Pennypack Trail

The northernmost segment of Montgomery County’s Pennypack Trail, from Byberry Road to County Line Road in Lower Moreland Township, opened for public use in spring 2021. With the completion of this 0.7-mile section, the trail now extends for 6.2 miles along a scenic corridor beginning at the south in Rockledge Park and continuing north to the Bucks-Montgomery border at County Line Road. 

Built on the former Fox Chase-Newtown SEPTA rail line, this 10- to 12- foot-wide gravel path provides level hiking and biking opportunities with scenic views of the Pennypack Creek valley.

Starting from the south at Rockledge Borough Park, at the intersection of Robbins & and Rockledge Avenues, the trail immediately crosses over Shady Lane and then a majestic 165-foot-long steel bridge that spans 35 feet above a small stream valley of a tributary to Pennypack Creek. For the next 2 miles, the trail runs along the western edge of the county’s Lorimer Park. 

Lorimer Park’s main use area at 183 Moredon Road provides parking, a picnic area, and modern restrooms, as well as more than 5 miles of nature trails. In addition to access to the Pennypack Trail, the park’s trails connect through the Philadelphia School District’s Fox Chase Farm property and provide an essential link via a crossing of Pine Road to Philadelphia’s Pennypack Trail, a 10.2-mile path that connects to the Delaware River. 

Access is available to miles of the park’s internal trail system—offering the opportunity to explore meadows and forests with huge trees and enjoy the abundant wildlife. 

Continuing north, the trail crosses the active SEPTA West Trenton line. Please obey the signals and gates when trains approach! Immediately past the train crossing is the Bethayres Swamp. Bring binoculars and look for birds, as this is an Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA). Leaving the swamp, the trail intersects Welsh Road (Rt. 63). Parking is available for 40 cars, and there is a portable toilet. There is also a kiosk with benches and historic panels describing the history of the former train station.

At the Welsh and Terwood road crossings, please push the buttons to activate the signals to alert motorists and still proceed with caution when crossing. 

At approximately mile 3.0, the trail crosses the Pennypack Creek for the third time with a refurbished 165-foot former railroad bridge. (Note: All trail bridges, with the exception of Rockledge, were refurbished by Lorimer Park staff.)

The trail then traverses through the historic town of Bryn Athyn. The Bryn Athyn Post Office (a former train station), is the hub of resident activity. Please note that parking is for post office use only. 

The trail continues north, bisecting the lands of the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust (PERT). This conservation organization is dedicated to preserving the natural landscape of the Pennypack watershed. Many areas are environmentally sensitive, so please do not venture off the main trails into the woods. Just south of Creek Road is the site of a 1921 devastating train wreck. There is a historic marker that describes the incident. 

The Byberry Road parking lot, located at 1750 Byberry Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA, provides parking and access to the northern end of the trail, which will ultimately connect with Bucks County’s Newtown Rail Trail. This connection will be made possible by a new signal crossing at County Line Road, which is expected to be completed in summer 2021. 

Regional Connections

South to Philadelphia: 

• Pennypack Trail – Pine Road to Delaware Riverfront
• Connection to Fox Chase SEPTA Station (opening estimated for mid-2022)

North to Bucks County: 

• Newtown Rail Trail (signal crossing at County Line Road to be activated in summer 2021)

TRAIL SPECIFICATIONS

• Length: 6.2 miles
• Width: 10—12 feet
• Surface: Crushed stone
• Activities: Biking, walking, jogging, horseback riding

 HELPFUL RESOURCES

• Primary Trail Network Map
• Pennypack Trail Brochure & Map