Exton to Downington Section: The construction of the Chester Valley Trial extension to Downingtown will be completed in two phases. We take a break while he plays on the playground and then off we go, back towards home. All other runs probably don't make sense here as I can get the same workout by going out my front door. The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox. Formed in 1850 by the Philadelphia and Reading Company, the Chester Valley Railroad stretched 22 miles between Bridgeport and Downingtown. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? Struble Trail Description. The trail is generally constructed to a 10-12 width with 2 level shoulders on each side. 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. There were a couple of maintenance stations along the way. 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. Once complete this trail will connect Downingtown, Coatesville, Parkesburg, Atglen and points in between with the . 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 did this trail about a month ago, I have no idea how they come up with 12 miles. Completed in 2010, this segment is already very popular with cyclists, in-line skaters, hikers, joggers, dogwalkers and parents pushing young children in strollers. Please give today. a wide variety of athletes will find it very accommodating. I quite literally DID NOT KNOW WHERE the trail was! There are mileage markers almost every half mile, and also some signs for points of interest. Currently, a 5.1 mile section is complete, connecting Montgomery County to Chester County. The middle segment, currently the longest, runs almost 4 miles from Ship Road east to Route 29. The Chester Valley Trail Extension passes through three municipalities, Upper Merion Township, Bridgeport, and Norristown. Liked the fix it stations. Very shady for hot days. 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. Second, I love the quarter mile markers. I love running on this trail! 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. It is a favorite destination for walkers, runners, families, and bikers since it is convenient to a large population. All blacktop! Crossing rt. There is a parking lot off S. Warner Rd. Our suburban reporters want to hear from you! Flat trail,asphalt paved from Exton,Pa to rte 29 in Frazer. 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. when this trail is complete it will be one of the better trails in the Delaware Valley, Hard to find due to confusing signage. I have a Mountain bike, but this trail is good for road bikes as well. 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. For a newbie, these crossings were sometimes confusing. Home Planning Topics Transportation Trail Planning Chester Valley Trail Extension Study. The recommended alignment connects the existing CVT to the inactive Philadelphia and Thorndale (P+T) line, which runs parallel to but separate from the SEPTA/Amtrak main line for 7.4 miles. 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. Is it still there? 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. The Planning Commission is working towards determining a recommended alignment for extension of the Chester Valley Trail into the Borough of Downingtown and . 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. Definitely more downhill slope going towards King of Prussia. Not one rough spot in the paving, not one piece of trash on the entire 14 mile length. 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 . Fabulous ride not at all marred by the multiple road crossings. There are two intersections in particular that I found quite dangerous. 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 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. My recommendation would be to drive further down (3-4 miles in the trail, around Penn medicine) and its getting quieter. Very well-kept and nicely made. Lots of bikers, walkers and families on this trail but majority were friendly as you passed. Definitely recommend for a family bike ride. Well maintained, plenty of benches to sit and have a drink. Parking is available at a number of locations along the trail. As part of the Chester Valley Trail Extension project, this 11' lane will widen to 13' after . 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). It's a pretty run, homes to look at, woods, hills parts are shaded, parts are not. We have ridden most of trail nice pavement easy road crossings very easy ride for family we park behind Swedesford shopping center plenty of parking. %PDF-1.5 % 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. 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. On hot days, we can detour to Wegmans and grab a cold snack. The installation of the new bridge over Henderson Road in Upper Merion Township for the Chester Valley Trail. Very smooth if you are on a road bike. 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. I thought it was a great ride. 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. For all practical purposes you have to cross three roads, each with a long wait for the light and crossing signal. Fairly flat, and blacktop from start to finish, an easy ride even for beginners. It will link the existing 14.5-mile portion of the Chester Valley Trail to the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown. So there ends up being lots more stop and go along the path. if you don't mind backpacking, there are great green areas to stop along the way and have a snack. The Chester Valley Trail Extension project is a 3.8-mile expansion of the Chester Valley Trail completed in March 2023. . First time on the trail today and loved it. A couple of mild, short hills face travelers in Malvern and just past PA 29. despite what the map may indicate. Please direct any questions or comments you may have to Brian Styche at bstyche@chesco.org. Pretty flat. 