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The Pennypack Trail travels through wooded parks on the outskirts of Philadelphia, following the wooded banks of Pennypack Creek to its mouth where it joins the expansive Delaware River. Deriving its name from a local American Indian term for a slow-moving creek, the trail is rich with history, including the remains of 19th-century mills, the oldest surviving road bridge in the United States, and the site of a 1920s head-on train crash.
About the Route
The Pennypack Trail has two segments. The northern segment in Montgomery County runs from 1696 County Line Rd (Huntington Valley) to Rockledge Park (Rockledge) The southern segment, in Philadelphia County, picks up nearby at 8639 Pine Rd (Philadelphia) and follows Pennypack Creek south to its mouth at the Delaware River. A gravel path, the Lorimer Park Fox Chase Farm Trail, links the two segments.
The Pennypack Trail’s northern endpoint is at 1696 County Line Rd, in Huntington Valley, where it meets the northeasterly Newtown Rail Trail. Heading southeast from the endpoint, the trail crosses beneath the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and enters the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust, a lush forest preserve, home to several native plants and animals. Half a mile south of Byberry Road, the trail passes through an area known locally as Death Gulch, where two trains collided in 1921, resulting in 27 deaths. In another 1.4 miles, the trail finds a weekend food truck at the Bryn Athyn Post Office (a former train station) and picnic area. Continuing south, the trail crosses SEPTA’s West Trenton line, at the historic rail interlocking. Use caution in crossing the active railway. Upon crossing Moredon Road, a direct trail connection to the trail’s southern portion is available via the 0.6-mile gravel Lorimer Park Fox Chase Farm Trail. The northern, Montgomery County section of the Pennypack Trail continues just over 1 mile farther south to Rockledge Park, where it terminates at 203 Rockledge Ave.
The trail resumes in its southern segment at 8639 Pine Rd, at the edge of Pennypack Park. The wooded route trends downhill toward the river, and some short hills are steep. The woods make this section of trail seem remote, although users will pass beneath multiple bridges carrying traffic overhead. Side trails connect with adjacent neighborhoods along the route. At Frankford Avenue, the stone-arch bridge built in 1697 is considered the oldest surviving road bridge in the United States. At Torresdale Ave, the trail runs adjacent to the road for a short distance, to cross over the creek, before continuing southwards. After crossing underneath I-95, trail users can access the Holmesburg Station on SEPTA’s Trenton Line, a short distance off the trail via Rhawn St.
The southernmost portion of the trail passes a prison complex as it enters Pennypack on the Delaware Park. Once inside the park, the trail continues along the banks of the Delaware River for just under a mile. The Pennypack Trail’s southern endpoint is at the Pennypack Creek’s outlet into the Delaware River — in Pennypack on the Delaware Park. Here, the trail connects to the Baxter Trail, which crosses the creek toward Pleasant Hill Park and connects with bike lanes on State Road.
Connections
At its northern endpoint, the Pennypack Trail connects to the Newtown Rail Trail. At it’s southern endpoint, the trail connects to the Baxter Trail. The Lorimer Park Fox Chase Farm Trail, links the trails northern and southern segments.
The trail is part of the Circuit Trails, a developing 800-mile urban network of trails in Greater Philadelphia. A short section of the Pennypack Trail, along the Delaware River, is part of the developing East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile route between Florida and Maine.
Trail History
The northern section of the Pennypack Trail follows an old Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) commuter line that got its start as the Philadelphia & Montgomery County Railroad Company in the 1860s. It later became the Philadelphia, Newtown and New York Railroad and then the Newtown branch of the Reading Railroad. SEPTA acquired the line in 1976 but suspended service on it in 1983. Montgomery County leased the corridor for $1 and opened the first section of trail in 2009. The southern section of trail traces the Pennypack Creek through Pennypack Park, which the city created by acquiring parcels of land as one mill after another closed in the early 1900s.
Pennypack Trail runs between 1696 County Line Rd (Huntington Valley) and Pennypack on the Delaware Park at Baxter Trail (Philadelphia), with parking available at Pennypack on the Delaware Park.
The SEPTA commuter rail provides transit access to the trail. If taking your bike aboard a train, please observe the transit agency’s rules. The trail can be accessed from the following stops:
Parking is also available at:
These are approximate addresses and there are numerous parking options along this route. See TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
The long-missing half-mile section from Rockledge Borough Park to SEPTA’s Fox Chase station is finally open. Not sure where trail parking will be located at the Fox Case (Rhawn Street) end but SEPTA has always had free parking at their regional rail stations on weekends.
The long-missing half-mile section from Rockledge Borough Park to SEPTA’s Fox Chase station is finally open. Not sure where trail parking will be located at the Fox Case (Rhawn Street) end but SEPTA has always had free parking at their regional rail stations on weekends.
This is, generally, an enjoyable ride, an unexpected green oasis in a congested urban landscape. However, at the southern end, between Torresdale Av. and State Rd., the trail is in pretty poor condition, especially in the amount of mud that has been allowed to accumulate on it. That stretch just projects an indifference on the part of the city to what was a really nice civic resource when it first opened.
