#DIY Do-It-Yourself Trail Excursions
Scroll down or click the buttons below for three Do-It-Yourself Trail Excursions complete with directions on how to get on the trail, parking details, and suggested stops for refreshments. ENJOY!!!
1.5-Hour Round Trip
(Plus time for refreshments & sightseeing)
This section of the trail includes gorgeous views from the mountain ridge, an intersection with the Appalachian Trail, and great views of the river. Along your route, you’ll pass through several fascinating historic towns like Port Clinton so make time to stop and have a walk down memory lane. You’ll see why everyone loves this section of the Schuylkill River Trail and why we hear a constant refrain from trail users to get the Auburn Bridge rehabbed and connect the gap!
Directions
For this Do-It-Yourself Bike Tour, begin by making your way to Hamburg, Pennsylvania. Parking is available at the State Street trailhead in Hamburg. Use the address “60 State St., Hamburg, PA 19526” for Google Maps and other GPS systems. This address will take you to the building directly across the street from the trailhead. Next, take a little connector path to get on the Schuylkill River Trail which starts in Kernsville. The ride north on this section of the trail is about 7 miles. It currently terminates at a dead-end when you hit the Auburn Bridge where you’ll have to turn around and return to the State Street trailhead.
Suggested Refreshment Stops
If you work up an appetite . . . There are many great eateries in Hamburg including a classic diner aptly called the Hamburg Diner. There’s also Hecky’s Sub Shop as well as an ice cream shop called Hamburg Sweet Treats which is a short walk up State Street. CLICK HERE for a comprehensive listing of dining options in Hamburg. And you don’t want to skip a side trip to the Port Clinton Peanut Shop. Step back in time and experience the best candy shop you’ll ever visit! There’s something for everyone!
1.5-Hour Round Trip
(Plus time for refreshments & sightseeing)
If using your own bikes, begin your trip at the Betzwood trailhead in Valley Forge Park where there is ample parking. Betzwood trailhead is in most GPS systems as “Betzwood Park.” If you or any member of your party needs to rent a bike, you can begin in the parking lot of the Valley Forge Visitor Center, where there is a bike rental station run by the park and then ride over Sullivan’s Bridge to join up with the Schuylkill River Trail at the Betzwood trailhead.
Directions
Once on the trail, head north following Schuylkill River Trail signs for Phoenixville. The ride is about 7 miles. When you arrive at the edge of Phoenixville, you can choose to ride on-road for a short section next to the Canal (which is the official SRT route) or to take the Canal Towpath to enter the Borough. We recommend riding the Towpath into Phoenixville. Although it has a fine gravel surface rather than asphalt, it’s a beautiful and interesting route that hugs the historic canal. The Towpath intersects with Bridge Street, and to get into downtown Phoenixville you will take a left onto this street and cross over the river on the bridge. Take care on the bridge. There are plans underway to create a more pedestrian and cyclist friendly lane but for now it’s a tight fit and you may want to walk your bike over, especially with children.
Suggested Refreshment Stops
Once in Phoenixville you have a wide variety of great restaurants, cool breweries and nice coffee shops to choose from. For a listing of restaurant choices, CLICK HERE and for some brewery choices, CLICK HERE.
1-Hour Round Trip
(Plus time for refreshments & sightseeing)
If using your own bikes, you can begin your trip at either the West Conshohocken trailhead or the Spring Mill trailhead. Parking for both of these locations is actually shared parking in the SEPTA lots. Type in “Conshohocken SEPTA station” or “Spring Mill SEPTA station” in your GPS system. Parking is available to Schuylkill River Trail users after 3 p.m. on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday. If you need to rent a bike, start your trip at the Spring Mill location where bikes are available to rent at Riverbend Cycles.
Directions
Once on the Schuylkill River Trail, the ride south to Manayunk is about 4 miles. You can extend your ride by crossing the pedestrian/cycle only Manayunk Bridge onto the Cynwyd Heritage Trail as you enter Manayunk. The Manayunk Bridge is about a ½ mile, and the Cynwyd Trail is 2 miles (4-mile round trip).
Suggested Refreshment Stops
The Schuylkill River Trail in Manayunk is on-road on Main Street, although there is a narrow Towpath that parallels the SRT and the old Manayunk Canal that you can ride on. Once you are in Manayunk you have many, many options for dining and drinking, CLICK HERE for a listing.