Biking
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Rare Serpentine Barrens Are Highlight of Nottingham Park
The first in Chester County (dedicated in 1963), the 731-acre Nottingham Park sits on more than a square mile of serpentine stone – one of the largest serpentine barrens on the East Coast. The land was formerly the site of feldspar and serpentine quarries as well as chromite ore mines. One of these feldspar quarries has been filled with water and is now known as the Mystery Hole. The park has 6 named trails and an 18-station fitness trail. The 3.37-mile Buck Trail traverses the highest elevation of the park, sometimes running across the park borders. The trails are used by hikers, bicyclists and equestrians who can create a loop…
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Find Nature and History Along the Pennypack Trail
The Pennypack Trail is part of the Montgomery County Trail Network and the planned East Coast Greenway, as well as the Circuit Trails and checks a box on the Montco Trail Challenge. The 6.2-mile trail was built on the former Fox Chase-Newtown SEPTA line and follows the Pennypack Creek. The northern section of the crushed stone trail starts at Rockledge Park and continues north to County Line Road where it meets the Newton Rail Trail. The southern segment runs from 8639 Pine Road in Philadelphia to the creek’s mouth at the Delaware River where it connects with the Baxter Trail. Like many of the area trails, it seamlessly blends pastoral…
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Cynwyd Heritage Trail Links Open Space to City
The Cynwyd Heritage Trail offers interesting views on an accessible trial
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Green Lane Park Offers Fun Water and Land-Based Activities for Everyone
Green Lane Park, located in western Montgomery County, offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, boating, and camping. The 3,400-acre park has two camping areas, one for families and organized groups and one for equestrian camping. The park also includes three separate bodies of water totaling 870 acres. Park visitors can fish at Knight Lake. Privately-owned non-powered and electric boats can be used on Deep Creek Lake; rentals are available on Green Lane Reservoir (privately-owned boats can be used after a 10-day quarantine.) Boat rentals are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day at the Hill Road Day Use Area. There are 25…
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Chester Valley Trail Connects Counties, Improves Accessibility
The Chester Valley Trail Extension is officially open for business. Though skies were gray and threatening, the rain held off, allowing local dignitaries to officially open the newest Philly-area trail. This paved path connects the Chester Valley and Schuylkill River Trails, providing a continuous hiking and biking route from Chester County to the Philadelphia Art Museum. Connecting Trails, and Counties The Philadelphia area is home to hundreds of miles of trails, but few are connected. Now two of the area’s most popular trails have been linked, providing greater opportunity for residents who want an alternative way to get around or simply easier access to more places to explore. Most of…
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Audubon Loop Provides Easy Access to Nature
The Philly burbs have an abundance of hiking options for hikers of all abilities. A few weeks ago, we decided to head out, with a few requirements. We needed to be relatively close to Norristown, we wanted something we could easily complete in a couple hours and we needed a stroller-friendly trail. We found all this in the Audubon Loop in Oaks. After parking at the Pawlings Road Trailhead parking lot, we took a look at the posted map and headed to our right, toward Pawlings Rd., and then turned left to go over Rt 422. Though this section was rather sunny, after we walked past St. Gabriel’s residential treatment…
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Outside This Weekend: Birds, Rocks and a SuperMoon
As always, local parks and organizations have activities planned to get you enjoying the great outdoors this weekend. Remember to check their websites for details, as some require pre-registration and some charge fees. On Saturday, you can head to Crossways Preserve, Churchville Nature Center or Tacony Creek Park to explore the area with birding experts in the morning, or throughout the day at John Heinz Wildlife Refuge. There will be another bird walk at John Heinz Refuge on Sunday morning. Another option for Saturday morning is to explore the geology along the Wissahickon Creek with Friends of the Wissahickon or joining Appalachian Club Members on a bike ride through Delaware…
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Bicycling Is More Fun in a Group
Updated May 29 2024 The benefits of joining a special interest club are many. You get to meet people who share (or help you find) your passion and will encourage you to get out more often. You will likely learn about new routes and options. Getting out more often will increase your personal fitness and skill levels. Going on group rides can be more fun and safer than riding alone. Club members often have varied experience levels, so you are likely to find people who can give you some tips. Club websites also provide a community to share information about trails and temporary detours as well as advice on the…
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Now’s a Great Time to Rediscover Your Bike
Updated 5/29/2024 There’s a reason people say things are just like getting on a bike again. Though first learning to bike is frustrating, most of us master it when we are very young. Even if you haven’t been on a bike in years, it is something you can easily pick up again, no matter your age. Aside from the fact that it is something you likely already know how to do, it is also good for you. Riding a bike not only burns calories, it also provides health benefits. It helps tone and strengthen muscles that you don’t use every day, is good for your heart and easier on your…