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. The rail-trail ends in another 2.4 miles after passing through the community of Exton. For more information, please contact Brian Styche, CCPC's Transportation Services Director at 610-344-6285 or bstyche@chesco.org. (NJ drivers are less likely to stop than PA drivers.) One mile of trail has already been built in Montgomery County. Flat and paved is always a welcome reprieve from crushed stone or otherwise. Picked up the trail for an evening ride at Church Farm Lane which is the border between Exton Park and Valley Creek Corporate Center. Thanks you to the Parks & Recreation Guys who have taken care of the trail and kept it plowed, ice free and safe this winter! Took several minutes (and several again on the way back). Nice clean trail. @oiA'@!=pH0pb` 6^,n (Courtesy of Montgomery County). 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. So I visited the trail for the first time today. 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. Highly recommended!! 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.". west to the Exton Wal-Mart. The Chester Valley Trail is a multi-use, rail-to-trail facility that roughly follows U.S. on the other side. Once implemented, there will be an additional 10.1 miles of trail including three new trailheads and connections to the existing Struble and East Branch Brandywine trails in the Downingtown area. A 3.8-mile eastward extension to Norristown opened in March 2023 and connects the trail to the Schuylkill River . Ask us a question or send an idea for a story you think we should cover. To cross Rt. Can't wait for the expansions to be completed in the coming years and ride from Downingtown to Philadelphia. Ask us a question or send an idea for a story you think we should cover. and continue the trail from the Exton Wal-Mart west to Downingtown are still in the planning stages. 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. According to Trail markings, bicycle speed is limited to 15 miles per hour. 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. Hazards include dangerous road crossings and high speed road bikers. I saw a lot of different types of bikes, recumbents, rollerblades, runners! Would recommend to families, runners, walkers alike! Overall a great trail! 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. 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. It is a wide trail and safe for two way 'traffic'. It's mostly flat and straight, but there are some short hills on the few on-street segments. 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). Named for the late Robert G. Struble, a teacher, conservationist, county commissioner and Brandywine Valley . The Chester Valley Trail provides opportunities for recreation and alternative transportation in the congested commercial center at the northern edge of Greater Philadelphia. 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. Complete a comprehensive feasibility study for the Chester Valley Trail. But I would not want to bike this route on a weekday. The access at Exton Park is great with parking and restroom. Hartman described the trail system like a humans circulatory system with the Cross County as the trail artery because it allows path users to make many connections to other major trails. Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Runs too close to busy highways and past shopping centers. You can see a lot of time and money has been put into this trail since it crosses over a number of roads. We biked northeastward to the end of the trail along King of Prussia Blvd and returned to the Exton Trailhead and continued to the southwest end of the trail. Fun outing overall. The second phase will take the trail over US 30 and into Downingtown. The Chester Valley Trail extension is considered integral to Montgomery County's trail system, Hartman said. 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. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Maintenance and operation east of County Line Road should be directed to Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites. Drivers always slowed down for us to cross. Work on the Chester Valley Trail has been ongoing since 1991 when representatives from Montgomery County, Chester County, and PennDOT first envisioned it. A nice little bridge as well as a nice little tunnel, nice scenary along the way. Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY. This should be on all trails. The trail would be just over a mile long and expand the practicality of connecting these two major transportation facilities. Doubt that I'll do all 28 miles in the future: a) Riding west, the rt. 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. First of all, we had a late winter snow storm and this trail was cleared quite quickly and very well. The trail is used for commuting, exercise, and recreation by a variety of users including, walkers, joggers, cyclists, and inline skaters. One of those is Battle of the Clouds Park, located 1 mile past Ecology Park, where the trail crosses Phoenixville Pike. 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. The 1.3-mile section from Joshua Road to Stenton Avenue is projected to start construction in 2023. . I love this trail. I can't wait for winter 2022 for extension to Sckuylkill river trail in Norristown. 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. The only drawback is crossing several roads which could be a challenge at busy times, and could be a negative for bikers. The additional mileage is coming to the Chester Valley Trail and the Schuylkill River Trail. But on this trap I had a great ride from the Malvern trail head. However, the fact that several major segments remain unbuilt, necessitating lengthy detours on busy roads, give the trail a low overall rating. Signage makes the trail easy to follow, and the quarter mile markers are an improvement over the usual half mile markers. Love it if could connect to VF park trail, but overall a great trail whether biking, running or taking the dog for a walk. 2023 The Circuit Trails. There are a fair amount of road crossing with two being busy four lane highways but they all either have signals or stop signs. Plans call for extending it westward to Downingtown. There are about a dozen road crossings, a couple across major highways. 