Perkiomen Trail

This 20-mile trail follows the Perkiomen Creek from Oaks (at the Schuylkill Tr to Green Lane Park). The trail is mostly crushed stone with a few paved paths. The majority of the trail is wide enough for several people to hike alongside each other. The trail begins at the Schuylkill Tr in Oaks. but there is no parking at this point. There is a parking lot for Lower Perkiomen Valley Park on Mill Rd,(on trail, but 1 mile from S end). Entire section from parking South to the Schuylkill Tr is paved. In this section, there are picnic tables, fire pits, and pavilions. There are athletic fields used for organized soccer and ultimate events. This section is wooded with cut grass undercover. To the North, the trail and creek cross under Egypt Road Bridge and follow the Perkiomen upstream. For approx 1 mile, the trail remains a wide paved surface. When this large surface reaches Upper Indian Head Rd (the first road encountered, and blocked with yellow bollards), the trail turns left/away from the creek. It will follow road briefly until a gravel path on the right approximately midway up first rise. Go right as the path dives through some wooded areas. This next section will be a mix of crushed gravel path and hard pack dirt/rock path. There will be two hazardous road crossings. Each crossing carries the trail at an angle across the road somewhat in a hill section of the road with limited sight distance for drivers. Although the crossings are well marked, traffic generally moves quickly and drivers may not heed the trail signs. After these two crossings, there are few hazards. The remaining road crossings are either protected with signals or have plenty of visibility for trail users and drivers. The trail passes through Collegeville in the form of sidewalks and paths between buildings.It passes close to a brewery, a diner, and several other dining options. North of Collegeville, a large portion of the trail is paved until it reaches Central Perkiomen Valley Park, another picnic and recreation facility with parking bathroom facilities. The Skippack Trail offers a side trip to the Village of Skippack. To North, trail is mostly crushed gravel with some pavement. It passes old Mill House, Pennypacker Mills Historic Site, and Green Lane Park, offering swimming, boating, and camping facilities. Visit http://www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?nid=871 for camping, boating, fishing and more trails in Green Lane Park