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Black Rock Offers Sanctuary on the Schuylkill River
You may be familiar with the Schuylkill River Trail, but have you looked over and wondered what’s across the river? Could there be another trail, on the western bank? Why, yes, there is: the Phoenix Iron Canal Trail, and it’s easy to access via a Chester County park – Black Rock Sanctuary. The trail (and nearby town) gets its name from the Phoenix Iron Works (originally the French Creek Nail Works), which was the first and for a time, also the largest nail factory in the United States. The path begins at the Black Rock Boat launch and follows the river toward Phoenixville. It ends where the French Creek meets…
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Water Views and Maybe Migratory Fowl – What More Could You Want?
Hibernia County Park in Coatesville has a number of pleasant trails totaling about 6 miles. The Lake Trail is wheelchair accessible, and most if not all of the other trails are easy to moderately difficult, but still appropriate for children. The Cedar Hollow Trail travels through forests and fields and through the Lake Campground. The Lake Trail takes you to Chambers Lake, a 94-acre man-made lake managed by the Chester County Water Resources Authority. Both fishing and boating are permitted on the lake, with appropriate state permits. The park also offers the Childrens Pond, a kid-friendly one-acre pond with an ADA fishing deck and bench. The lake is a popular…
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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…
