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Voted One of the Best Riverwalks in Nation

The Schuylkill River Trail is a winner in the 2021ย USA TODAY 10Best Readersโ€™ Choice Contest for Best Riverwalk. The SRT came in third place. The trail was also selected as a top trail to visit in Pennsylvania on the 2021 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy blog. In 2015, the Schuylkill River Trail took first place as the Best Urban Trail in USA Today's 10 Best Readers Choice poll.

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Welcome to the Schuylkill River Trail, a multi-use path that will extend 120 miles from Frackville in Schuylkill County, through Montgomery, Chester and Berks Counties to Philadelphia. It travels through the historically rich region of southeastern Pennsylvania. The trail passes through rural, agricultural, suburban, urban, and industrial landscapes. The Schuylkill River (pronounced SKOO-kill), Dutch for Hidden River, is where the American, Industrial and Environmental Revolutions were born.

Most of the trail is built over abandoned railroad lines. Today, over 75 miles of paved and crushed stone trail are open to the public. Along its path, trail users can see evidence of several centuries of industrial development, canal navigation, railroad transportation, quarrying of limestone and iron ore, and the production of iron and steel.

OPERATING HOURS

The Schuylkill River Trail is open every day of the week from sunrise to sunset.ย 

IN AN EMERGENCY

Call 911 and provide them with the โ€œHelp Locator Numberโ€ or Mile Number found on mile posts and trailhead signs.

Trail Safety Tips

Please keep these trail safety tips in mind when using the Schuylkill River Trail

  • Use the trail only from sunrise to sunset. The trail is closed at night.ย 
  • Tell someone when and where youโ€™re going on the trail.
  • Carry a cellphone to use in distress.
  • Avoid headphones that block sound so you can hear others approaching.
  • Carry ID with contact and medical information.
  • Check your bike regularly. Make sure the tires are full, chains are greased, and the brakes are tight.
  • Be alert for downed branches and other hazards.
  • Come to a full stop at intersections and use caution proceeding.

For more tips about staying safe on your bike, CLICK HERE.ย 

For more tips about staying safe while hiking, CLICK HERE.ย 

View Trail Etiquette Rules

Please remember these trail etiquette rules when using the Schuylkill River Trail.ย 

  • Watch your speed - cyclists should pass on the left.
  • Announce your approach to other trail users.
  • Dogs must be kept on a 6 foot leash AND under control.
  • Owners are responsible for cleaning up pet waste.
  • No littering - please practice โ€œCarry In - Carry Outโ€.
  • Cyclists and rollerbladers should wear a helmet.
  • No unauthorized motor vehicles allowed on the trail.
  • And most importantly...Be courteous to other trail users and trail neighbors.

Connecting the Trail

The Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) is owned, managed, maintained and developed by a number of organizations who have come together to form the Schuylkill River Trail Partners. Until several years ago, the Schuylkill River Trail existed in unconnected sections known by the names given to them locally. Enormous efforts have been made to connect these sections, close gaps, create a unified sign system and promote the trail as a single entity. This work continues with plans to close several remaining gaps, and to extend the trail in Philadelphia at the lower end and in Schuylkill County at the upper end.

Current Trail Projects
SRT FEASIBILITY STUDY & SURVEY
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Schuylkill River Greenways (SRG) has started the Northern Berks County Feasibility Study to determine the best route for the Schuylkill River Trail from Reading to Hamburg. Throughout this process, SRG will invite the community to public meetings for comments and questions. The community is also asked to complete a survey about the trail and how they would like to use it.ย 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MOREย 

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

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Support the SRT

Your membership donation supports the Schuylkill River Trail and the many other projects and programs that benefit the entire Schuylkill River region. Schuylkill River Greenways works with partners to improve trail access, create a uniform sign system, and improve trail amenities. The nonprofit operates and maintains more than 30 miles of the trail in Berks and Schuylkill Counties. Maintenance and upkeep along these sections of the trail are done by volunteers. Help us build and complete the Schuylkill River Trail.

Become a Member

AND/OR

Become a Volunteer
Reading Gateway Initiative

Reading Gateway Initiative

Schuylkill River Greenways needs the community's help to revive a section of the trail in Reading. the Reading Gateway Initiative is a revitalization project on a portion of the Thun Section of the Schuylkill River Trail. Funds have been used to install a camera system, repair trail lights, and other needs.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Trail Alerts & Updates

Trail Alerts

Schuylkill River Greenways manages the Schuylkill River Trail in Berks and Schuylkill Counties, but sections in other counties are managed by trail partners. For the latest updates about sections managed by our partners, pleaseย CLICK HEREย for their contact information.ย 

Betzwood Picnic Area Closed for Constructionย 

Starting on April 27, 2022, the Betzwood Trailhead at Valley Forge National Historical Park will have ongoing construction. The picnic area, restrooms, parking lot and boat launch will be CLOSED. The boat ramp will remain closed through the whole project. The parking lot, picnic area, and restrooms will reopen on Saturdays and Sundays. Work is expected to conclude mid-to-late May. For more information, CLICK HERE.ย 

  • This notice was posted on April 26, 2022, and may not be current

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Fricks Lock Ribbon Cutting & Celebrationย 

Chester County had a ribbon cutting on Earth Day (April 22, 2022) to celebrate the completion of countyโ€™s final section of the Schuylkill River Trail. The new section is a $6 million, four-mile section between Linfield Road in Parker Ford and the Rt. 422 Bridge in North Coventry Township. The celebration also included tours of the renovated Fricks Lock Village and a group bike ride on the trail.

Update as of April 22, 2022: The new Chester County Schuylkill River Trail section is open between Linfield Road and Fricks Lock Village (a two-mile stretch). The remaining two miles from Fricks Lock to Route 422 is nearly complete but has a few final finishing touches. The connection over the river into Pottstown is being done by Montgomery County and will be complete in Spring 2024.

  • This notice was posted on April 26, 2022, and may not be current
Trail News & Updates

CELEBRATE TRAILS DAY ON THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL

This year, Celebrate Trails Day (formerly Opening Day for Trails) falls on Saturday, April 24. Itโ€™s never been more important to get outside and show your love for the Schuylkill River Trail and outdoor spaces ... CONTINUE READINGย 

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Trail Events

EARTH DAY TRAIL CLEANUP IN POTTSTOWN ON APRIL 16

This clean up will be completely outside and will require attendees to wear masks and practice social distancing.ย Volunteers will be equipped with gloves and trash bags for recycling items and trash items. Volunteers aged 21 & over will get a voucher for a free SRT Ale to be used at the Sly Fox Tastinโ€™ Room in Pottstown ... CONTINUE READINGย 

OPENING TRAILS DAY CLEANUP AT FORK & ALE ON APRIL 25

Celebrate Opening Trails Day with a Schuylkill River Trail cleanup at Fork & Ale. Fork & Ale is a Schuylkill River Trail adopt-a-trail member and the cleanup will be on this specific section of the trail in Union Township, Berks County. Trail work tools and work gloves will be provided ... CONTINUE READINGย 

SRT COMEDY FUNDRAISER AT SOULJOELโ€™S DOME ON APRIL 29

SoulJoelโ€™s presents this special comedy show headlined by Jason Salmon to benefit the Schuylkill River Trail and SRG.ย  All shows are 15 and bring your own chair. This event is completely BYO (Bring Your Own: food, drinks, chairs, etc.) ... CONTINUE READINGย 

For more trail events, click here to view the SRG Volunteer Calendar