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 plan is to expand this trail one mile to the west. I like this trail for early season rides or when riding with a group of mixed ability. The trail parallels US 202, which youll barely notice as you travel through a wooded corridor that opens up to farmland approaching Exton. 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. Sections not yet open to the public are posted as "NO TRESPASSING. Security issues and maintenance are coordinated by calling 610-344-5656. I find it to be a valuable addition to our time as a family. And there is a massive hill between that area, and where the Downingtown Trail is along 322. 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 . Constantly looking over my shoulder for cyclists. Localized trails can link to the veins and the capillaries in the larger system. I can see it used for recreation and basic transportation. Length: 2.5 miles. this is not it! The trail is paved the entire way and crosses several busy roads, but each intersection is clearly marked and passable. By Mark Hostutler. Several of the crossings are by bridge or tunnel and some are on the street. To get from Clover Mill Road to Boot Road, and then down 322 to where the existing trail begins, there is a massive hilly area. The trail will be constructed to be 10-12 feet wide with an asphalt or concrete surface. 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. Have ridden this trail several times. 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 kept and access to many restaurants if you like that. Public Meeting #1: 'Introduction' was held October 8th, 2015 at the West Whiteland Township Building Main Meeting Room. The first section is in design and will extend the trail from Exton Town Center to near . I only walked a small section, about 3 miles but it was clean and perfect. The Chester County Planning Commission has officially unveiled a recommended route for the Exton-to-Downingtown extension of the Chester Valley Trail. This trail is wide and very well maintained. The 1.9-mile section of the Cross County Trail from Germantown Pike to Joshua Road is in the study phase. The new trail was constructed as a 10- to 12-foot-wide, paved, multi-use path that is part of the Circuit Trails network, a vast regional network of hundreds of miles of multi-use trails in the Greater Philadelphia region . There are lots of road crossings, and road noise from Route 202, but it was so pretty! We've started at both the Exton end and the King of Prussia end (2 different days) and in both cases rode about 7 miles to Media, where we had lunch, and then did the return trip. The 6.4 mile of the Chester Valley Trail is expanding in both directions with construction starting this month. I rode on a Sunday, so all these roads in and out of the shopping centers and office parks in the busy Rt 202 corridor were relatively empty. The Chester Valley Trail extension is considered integral to Montgomery Countys trail system, Hartman said. The trail is well-maintained. It will offer access to Philadelphia and the western parts of Montgomery County. 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. Within Montgomery County, the Chester Valley Trail passes through three municipalities: Upper Merion Township, Bridgeport, and Norristown. You'll be pleased. The historic Reading Railroad is planning a comeback as Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority holds its first meeting. I really love the trail and live close to Wayne. Town Tours & Village Walks Program Wraps up 27th Year, Brownfield, Greyfield, & Infill Development. We were both very comfortable. Copyright 2023 American Community Journals, LLC |, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Overall, I think CVRT is more a commuter trail than recreational trail. Noise from 202 was blocked mostly by a wall. 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. A great 14 mile trail that you can make longer or shorter to suit your needs. The route is a straight shot across the landscape, except for turns to accommodate busy road crossings. It was a weekday so I did not have any problems with traffic. 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). Nice trail. 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. This feasibility study and master plan continues the planning work from the Chester Valley Trail (CVT) Extension to Downingtown study and recommends the primary routing for the remainder of the CVT westward through Chester County. Is the plan to connect to that?? Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. An official website of the Chester County Government. The grounds are immaculate! Most is shaded and the cars were very good about stopping when Two of them had pedestrian yields that at least meant I could cross. While the Chester Valley Trail West Study completed . Construction of segments that will close the gap from Ship Road to Iron Lake Blvd. Third, very nice long trail. 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. 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. That said, my husband and I have greatly enjoyed biking from Paoli to Exton with our 3 year old. It's harder going then coming back, but the street crossings are minimal and non invasive, the other riders/walkers are considerate and upbeat. 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. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? 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. On other crossings you just have to look carefully both ways. 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. :( OK so NOW the GOOD! Nice shaded parts of trail make it easier to run during summer months. The trail is asphalt all the way, and virtually level. 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 The scenery varies greatly, from woodsy tree tunnels to office parks and residential. 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. Enjoy! MAYBE it's me? I rode the King of Prussia portion yesterday and I can't wait for it to be completed. 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. I know other reviews have mentioned the lack of signage and I think this has improved. Those two pieces are projected to be completed by the end of 2024. We rode the entire length out and back on a 95 deg day.