Plans call for extending it westward to Downingtown. It's an easy 30mi (end-to-end and back again). A great 14 mile trail that you can make longer or shorter to suit your needs. 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. She really enjoys going through the tunnels and over the bridges and pressing the stop traffic button at Swedesford Rd. For all practical purposes you have to cross three roads, each with a long wait for the light and crossing signal. I will definitely be back. Activities: Biking, walking, jogging, rollerblading. 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. A view of the Chester Valley Trail. Otherwise, the proximity to 202 and the numerous road crossings makes the trail feel choppy and you never really feel disconnected from suburbia. I parked at the lot off of Route 30 by the soccer fields. Get a fresh perspective of people, events and trends that shape our world. The 6.4 mile of the Chester Valley Trail is expanding in both directions with construction starting this month. Picked up the trail for an evening ride at Church Farm Lane which is the border between Exton Park and Valley Creek Corporate Center. 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. Incoming traffic has the right of way and does not stop. Trail category: Greenway/Non-RT. 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. But that takes you to Boot Road. Some are ok and easy, some are a lot more difficult. The CVTE study is partially funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2). 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. Counties: Chester. Work by Chester and Montgomery Counties began in 2009 to convert the railbed into a trail. If you're starting from Exton, I'd recommend NOT parking near Walmart but in Raymour & Flanigan's parking lot to avoid crossing Rt 100, which is very busy! Took several minutes (and several again on the way back). Looking forward to more rides! 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. Montgomery County is advancing another major trail project the new Cross County Trail. 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. Two of them had pedestrian yields that at least meant I could cross. The grounds are immaculate! 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 second phase will take the trail over US 30 and into Downingtown. I did this trail back in 2011 and was not thrilled. I'm just curious what the plan is, if anyone knows. 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. Wide and clean, this trail is well suited for recreational riders. 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. Those two pieces are projected to be completed by the end of 2024. States: Pennsylvania. The additional mileage is coming to the Chester Valley Trail and the Schuylkill River Trail. 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 . The new Chester Valley Trail extension and the Cross County Trail are pieces of the Circuit Trails Coalitions plans aimed to connect Philadelphia, the surrounding suburbs, and parts of New Jersey and Delaware, with 500 miles of trails by 2025. Bike shops in Exton also make for easy service. (the back.) As part of the Chester Valley Trail Extension project, this 11' lane will widen to 13' after . The Chester County Planning Commission has officially unveiled a recommended route for the Exton-to-Downingtown extension of the Chester Valley Trail. Parking is available at a number of locations along the trail. It was understandably busy. The trail is very enjoyable. The road crossings provide natural stopping points to re-group. When the missing link is completed in Montgomery County it will connect to the Schuylkill Valley Trail. Cross-country skiing is permitted in the winter months however the trail is maintained by Chester County as a commuter transportation facility and as such it is plowed of snow after other County government facilities are cleared. 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). I highly recommend it! It was raining, but still plenty of people out and about. and continue the trail from the Exton Wal-Mart west to Downingtown are still in the planning stages. Paving is nice. 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. Noise from 202 was blocked mostly by a wall. Together we can reach 100% of WHYYs fiscal year goal. Constantly looking over my shoulder for cyclists. This trail dose have some potential, I have no idea how is managing it. estimated completion in November 2013 from Paoli,cedar hollow road to Valley Forge Park. Liked the fix it stations. Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. The trail is well used by walkers and bikers on weekdays but there was not so much traffic to make it feel crowded. I think between the western park and County line Rd it runs about 12 miles and that is like 100 miles and novice seniors like myself. It is great to have a trail so close to the Mainline. Public Meeting #2: 'Alternatives Analysis Review / DRAFT Recommended Alignment' was held March 30th at the West Whiteland Township Main Meeting Room. Chester County is expecting to extend the trail into Downingtown. 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. I will definitely be back for speed work and I will probably use it for my longer runs (10+ miles). 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. 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. All in all, I would say that the portion of the trail that I saw was very nice. Lots of benches to stop and take a break. The entrance into the park near Church Farm School is not marked and the parking lot is not complete. 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 is also a very wide trail with plenty of passing room. It's mostly flat, though, heading back West was a BIT more difficult than the ride East. The Chester Valley Trail Extension passes through three municipalities, Upper Merion Township, Bridgeport, and Norristown. Overall nice trail to bike and be out of the house. Anyone who knows, I would appreciate it. Current plans call for adding five more miles to the countys 22-mile-long network of paved pedestrian trails. 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. 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. At its full length, the Chester Valley Trail is planned to run from Atglen at the Chester County line to the Schuylkill River. It's a pretty run, homes to look at, woods, hills parts are shaded, parts are not. The trail surface was all asphalt and was in superb condition; no buckling, smooth as glass. 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. Nice trail in great condition. The trail surface is paved in asphalt that is fully ADA accessible. I have visited this trail more than any other trail in PA, NJ, DE, and MD. Pretty flat. Routes 30 and 202 through central Chester County from West Whiteland Township east into Montgomery County. Completed in 2010, this segment is already very popular with cyclists, in-line skaters, hikers, joggers, dogwalkers and parents pushing young children in strollers. I've definitely struggled a bit with the acclimation to some of the 'hillier' trails in PA/DA. We will go back after a few more trails to see if we still think the same. The county will start designing the last 5-mile stretch of the trail in 2023. . The Chester County Planning Commission is proud to release the final Chester Valley Trail Extension to Downingtown Feasibility Study and Master Plan. This is an very good suburban rail trail that passes by a variety of businesses and residential areas. 29 near Wegmans is not as obnoxious as the rt. I did this trail about a month ago, I have no idea how they come up with 12 miles. walkers too. 