Welcome!
Despite being less than an hour’s drive from the urban hustle and bustle of Philadelphia, the Perkiomen Trail offers visitors unexpected access to calm, serene nature. The “Perky,” as it’s known to locals, follows the course of the Perkiomen Creek from Oaks to Green Lane, passing through an abundance of parks and historical sites along the way. Almost immediately, visitors can take a detour to see the John James Audubon Center, which recognizes the ornithologist who founded the National Audubon Society. As you head north, you’ll also be able to access the adjacent Evansburg State Park (via the Skippack Trail), or continue onward to Schwenksville. There, you’ll see the historic mansion of Pennypacker Mills, where George Washington and his army encamped during the Revolutionary War. Plus, feel free to grab lunch at Moccia’s Train Stop, a former railway station now converted into an top-rated Italian restaurant. After Schwenksville, the trail continues northward and finishes out in the borough of Green Lane, where another park greets guests.
Though the trail itself has only existed since 2003, the Perkiomen Valley has been navigated for decades. From 1868 to 1944, the valley hosted the Perkiomen Railroad, which was then absorbed into the Reading Railroad before going defunct in 1955. As a former railroad track, the trail stays relatively flat, and the crushed-stone surface (with occasional paved sections) makes for a smooth experience, whether you’re bicycling, walking, or even horseback riding.
For those who just can’t get enough of the beauty of southeastern Pennsylvania, the Perky offers connections to a number of other trails, including by forming a junction with the Schuylkill River Trail at its terminus in Oaks. Plus, Valley Forge National Historic Park is only three miles away from this southernmost trailhead.
Hours: The “Perky” remains open from dawn to dusk. It is closed on November 23, December 25, and January 1.
This trail is managed by Montgomery County. For more information, visit the Montgomery County Website. Contact the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, & Historic Sites at centralperkiomenpark@montgomerycountypa.gov.
Oaks: From Phoenixville, take Bridge Street east across the Schuylkill River. After crossing, continue for 0.3 mile. Turn right onto Egypt Road and continue for 3.1 miles. Turn right onto New Mill Road and continue for 0.2 mile. Parking will be on the left, near the signs for “Trail Crossing Ahead.” Note that this is the southernmost trailhead.
Upper Indian Head: From Phoenixville, take Bridge Street east across the Schuylkill River. After crossing, continue for 0.3 mile. Turn right onto Egypt Road and continue for 2 miles. Turn left onto Green Tree Road (which becomes Upper Indian Head Road) and continue for 1.4 miles. Parking will be on the right, at signs for the Perkiomen Trail.
Collegeville: From Royersford, take 2nd Avenue south until it ends. Turn left onto PA-113 North and continue for 2.9 miles. Turn right onto Clahor Avenue and continue for 0.5 mile. Turn right to stay on Clahor Avenue and continue for an additional 0.5 mile. Turn left onto West 5th Avenue and continue for 0.4 mile. Turn right onto West 3rd Avenue and continue for 0.3 mile. Turn right onto Chesnut Street. Parking will be immediately on the left.
Central Perkiomen Valley: From Royersford, take Walnut Street north until it ends. Turn right onto South Township Line Road and continue for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Seitz Road, then immediately left onto Meyers Road (which becomes Otts Road), and continue for 0.9 mile. Continue straight onto Plank Road. Parking will be on the right, at the signs for Central Perkiomen Valley Park.
Schwenksville: From Royersford, take Walnut Street north until it ends. Turn right onto South Township Line Road and continue for 5 miles. Turn right onto North Limerick Road and continue for 0.2 mile. Turn left onto 4th Street, then immediately right onto Perkiomen Avenue, and continue for 0.2 mile. Turn left onto Main Street and continue for 0.2 mile. Parking will be on the right, at the sign for Meadow Park.
Spring Mount: From Souderton, take PA-113 South for 4.1 miles. Turn right onto PA-63 West and continue for 1.7 miles. Turn left onto Shelly Road and continue for 1 mile to the roundabout. Using the roundabout, continue straight onto Schwenksville Road and continue for 1.6 miles. Turn right onto Spring Mount Road and continue for 0.8 mile. Parking will be on the right at a three way intersection, just after Foy Park.
Salford: From Souderton, take PA-113 South for 4.1 miles. Turn right onto PA-63 West and continue for 1.7 miles. Turn left onto Shelly Road and continue for 1 mile to the roundabout. Using the roundabout, turn right onto Old Skippack Road and continue for 0.8 mile. Turn left onto Salford Street and continue for 0.7 mile. Turn left onto Harmon Road and continue for 0.2 mile. Parking will be on the right, near the Trail Crossing signs.
Green Lane (northern terminus): From Souderton, take PA-113 South for 4.1 miles. Turn right onto PA-63 West and continue for 5.8 miles. Turn right onto PA-29 North and continue for 0.9 mile. Turn left at the sign for Marlborough Elementary School and continue for 0.2 mile, then turn right to reach the trailhead. There is no designated parking.