The Pennypack is an incredibly scenic trail and well maintained. It’s definitely a year round rideable path. As a new rider of the trail, I thought there could be a few more signs with distances given; it would be nice to know if there are services nearby at crossroads/junctions. I also felt there was a lack of signs at Lorimer Park (riding south) showing the link to the Delaware. I ended up at Cliff Ridge Park with no sign/map indicating where to go next.
Todays walk was very enjoyable. It was 5 ladies walking and everyone we encountered was friendly. The walk was clear and even. We did 4 miles and I would have completed more. I would return to this trail again.
The recovered former rail line from Rockledge to, now, Bristol Road in Bucks County is the paradigm of rail trail projects. The missing part, though, is a southward continuation into the City of Philadelphia, maybe a mile and a half, to the Fox Chase SEPTA station. That, however, will require an uncharacteristic effort on the part of the city. At least Bucks County seems to be making steady progress in extending the trail northward to the old rail terminus in Newtown.
I rode this route for the first time today. It’s a very well maintained paved trail. I really enjoyed the ride. The creek is very nice, and you can hardly tell you’re in the city. There are many more hills on this section of trail than the more northerly sections.Looking forward to the next time.
Love it Scenic, and clean.
I live in the area and this is my Sunday "go to" route. (Rockledge/Byberry portion) 5.25 miles long, well maintained (unless very heavy rains have occurred), plenty of shade and relatively level. It can get a bit crowded on a beautiful day, but not too bad. Plenty of trails in area, but I use this one more often than the others. Nice 10 mile roundtrip with good parking at both ends in Rockledge or at Byberry park entrance.
The gravel on the upper rail line trail is small so it’s easy on training wheels!
Just rode the trail today. The new segment up to PA 232 was open!!! Another mile and a half added to a perfect trail. I’m so excited to see it completed all the way to Newtown.
Went for a walk on the trail for the first time today, Friday morning, absolutely beautiful scenery. Well maintained path. Will definitely come back. Map does not show where parking is at Northern end. Is it at Masons Mill park?
The map isn't really clear where the path picks up from Rockledge Park toward Philly and how long you have to be on roads with cars.
There are two very pleasant 5-mile walks (2.5 miles out, then back) on this trail, between Rockledge and Byeberry Road. Park at the midway point at the intersection of Terwood and Welsh Roads in Huntingdon Valley. Nice lot. If your GPS needs an address, use 798 Welsh Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 as your destination for the parking lot.
For Walk 1, do the 5-mile walk from the above parking lot towards Rockledge (in the southerly direction). Wide path, lots of shade, surefooted, many great views of Pennypack Creek, along with a few railroad artifacts. Can do a side detour through the gorgeous Lorimer Park, as well.
For Walk 2, park in the same lot mentioned above, and walk northerly, through Bryn Athyn, ending at the current trail end point of Byeberry Road. Another very nice walk, with lots of creek views, a few bridges, an interesting placard that describes "Death Gulch". Cool little story about the "milk train" at the Bryn Athyn station along the path.
There is also parking at Byeberry Road (near Masons Mill Park) and at Lorimer Park, just outside of Rockledge.
Both stretches of this trail are bikable with road tires, on white and black well-packed cinders, with virtually no potholes. Super condition!
You will not be disappointed.
Great trail
We ride the north end of this trail a lot. Very wide. Off-path options. Well maintained and clean.
The Pennypack trail is definitely two types of trails. Straight on the Montgomery County part, gravel and just a small incline on both ends. The Philadelphia part is has hills and curves as it follow the creek but paved. Never made it to the river, as we lost the signs when the trail ended at State St. Very busy trail on weekends. Will try it again during a weekday.
Awesome path. Hoping for it to come up and connect to newtown rail trail for continuous trails into center city philly!
Took this trail for the first time from the Bayberry Trailhead south. It's only slightly more than 5 miles one direction, but a really nice, scenic drive along side the creek most of the way. Path is very smooth so any type of bike tire is no problem. Some slight upgrades, but really no big deal for even the average riders. Along the path on weekends there is even a food truck and some picnic tables set up for a quick bite to eat. Plus there are numerous benches along the way to stop and snack. The trailhead has a parking lot, but it is not very big. When we were there on a picture perfect Sunday afternoon, the lot was pretty full, maybe holds around 40- 50 cars. We drove from Jersey about 50 miles to get there and I plan on going back.
My wife and I love this trail. It makes you feel like you're in the Poconos, but in reality, you're still in the city. We love nature.
This was my first time out on a PA trail other than the schuylkill in center city which is terribly congested. This trail was fairly empty barring a couple folks strolling and some dog walkers. I was able to easily connect but the wooded area was filled with way too much broken glass for my liking. I was anxious about blowing out a tire (my first ride in awhile). So I just looped near the river without issue. Would try to give the trail a go again in the spring/summer mo this.
I checked out the unpaved new extension on my thin wheels and it's fine for road bikes: crushed gravel packed down hard and the section from Moreland Park to the first trailhead is lovely. Scenic, not too busy, really quite flat and picturesque. I agree with the other reviewers that the paved section is also great but the hills are a bit tricky and the old section is much curvier. But still a terrific ride!