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 started at the King of Prussia park and ride, and biked to Exton and returned. I have ridden the paved portion many times with my seven year old daughter and she has no problems making a round trip. In the 3.1 miles out, I crossed 4 roads. A map of the Chester Valley Trail and its new extension in Montgomery County. Our first ride on the CVT was our last. 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. Officials plan to open the Chester Valley Trail extension this winter. I'm basing my rating on comparison to other trails I've ridden. 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 . Chester County is actively working to extend the trail an additional five miles to the west into Downingtown with the first one mile leg currently under engineering review. We won't bother with that again. Hazards include dangerous road crossings and high speed road bikers. The CVT gets a bit dense with crossings, cars and highway noise at either end. 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 Formed in 1850 by the Philadelphia and Reading Company, the Chester Valley Railroad stretched 22 miles between Bridgeport and Downingtown. The remote sections are nice and trail well maintained but would choose a different trail next time. 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). Luckily, I saw a gentleman and his daughter unloading bikes and asked - well, it was STILL not the easiest to find! The completed $20.2 million trail will be 22 miles long. when this trail is complete it will be one of the better trails in the Delaware Valley, Hard to find due to confusing signage. The trail is generally constructed to a 10-12 width with 2 level shoulders on each side. Well maintained, paved, with plenty of shade. Have ridden this trail several times. There are also many cross streets which will slow your time considerably, even though most of them are secondary roads. The middle segment, currently the longest, runs almost 4 miles from Ship Road east to Route 29. This trail is paved, 12 feet in width, and will eventually be 22 miles long. Next time I'll know, but the first time was not easy. In the future, extensions to the trail will allow . For a few miles you are riding next to I-76 so you will hear traffic but it is not deafening. Starting from the King of Prussia trailhead I found the trail too close to busy streets for me. I completely agree that the trail has many crossings, which can be difficult to navigate (not for markings, but for motorists who are not really attentive). 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. Its just a little boring. lacks trail etiquette And mostly I hated the busy road crossings from Malvern on. 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. What is the Chester Valley Trail Extension? This can also be viewed as a negative as I was passing people and getting passed by cyclists. Little loud since your close to the interstate. WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. 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. The trail is used for commuting, exercise, and recreation by a variety of users including, walkers, joggers, cyclists, and inline skaters. . This was our longest ride since starting back to riding and we were wooped at the end. At its eastern end, the rail-trail connects to theSchuylkill River Trail inNorristown. The Downingtown Trestle Bridge, built between 1903 & 1906, is 1451 feet long and 122 feet high over the Brandywine Creek. It is a wide trail and safe for two way 'traffic'. It meanders through the neighborhoods behind houses and businesses. It's not congested like the Schuylkill River Trail. The only crossing that is a real pain is going over Route 100 if you want to ride past Main Street at Exton. It is a favorite destination for walkers, runners, families, and bikers since it is convenient to a large population. Nice clean trail. Maintenance and operation east of County Line Road should be directed to Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites. It is primarily shady and completely flat which makes it perfect for long training runs. 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. One of those is Battle of the Clouds Park, located 1 mile past Ecology Park, where the trail crosses Phoenixville Pike. 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? The location is home to one of the largest concentrations of employment and population in the Philadelphia region outside of Center City, and the trail provides a key connection of "The Circuit . It's a fine trail if you like to walk or run. There is a parking lot off S. Warner Rd. A 3.8-mile eastward extension to Norristown opened in March 2023 and connects the trail to the Schuylkill River . Montgomery County has seen a surge in trail users since the COVID-19 pandemic started. I'm more interested in the planned extension eastward to Norristown to connect to the Schuylkill River trail, on which I frequently bike. WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. The Chester Valley Trail Extension is a planned 3.8-mile extension of the Chester Valley Trail. Overall, again, a NICE TRAIL! We rode the entire length out and back on a 95 deg day. Friends of the Chester Valley Trail has a Facebook page for current information, photos and quick responses to questions. 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. First time on the trail today and loved it. In the middle, where it follows the Chester Valley Railroad bed, it is at its best. (Courtesy Montgomery County). Exton to Downington Section: The construction of the Chester Valley Trial extension to Downingtown will be completed in two phases. Now on that note it is a fun smooth ride. The drawbacks (frequent road crossings and occasional visual proximity to rte 202) are easily outweighed by the quality of the trail. Note: we started at the King of Prussia end and rode to Exton, but the last mile or so of the trail was closed. Highlight was on the east end there is a Wegmans Super Store just off the trail. 100 crossing, but you need to be alert. :). 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. Its how we live. The easternmost segment, in Montgomery County, extends from Warner Road east across the Schuylkill Expressway to South Gulph Road, and was built during a major highway reconstruction project. On March 13th, 2023 a 3.8 mile extension of the Chester Valley Trail officially opened in Montgomery County. This extension connects the Chester Valley Trail with the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown. Sections not yet open to the public are posted as "NO TRESPASSING. Security issues and maintenance are coordinated by calling 610-344-5656. 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. Hours of operation are from 1/2 before sunrise to 1/2 hour past sunset. 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. We found it well maintained, paved and wide. But, there are a lot of BUSY road crossings on this trail; most with road crossing signals. 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. They are rarely on the trail and more so in the nearby woods. 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. Home Planning Topics Transportation Trail Planning Chester Valley Trail Extension Study. 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. This trail is wide and paved. This is a well built trail that travels down Pennsylvania's Great Valley. . Good track to work on your speed. Complete Streets, Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans. The 1.9-mile section of the Cross County Trail from Germantown Pike to Joshua Road is in the study phase. Can't wait for the expansions to be completed in the coming years and ride from Downingtown to Philadelphia.
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