TRAIL CLOSURE ALERT:
The trail near Monocacy Station in Union Township, Berks County will close beginning Feb. 1 for construction. More details available under the "Trail Alerts" section on the Schuylkill River Trail Overview page.
Vote for the Schuylkill River Trail in the 2021 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Riverwalk. People can vote once a day until the contest ends Feb. 15 at noon. CLICK HERE TO VOTE NOW!
The Schuylkill River Greenways map is divided by Trailheads, Trail Towns and Places to Visit.
Leesport a borough in Berks County located along the Schuylkill River, about nine miles north of Reading, surrounded by the townships of Bern, Centre, and Ontelaunee. Transportation and development led to the formation of Leesport, beginning as early as 1745 when a road was surveyed to connect Reading to Maidencreek. In 1815 the Schuylkill Navigation Company formed to transport coal, lumber, produce, and other goods from Schuylkill County to Philadelphia by canal and slackwater navigation utilizing water from the Schuylkill River. Construction of the Schuylkill Canal began this same year with the Leesport section being completed in 1822. Four locks originally operated at Leesport and attracted small business to the area. In 1846 the canal was englarged at which time the four locks became two. These two remained as such until they were covered over in the 1950's. For more about Leesport, visit co.berks.pa.us/Muni/Leesport/Pages/History.aspx.