New Section of Schuylkill River Bicycle Trail
Oaks to Port Providence, Montgomery County PA

This section of the Schuylkill River Bicycle Trail (Freedom Valley Bike Trail) was opened in Spring of 2008. The new section of trail is west of Valley Forge National Park and intersects with Perkiomen Park and Schuylkill Canal Park.

Bridge over Perkomen Creek

The bridge over the Perkiomen Creek is where "Valley Forge" section of the Schuylkill River Bicycle Trail intersect with the Perkiomen Trail. The new trail extension to the Schuylkill River Bicycle Trail, Oaks to Port Providence goes under this bridge. If one is driving on Route 422 you can see this bridge as you near the Oaks Exit.

View of Bridge from creek bed

This bridge was originally the rail line. At one time there was a low head dam below the bridge. That low head dam was removed because of its dangerous hydraulic (a re-circulating current that would push a swimmer underwater and drown them).

Conflunce of Perkomen

The confluence of the Perkiomen Creek and the Schuylkill River.

Location of old ferry house

This was the location of the Brower Ferry House. The house was torn down when the waste treatment plant expanded.

Pennsylvania Rail Road Bridge over Schuylkill

Dormant Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge over Schuylkill River.

Lock Tenders house at lock 59

During the late 1800's and early 1900's this section of the trail was the Schuylkill Canal. The building above was the Lock tenders house for Lock 61 (Browers Lock) The ditch below the Lock tenders house is the remnants of the lock chamber.

Nelson Hill

Previously this section was gravel but now it is paved.

Aquaduct from the old canal

The Oaks and Port Providence section of the trail follows a section of the Schuylkill Canal that was filled in with coal dust that was dredged from the Schuylkill River. This stone structure is the Crossman Run Aqueduct that allowed the former Schuylkill Canal to pass over a stream.

Macavo Brick Yard

The large green cylinders are sewer covers that have been raised up to prevent spills when the river floods. Across from the river is McAvoy Brick. This brick manufacture has been in business over 120 years. Early bricks were hand made.

The offical Trail Head opening

Montgomery County Commissioners opening up the Oaks and Port Providence sections of the Schuylkill River Trail.

Kayaking on the Scyuylkill Canal

The bike path continues on Longford Road where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Schuylkill Canal. The watered section in Port Providence and Mont Clare is much cleaner and natural than the Manayunk section of the Schuylkill Canal. Canoes and kayak can be rented at Fitzwater Station. This canal is maintained by the non-profit group, the Schuylkill Canal Association.

Fitzwater Station

Fitzwater Station is a great place to get a meal and a drink or rent canoes and kayaks. Not only it was a favorite watering hole for Rivermen, it was also a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Rainbow along canal

Rainbow along the canal in Mont Clare.

Lock 60 Canal Park Entrance

After riding on Port Providence Rd and Walnut Street you reach Route 29 where Produce Junction is located. Lock 60 Canal Park entrance is worth a trip. There you will find the locktenders house and the only working lock on the Schuylkill Canal. Cross the bridge you go to Phoenixville.

Lock 60 Canal Park

Lock 60 Canal Park is the location for Canal Day. The last Sunday in June is Canal Day. In 2011 Canal Day is June 26th. Music, food, running, canoe and kayak races plus kid's games.

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External Links

Schuylkill River Heritage Association

Non-profit organization that is a part of many of the projects on the Schuylkill River.

Map of Schuylkill River Trail

Good map of completed and soon to be completed sections of the trail.

Montgomery Counties Bike Trail Program

Information on trail projects in Montgomery County.

Philadelphia Bicycling News

Has updated blog regarding bicycling in the greater Philadelphia area.

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

Making bicycling better through advocacy and education by promoting biking as a healthy, low-cost, and environmentally-friendly form of transportation and recreation in Southeast Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware.

 

Oaks PA Wikipedia Entry

About the history of Oaks PA.

 

Schuylkill Canal Association

The Schuylkill Canal Association is a non-profit that manages the Schuylkill Canal and the 60 acres of ground surrounding Port Providence and Mont Clare, PA. The SCA encourages extensive public use and enjoyment of the site. Its members and volunteers provide routine maintenance, specialized skills and major planning.  SCA is a community enterprise.