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Besides being a national treasure, an icon of America's Revolutionary War and the unsinkable American spirit as well as part of the Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area which stretches 128 miles from Philadelphia to Pottsville, 3,600-acre Valley Forge National Park is the largest expanse of open space in southeastern Pennsylvania and a and a MAJOR REGIONAL TRAIL HUB. Currently, several long distance multi-use trails such as the 19 mile Perkiomen Trail, the 25 mile long Schuylkill River Trail (Valley Forge to Philadelphia), and the 140-mile Horseshoe Trail currently connect into the park. Valley Forge National Historical Park itself contains 28 miles of authorized trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Make the newly rennovated Valley Forge Welcome Center your first stop. Get information, a free map of the bike tour route, see exhibits and orient yourself by viewing an eighteen-minute film entitled: "Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment" which runs every 30 minutes. Bicycling at Valley Forge is a bike ride through a turning point in American history, making it a favorite destination for families and those who enjoy the thrills and chills that come with "visiting and standing on the very ground where historical events took place. June - Labor Day: weather permitting:
Rows of canyons in Artillery Park; the soldiers’ log huts; and earthen fortifications around the rim of the park are silent reminders of the past.To add to the atmosphere, living history interpreters and soldier programs are held at several locations around Valley Forge National Park. (Check with the Visitor's Center for places and schedules) If you're looking for a fun educational bike ride, this is it! Bring a picnic lunch. Designated picnic areas include; Varnum’s, Betzwood, Wayne Woods, and Artillery Park.
Valley Forge Bike Trails There are about 20.5 miles of authorized cycling trails in the park which include the paved Joseph Plumb Martin Trail and the Philadelphia to Valley Forge Schuylkill River Trail, as well as another 12 miles of flat, unpaved trails. Many bicyclists also use the park’s tour roads: Outer Line Drive and Inner Line Drive. The wide paved and gravel paths travel through a landscape of rolling hillsides dotted with flowering dogwood trees and offer the Park visitor easy riding and access to many historic park features including Washington's Headquarters, the David Potts House, Huntington's Quarters, rows of canyons in Artillery Park, encampment areas, re-created soldiers’ log huts and several memorials and monuments. The trails can get crowded during peak season.
Joseph Plumb Martin Trail: The paved, 6.6 mile Joseph Plumb Martin Trail on the south side of the park connects key historic and interpretive sites. Schuylkill River Trail: two miles of the paved, Schuylkill River Trail runs through the park on the north side and connects to county parks and sites in Montgomery County and Philadelphia. In addition to those trails listed on the park map, the following gravel roadways and trails are authorized for use by bicycles.
Note: Stay on the authorized trails and respect trails posted as closed signs. “Cross country” riding through cut fields, meadows, on meadow trails or on trails located on Mt. Joy and Mt. Misery is strictly prohibited. Recently, several trails have been closed. If a trail is not shown on the park map, its not currently open to public use. Obey the Rules Of The Trail and be courteous to all other trail users. Because of it's designation as a major trail hub, and location in an expanding urbanized area, Valley Forge faces increasing problems from traffic, urban sprawl, an overpopulation of white tail deer, trail erosion and underfunding. It is currently undergoing several badly needed rennovation and improvement projects in some areas which may impact your visit. Check the Park website for details.
From Philadelphia and NJ: Take I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) west to exit 328A. Keep to right and merge onto US422 west. Take Valley Forge exit onto Rt.23 west. Turn right at exit ramp and merge into center lane. The park entrance is straight ahead through first set of traffic lights. From I-276 (Pennsylvania Turnpike): Take exit 326 for Valley Forge. Use right side of the token booth. Turn right at N. Gulph Road, immediately after toll booth. Go 1.8 miles to park entrance on left, at the Rt.23 traffic light. From the northwest on Rt.422: Travel east on Rt.422 and exit at Rt.23 west. Turn right at exit ramp
Getting there by bus: Most SEPTA buses are equipped with bicycle racks that can hold a maximum of two bicycles.
Getting there by train: Take SEPTA’s Route 100 or R6 lines to Norristown and use the Schuylkill River Trail to bike four miles to the park or you can take the R5 line to the Strafford station and bike three miles to the park on local roads.
Historical Note: Valley Forge was the site of General George Washington's Army encampment during the terrible winter of 1778. No battle was ever fought at Valley Forge, but 2,000 men died that winter. It is the story of the indestructible American spirit, an epic struggle to survive against hunger, disease, and the unrelenting forces of nature. Under Washington's inspirational leadership, and with the assistance of Baron von Steuben, a skilled Prussian drillmaster, the troops were shaped into an well-trained, effective fighting force. Spring brought word of the French alliance with its guarantees of military support. The confidence, endurance, bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers led to a decisive victory, not of weapons but of will. It was the turning point of the Revolutionary War.
For more information: Valley Forge National Historical Park Phone: Welcome Center (610) 783-1077
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