The Schuylkill River Trail extends from downtown Philadelphia to Oaks in Montgomery County.
In Philadelphia, the trail uses the Fairmount Park trails and the Manayunk Canal Tow Path. The trail is paved except for the tow path. Future development of the Schuylkill River Trail will extend the trail along the entire length of the Schuylkill River for over 100 miles, from its conference with the Delaware River to its headwaters in Schuylkill County.

     The trail is the spine of the Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor, a five-county area designated as a State Heritage Park, highlighting the rich industrial and cultural heritage of this region, offering visitors a unique view of this extraordinary River Corridor.   

     The trail runs through a landscape that varies from parkland to urban and suburban neighborhoods to heavy industrial sites. Evidence of several centuries of industrial use remain where river and canal navigation, quarrying of limestone and iron ore, and production of iron and steel have succeeded each other as mainstays of this region's economy. Today, these industries are giving way to urban renewal, including high-rise development and riverfront development.

     The Schuylkill River Trail offers excellent access to business, cultural districts, and shopping centers. Visitors will also find easy access to the trail via the SEPTA Regional Rail Service and Bus Lines, in Spring Mill, Conshohocken, Miquon and Norristown. Amtrak services Philadelphia at the 30th Street Station, just a short ride to the trail.    The trail provides visitors a direct link to the 19-mile long Perkiomen Trail in Oaks, and will give access to the future Cross County Trail in Conshohocken and the future Chester Valley Trail in Norristown. The Trail passes through the Valley Forge National Historical Park in Betzwood.

     For more information on recent trail development projects please visit “New Trail Development” on this site.