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? This way you can have a nice picnic waiting for you in Exton Park. That would be nice to include on the trail information page. Officials plan to open the Chester Valley Trail extension this winter. I went to the East end and then to Rt 100. Beautiful views and even have several mile of tree cover as well. By Mark Hostutler. 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. Along the trail are some new bridges one in Bridgeport over railroad tracks, one above South Gulph Road in King of Prussia, and one over Henderson Road in Upper Merion Township. The trail is used for commuting, exercise, and recreation by a variety of users including, walkers, joggers, cyclists, and inline skaters. There is a short section on the northern part of the trail which is more exposed to sun and Rte 202 traffic noise. The completed $20.2 million trail will be 22 miles long. I started at the King of Prussia park and ride, and biked to Exton and returned. Worth the travel from Maryland. The trail surface is paved in asphalt that is fully ADA accessible. There is a parking lot off S. Warner Rd. Signage makes the trail easy to follow, and the quarter mile markers are an improvement over the usual half mile markers. 501 0 obj <> endobj It is estimated that there are over 85,000 jobs and 58,000 residents, as well as professional buildings, corporate centers and shopping malls along the trail in West Whiteland, East Whiteland, and Tredyffrin Townships. The Downingtown Trestle Bridge, built between 1903 & 1906, is 1451 feet long and 122 feet high over the Brandywine Creek. Liked the fix it stations. Hours of operation are from 1/2 before sunrise to 1/2 hour past sunset. 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) . Because of all of the rain this, have ridden this & other paved trails more than I would like. The Chester County Planning Commission has officially unveiled a recommended route for the Exton-to-Downingtown extension of the Chester Valley Trail. This is my new favorite trail. The other dangerous intersection is at Foundry Way in Malvern. Definitely recommend for a family bike ride. Does anyone have firm facts about the path that the existing Chester Valley Trail is going to use to get to Downingtown? There are multiple places to park and access the trail, but they can be difficult to find initially. 36.0 Seeking Funding TBD Paoli Pike Trail: Airport Road to Ellis Lane (Segment A) Multi-use trail along Paoli Pike (0.15 miles) . 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. It was not tranquil especially during rush hour. The only real problem is the many many crossings. A couple of mild, short hills face travelers in Malvern and just past PA 29. Pros - Relatively flat and straight. 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. You will really enjoy this one! I'm anxioust to ride end-to-end. Fourth very nice bathroom and parking area at Exton Park on Church Farm Road. One mile of trail has already been built in Montgomery County. Park benches were pretty common, too. It is a wide trail and safe for two way 'traffic'. 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. SEPTA wants to streamline bus services in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, and implement microtransit zones an on-demand door-to-door transit service. It meanders through the neighborhoods behind houses and businesses. (Courtesy Montgomery County). 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. The trail surface is paved in asphalt that is fully ADA accessible. I spent an hour trying to get to it off of ship road and route 30. So I visited the trail for the first time today. west to the Exton Wal-Mart. Save for the small, unpaved section between Ship Road and the Valley Creek Corporate Center, each completed segment is user-friendly. Some are ok and easy, some are a lot more difficult. Will definitely ride it on our next trip to PA. The middle segment, currently the longest, runs almost 4 miles from Ship Road east to Route 29. The plan is to expand this trail one mile to the west. At its full length, the Chester Valley Trail is planned to run from Atglen at the Chester County line to the Schuylkill River. Wide and clean, this trail is well suited for recreational riders. Smooth asphalt trail and well maintained with lots of shaded areas. I like this trail for early season rides or when riding with a group of mixed ability. 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. So in conclusion, if in the area and want to get a few miles in, give this a try. I essentially had to stop running for several minutes while I waited for the light to change. This will likely change once future segments are finished. It is primarily shady and completely flat which makes it perfect for long training runs. Lots of shade & nice suburban neighborhoods to ride through. First time on the trail today and loved it. 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. Those two pieces are projected to be completed by the end of 2024. Just needs to be MARKED better at several places! Even saw a group walking with a large American flaga great bonus to our Labor Day ride! Lots of benches to stop and take a break. The Downingtown Center is centrally located in Chester County, about 10 miles from the Exton Center. Work is currently underway to extend the trail roughly three miles further to reach the Schuylkill River Trail. 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. Current plans call for adding five more miles to the countys 22-mile-long network of paved pedestrian trails. 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). MARKINGS!!! 