Perkiomen Trail

Perkiomen Trail Description:

The 19 mile Perkiomen Trail is among one of several long-distance multi-use trails in Pennsylvania. It connects Green Lane Park at the northern end with the Schuylkill River Trail at the southern end. The 10 foot-wide trail has a cinder and packed gravel surface except for a short distance at the southern end in Oaks, where it is paved. The easy grade and accessibility makes this a great family or beginners bike ride.

Lovely at all times of the year, the Perkiomen Trail passes through diverse landscapes from shaded woods, natural areas and fields bursting with wildflowers to towns, suburbs and serene rural areas while always following scenic Perkiomen Creek along the route of the old Perkiomen Railway which began operation in 1868. Now, 130 years later, it is a treasured recreational corridor, passing through an area truly rich in history.

The Perkiomen Trail travels through ten Montgomery County municipalities, three county parks (Green Lane Park, Central Perkiomen Valley Park, Lower Perkiomen Valley Park) and two important historic sites, Mill Grove National Historical Landmark and Pennypacker Mills Historic Site.

The southern end of the trail connects to the 25 mile long Schuylkill River Trail, part of the Federal River Heritage Corridor, which provides access to Valley Forge National Historical Park where you can cycle back through history on 18 miles of authorized biking trails.

Farm markets, country inns, restaurants and shopping are all available along or near the trail.

Green Lane Park
This 3,400 acre park located at the northern Perkiomen trailhead contains three bodies of water totaling 870 acres. Boat rentals are also available. The Deep Creek Lake area offers overnight campsites for family camping with modern restroom facilities as well as a designated camping area only for equestrians. There are miles of additional hiking, mountain biking, and horseback trails in the park. Trail maps can be found at the park office.

2144 Snyder Road - Routes 29 & 63 - Green Lane, PA (215-234-4528)

Central Perkiomen Valley Park
The Perkiomen Trail wanders through the 800 acre park's woodlands, and fields offering beautiful vistas of Perkiomen Creek. There are picnic areas at the Park Headquarters on Plank Road, as well as fishing access to the creek, a children's playground, shuffleboard and large multi-use fields.

Plank Road, Schwenksville, PA (610-287-6970)

Lower Perkiomen Valley Park
Small picturesque park. Tables available for a picnic lunch. In early summer, the field of red poppies by the park's Perkiomen trailhead is a highlight.

101 New Mill Road, Oaks, PA (610-666-5371)

John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
Located near the southern end of the Perkiomen Trail, this fieldstone farm house was home to John James Audubon, the famous naturalist and artist. Visitors can observe birds and other wildlife on more than seven miles of hiking trails with gorgeous views of the Perkiomen Creek.  The historic three-story stone farmstone contains a museum displaying original Audubon prints, oil paintings, and memorabilia.

1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon, PA (610-666-5593).

Pennypacker Mills Historic Site
The highlight of this country estate, located aside the Perkiomen Creek just below Schwenksville, is the Colonial Revival mansion with furnishings and antiques collected by former governor Samuel W. Pennypacker. Activities throughout the year include exhibits, nature walks, workshops, historical renactments and special events.

Route 73 & Haldeman Rd, Schwenksville, PA (610-287-9349)

Perkiomen Trail Access

Parking can be found at several locations along routes 29 and 73, and Pawlings Road. To reach the area take Routes 100 and 29 south from Allentown or the Pottstown Expressway (Rt.422) northwest of Philadelphia. Major trailhead access points also provide in addition to parking, information and other amenities. Please respect private property and stay on the trail.

Northern Section

Green Lane Park Trailhead: Parking area at intersection of Snyder and Deep Creek Roads (in Park)

Central Section

Spring Mount Trailhead: Limited parking areas in village of Spring Mount, adjacent to Spring Mount Hotel and Foy Park on Main Street.

Central Perkiomen Valley Park: Trailhead parking at Plank Road, south of Schwenksville Borough between routes 29 and 73.

Graterford Trailhead: Parking area located on Rt. 29 across from the Perkiomen Township Building and Perkiomen Valley High School.

Collegeville Trailhead: Limited parking available behind Collegeville Station on Third Avenue and the Collegeville Post Office.

Southern Section

Lower Perkiomen Valley Park Trailhead: Parking area along New Mill Road (in Park)

Pawlings Road Trailhead: Located on the Schuylkill River Trail, parking is very close to the southern end of the trail.

Historical Note:

The Perkiomen Railway Company began operation in 1868. In the 1920's the line became a popular with nature lovers looking to access the lush Perkiomen Valley for recreational pursuits. In 1944 the Reading Railroad, expecting a continuing boom bought the line. Passenger service stopped in 1955 after passenger travel waned and twenty-one years later freight service ended. Montgomery County bought the right-of-way after the railroad declared bankruptcy in 1978.

For more information:

For other long distance multi-use rail-trails in this region see Pennsylvania Rail Trails

The trail is operated and maintained by the Montgomery County Department of Parks. They regularly maintain and patrol the trail to enforce park regulations and provide services to users. The trail is open during daylight hours.

Montgomery County Department of Parks and Heritage Services
PO Box 311
Norristown, PA 19404-0311

Phone:(610) 278-3555
TTY: 711 (AT&T Relay Services)

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