The Pennypack Trail has it all.
First, there’s the history, as the trail is situated on grounds that were once home to a Philadelphia to Newtown rail line, dating to the 1870s. Many years later, SEPTA acquired the rail line, but shuttered operations in 1983 due to low ridership, among other reasons.
Then there’s all the activities and amenities the multi-use trail offers. Walking, bicycling, pet walking, birding, horseback riding and pathways to picnicking and fishing opportunities. Users can also see rock cuts, wildlife and, depending on the season, changing leaves and snow-covered trees.
“It’s beautiful here,” said Fred Moore, a historian and Huntingdon Valley resident who regularly walks the trail. “It’s so nice. It’s so quiet. And it goes right through the heart of 19006.”
Today, the site is well used and maintained by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails and Historic Sites. The county began leasing the property from SEPTA in 2009.
“The County of Montgomery believes the Pennypack Trail is a hidden gem within the Division of Parks, Trails and Historic Sites,” said John Mandracchia, region manager for the county’s Parks, Trails and Historic Sites.
The 6.2-mile crushed stone path goes through Rockledge, Abington Township, Bryn Athyn and Lower Moreland Township. As of July, the Rockledge portion of the trail can be accessed in Northeast Philadelphia, near the SEPTA Fox Chase train station.
“Many folks in the surrounding area(s) can connect to the trail without having to drive to a parking area. It’s almost hard to believe that you can have the Pennypack Trail navigate such a densely populated area while promoting healthy life activities, recreation and alternative transportation access and connectivity options,” Mandracchia said.
At County Line Road in Huntingdon Valley, the trail continues north to Bristol Road in Bucks County, where it is known as the Newtown Rail Trail.
“Rails to trails is becoming a big movement,” Moore said.
For those who need to drive to access the trail, there are three spots to park: the Lorimer Park lot, at 183 Moredon Road; and trail lots at 800 Welsh Road and 1750 Byberry Road, all in Huntingdon Valley.
The trail, which is 10 to 12 feet wide, features restrooms, water, nearby eateries and the All Aboard Cafe food truck, open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 940 Fetters Mill Road.
The trail is open from sunrise to sunset. Motorized vehicles, alcohol and smoking are prohibited. Dogs must be leashed.
“You can walk, run and/or ride a bicycle from Fox Chase to Bucks County,” Mandracchia said. “There is a lot of history that the trail brings to light, the most famous being the Bryn Athyn train wreck. Along the way, you get to see a lot of wildlife and natural areas, specifically two geological rock formations the railroad originally blasted through creating gorge-like environments, and the ability to traverse through Lorimer Park and the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust. With the seasons changing, the colors of the tree foliage will be magnificent.”
Trail users might see birds, deer, foxes, beavers and other animals.
“There’s all sorts of wildlife,” Moore said.
Complementing the trail are things that have Moore considering writing a book with author Harry Garforth.
Those things include Fetters Mill, a historic grist mill in Bryn Athyn that was built in 1750 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
“It’s a great historical feature,” Moore said.
The mill is adjacent to the Fetters Mill Bridge, built in 1883 and also listed on the National Register as part of the Fetters Mill Historic District. The bridge has been closed since April 2017, awaiting rehabilitation.
Also right in that area is the Bryn Athyn Post Office, a former train station stop built in 1902 when the area was largely farmland, other than the mill and bridge. The opening of the railroad led to people building villages to live nearby.
“History is well preserved up here,” Moore said.
The one-rail line took six years to complete – delayed by the bank failures of 1873-74 – and cost a lot of money for the time. Moore is fascinated by the geology surrounding the trail, specifically all the “wonderful” rock cuts that were created to establish a passage for the railroad. He’d like signage added to recognize the rock formation.
“Look at this rock formation,” he said. “It’s just fantastic to see this.”
Users can always count on the trail’s resources to be protected and maintained.
“The County encourages folks to get out and use the trails,” Mandracchia said. “The County’s Office of Public Health hosts the Montco Trail Challenge, which highlights all of the trails in Parks, Trails and Historic Sites. The challenge allows users to directly provide feedback. The Pennypack Trail hosted the Trail Challenge kickoff this year, free bicycle helmets were provided, and local township police officers informed users of bicycle safety. Our Park Rangers and maintenance staff do a terrific job in keeping the trails free from any hazards. All folks are encouraged to use the trail in a safe and courteous manner. Lastly, word of mouth from residents and surrounding communities is the largest and best promotional tool that applies to this significant regional trail public asset.” ••