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). Home Planning Topics Transportation Trail Planning Chester Valley Trail Extension Study. Got a question about life in Phillys suburbs? We rode the entire length out and back on a 95 deg day. The railroad roadcut - dating from the mid-1800s - was a cool oasis of green walls. So MORE SIGNS and BETTER MARKING is a MUST! We found it well maintained, paved and wide. The trail section near Exton out to CFS has a lot of points where you cross traffic so be careful. Highlight was on the east end there is a Wegmans Super Store just off the trail. Once complete this trail will connect Downingtown, Coatesville, Parkesburg, Atglen and points in between with the . I parked at the lot off of Route 30 by the soccer fields. Click to open the map in a new window. Does anyone know where I can park close to the trail around Wayne without the risk of getting towed? We were both very comfortable. I can't wait for winter 2022 for extension to Sckuylkill river trail in Norristown. Can't rate this trail until its finished but have high hopes for it. You'll be pleased. Looking forward to the extension towards Exton which looks. Overall, I think CVRT is more a commuter trail than recreational trail. As a woman who typically runs alone, it's worth noting that I felt quite safe here (I'm not particularly paranoid but in today's times safety is a consideration now). Yes, some slight slopes, but nothing serious. I then headed out on my run going East (I think) for 3.1 miles. Chester County park rangers patrol the trail. It really contributes to the quality of life for our residents, whether its in the form of recreation or as a commuting resource, said Bill Hartman, the countys trails and open space planning manager. 100 is chaotic! If the CVT was designed for such high speeds there would be mandatory lanes for bike riders. Used it for the first time last week. 2023 The Circuit Trails. 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. There is also parking at businesses and small shopping centers including Worthington which includes Wegmans and Target at Route 29 (Morehall Road). 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. To cross Rt. and continue the trail from the Exton Wal-Mart west to Downingtown are still in the planning stages. One of those is Battle of the Clouds Park, located 1 mile past Ecology Park, where the trail crosses Phoenixville Pike. this is not it! The Spring Garden Street Greenway would connect the Schuylkill River Trail and the Delaware River Trail, creating safe passage across Philadelphia. Drivers always slowed down for us to cross. Youve got to build that basic infrastructure that provides the broad access that you can then tie into and connect, he said. Currently, a 5.1 mile section is complete, connecting Montgomery County to . 29 near Wegmans is not as obnoxious as the rt. Very well-kept and nicely made. There are two intersections in particular that I found quite dangerous. The result will be an amazing trail system for uninterrupted long trail rides. You can see a lot of time and money has been put into this trail since it crosses over a number of roads. Thanks you to the Parks & Recreation Guys who have taken care of the trail and kept it plowed, ice free and safe this winter! I did find my way to where the trail starts up again at Commerce Dr. Getting across Rt 100 is a challenge. I'm basing my rating on comparison to other trails I've ridden. There's construction at the main intersection in Exton at the moment about a mile-ish from the trail end. Ran to the left after parking. %%EOF Sections not yet open to the public are posted as "NO TRESPASSING. Security issues and maintenance are coordinated by calling 610-344-5656. 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. I like having access to it at different points. The Trestle Bridge may be renovated for . The route is a straight shot across the landscape, except for turns to accommodate busy road crossings. Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Our suburban reporters want to hear from you! Third, very nice long trail. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Overall, again, a NICE TRAIL! Constantly looking over my shoulder for cyclists. Construction of segments that will close the gap from Ship Road to Iron Lake Blvd. It's a pretty run, homes to look at, woods, hills parts are shaded, parts are not. Very smooth if you are on a road bike. I am looking forward to the completion! Many points of access as the mostly tree-line trail runs besides neighborhoods, corporate parks, and shopping centers. 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. All Rights Reserved. The trail is asphalt all the way, and virtually level. 0 Incoming traffic has the right of way and does not stop. We started in King of Prussia and before long were at Wegman's in Malvern. I highly recommend it! Elevated views, stunning valley scenes, and a canyon-like descent are all possible in a proposed 3.5-mile extension of the . Final Report. Good track to work on your speed. 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 trail is well kept and access to many restaurants if you like that. Visit the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions. Meet Our New Community Planning Director, Bill Deguffroy! It IS a really nice trail! I can see it used for recreation and basic transportation. About the Trail Formed in 1850 by the Philadelphia and Reading Company, the Chester Valley Railroad stretched 22 miles between Bridgeport and Downingtown.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.Chester County is expecting to extend the . Copyright 2023 American Community Journals, LLC |, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. There are many well marked road crossings with gates and audible crossing signals. 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. At its full length, the Chester Valley Trail is planned to run from Atglen at the Chester County line to the Schuylkill River. Yes, there are road crossings. While the Chester Valley Trail West Study completed . Good for casual riding. As compared to the Perkiomen or Schuylkill trails, CVT is like city riding. These trails are flat and family friendly and often have a shoulder for running or stepping off the trail.

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