Welcome!
The Chester Valley Trail is not just a recreational path; it is an essential transportation route, providing direct access to jobs and homes for thousands of southeastern Pennsylvanians. The 18.6-mile trail consists of 13.5 miles in Chester County and an additional 5.1 miles in Montgomery County, including a new 3.8-mile extension that was just completed in 2023. Stretching from Exton in the west to Norristown in the east, the asphalt trail is an important part of life in the Greater Philadelphia area; in fact, it’s so well-loved that plans are already in place to build another 5 miles of trail in the west. This new segment will connect Exton to nearby Downingtown.
If you’re just here to enjoy the trail, you’ll likely want to start in Exton, which will give you a slight downhill grade for most of the journey. In Exton, the trail passes by some farms before plunging into a forested greenway along Route 202—if you don’t like the sounds of the highway, this trail might not be for you. Farther east, the borough of Malvern offers a handful of interesting landmarks, including the trail’s only hills and two tunnels under major roadways. Then, it’s on to King of Prussia, which is the name of a Philly suburb but also a historic inn dating back to 1719; you can find the structure only about a quarter mile from the trail. King of Prussia also features a pedestrian bridge over I-76, and a second bridge carries you over the Schuylkill River in Norristown. This is the route’s eastern terminus and also serves as a trailhead for the Schuylkill River Trail, which you can use to access Valley Forge National Historical Park and other Greater Philly attractions. No matter where you choose to start or finish your journey, you can rest assured that there will be plenty of restaurants and other businesses nearby for your convenience.
Given the Chester Valley Trail’s proximity to the storied city of Philadelphia, it should come as no surprise that this path is rich in history. In fact, sections of the trail trace the maneuvers of both American and British forces following the Battle of the Brandywine in 1777. The battle was a devastating loss for the fledgling United States, and as you walk or bike the Chester Valley, you’ll be tracing the footsteps of George Washington’s retreating forces and General Charles Cornwallis’s pursuing army. The trail also passes the “Battle of the Clouds,” a Revolutionary War battlefield that Malvern that was abandoned due to a torrential downpour. The area’s Revolutionary history will also be reflected by the proposed Patriot’s Path, a multi-use route linking the Battle of the Clouds site with Valley Forge and the historic Paoli Battlefield.
More recently, the area also played host to the Reading Railroad’s Chester Valley Branch, upon whose bed the Chester Valley Trail now sits. The rail line was established in the 1850s, closed its passenger services in the 1930s, and hauled cargo until the late 1900s. Now, it’s replaced by a pleasant greenway that still serves to connect the communities of Greater Philadelphia.
Hours: The trail remains open from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. During the winter, it may close due to hazardous ice and snow conditions.
Trail specifications: The average width is between 10 and 12 feet, with a 2-foot berm on either side.
Caution: Road crossings occur frequently. Exercise caution.
Permitted uses: Skateboarding and horseback riding are not permitted.
This trail is managed by Chester County Parks and Preservation and by Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites. For more information, visit the Chester County Website or the Montgomery County Website. Contact Chester County at parkspres@chesco.org and Montgomery County at lorimerpark@montgomerycountypa.gov.
Exton Park: From Exton, take Swedesford Road east for 1.8 miles. Turn right onto Church Farm Lane, following the signs for the Chester Valley Trail, and proceed to parking.
Battle of the Clouds Park: From Malvern, take Bridge Street north until it ends. Turn left onto Old Lincoln Highway and continue for 0.5 mile. When Old Lincoln Highway ends, turn left onto US-30 West and continue for 0.6 mile. Turn right onto PA-401 West and continue for 0.6 mile. Bear left onto Swedesford Road and continue for 2 miles. Turn right onto Phoenixville Pike and continue for 0.2 mile. Parking will be on the right.
East Whiteland Municipal Building: From Malvern, take Bridge Street north until it ends. Turn left onto Old Lincoln Highway and continue for 0.5 mile. When Old Lincoln Highway ends, turn left onto US-30 West and continue for 0.6 mile. Turn right onto PA-401 West and continue for 1.6 miles. Parking will be on the left, at the East Whiteland Municipal Building.
Berwyn: From Berwyn, take Waterloo Avenue north until it ends. Turn left onto Lancaster Avenue, then take the first right onto Old Lancaster Road. Almost immediately, turn right onto Howellville Road and then continue slightly left through the intersection to get on Cassatt Road. Continue on Cassatt Road for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto PA-252 South, then take the first right onto Westlakes Drive and continue for 0.2 mile. Parking will be on the right.
South Warner Road: From US-30 (heading east in Chester County), turn left onto Old Eagle School Road and continue for 2.1 miles. Turn right onto Devon Park Drive and continue for 0.6 mile. Turn right onto South Warner Road. Parking will be immediately on the right.
King of Prussia: From US-202 (heading east in Montgomery County), turn right onto Forge Road. Almost immediately, turn right to stay on Forge Road, then take the first right onto Kingwood Road and continue for 0.2 mile. Turn left onto Reeseville Road, then right onto Bill Smith Boulevard. Continue for 0.3 mile. Parking will be on the right.
Trail Junction Center: Located in Norristown, at the corner of DeKalb Street and Lafayette Street. There is currently no designated parking, so you’ll have to park along the street.