I rode the trail from Byberry Rd in Huntingdon Valley to the Delaware river. It is a very scenic ride with a good combination of flats in the suburban area and nice rolling hills in the transition to Philadelphia. Signage could be better, so take your phone with a good GPS app. You need to get off the trail at Lorimer Park to pick up the trail off of Pine St. just fellow the creek as it will be on your left. The bridge that crosses the creek just south of Rhawn St is closed. So, just before this bridge follow the trail to your left to Winchester Ave., make a right continue to Welsh Rd. Make another right and the entrance to the trail is 1/2 mile on your right.
Plenty of paved trails, off road trails, fishing, picnic areas, places to think etc etc. So much nature surrounded by city and suburbia. Go out and enjoy it!
Important Note: MOST of this trail is NOT a rail trail and so it has hills a couple of which are steep.
Also the trail bridge across the creek at Rhawn Street is still closed but a detour around it using streets is doable and I got back on the trail at Frankford Ave and rode all the way to the Delaware River.
Lorimer Park is a good starting location as there is a Park Ranger office there and real bathrooms.
Got in 40 minutes on the bike. What we saw was very pleasant.
But the bridge is out at Shawn Street so we could go no further Very disappointing. We came home hoping to google and find out what the story is on the bridge closure but got no where.
Lovely, well maintained trail with views of the river and a few classic stone buildings and bridges. Nice packed grit surface but most wasn't paved. We were a little frustrated with having a 12 mile ride instead of the 28 mile ride as we were unable to find the southern segment that starts at Pine Street and goes to the Delaware river. Better trail markings are needed and perhaps a better written description of the trail to help newbies cross the gap between the two trail segments.
The Philadelphia Trail Club enjoys hiking Pennypack every once in a while and will do the new Pennypack Trail again this June. Guests are welcome. Go to our website for more details: philadelphiatrailclub.org
Parked aon the street across from the historical Homesburg prison at the trailhead...the first portion of the trail seems unattended and is not paved but s hard packed dirt. This portion is about 1/2 mile and outlets to a small commercial street which is about a 1/2 mile. You pass a stinky unappealing horse stable and end up at a busy intersection. Cross the intersection and you have two options. To the right is the paved path and to the left is the single track. Both trails are in great shape and very scenic. The single track consist of hard packed dirt with stumps and rocks with decent rise. This trail is fluid and a lot of fun. If you are lucky you will find the nice wooden bench, the meditation bench and the huge 80ft rock wall. The paved trail is a multi-use about 5-6ft wide in good physical shape. This trail becomes busier as you continue into the suburbs with walkers and runners but seems to have enough room for all. Some of the encounters will be people walking pups, people riding horses, wildlife, bridges and some historical relics...I suggest riding the single track out and paved back to really get the true value of your ride.
Rode this trail from the Delaware river to the west terminus and back. Total of about 32.7 miles. We did not figure out how to efficiently connect the two segments, but it was easy enough to ride on small streets between the two.
This trail is very well maintained. It is fairly busy in spots due to local peds, but never overcrowded.
Riding this trail during the fall leaf change is AMAZING. Wife took tons of pictures. We will come back often.
Just moved to the Northeast from Fishtown. I use to take my dog to Penn Treaty Park every day. At first I wasn't much into PennyPack Park until I found the trails behind the Environmental Center. We love following the unpaved paths down to the creek. It's quite an adventure. The climb back up the hill is great exercise. I just wish there was a hiking group specific to Pennypack Park. I would love to hike with a group. I don't always feel safe by myself. Especially during the week. If anyone knows a group who hikes through Pennypack park on a frequent basis please let me know!
Live nearby, have been on several parts of the trail. Very nice on any section!
I walked from the northern end at Byberry rd today, to the railroad tracks near Huntingdon Pike and back. This trail is a real gem and I'm looking forward to seeing more or it.It looks like a parking lot is being built at the Byberry Rd trailhead. New "Pennypack Trail" signs are up at road crossings and the new bridge at Terwood Rd is finished and open.Next time out, I'll go to Pine Rd.
We drove an hour to get to this trail. It was worth the drive. Trail offer both challenge hills and smooth ride. The scenery is great. We had many stops to take pictures. Highly recommend this trail. It’s definitely our favorite so far.
I recently moved to the area and live within a mile of the Pine Road entrance. I run the path, I mountain bike the trails on a regular basis year round. The park is well maintained. I have been studying the extensive local history. From an early Swedish fort built in the 1640's, to the 18th and 19th century lined with mill towns, to the 20th century conversion to an urban park, the story is long and interesting. Oh and the oldest bridge in America crosses the creek at Frankford Avenue. Commissioned by William Penn himself in 1697. So much history there. In all my travels I haven't had any issues with any sketchy characters. Not sure what some of the other reviewers are talking about. I have always felt safe.
This is my first time on this trail. The scenery is beautiful, wooded & shady perfect for s hot day like today. There's a significant amount of gear changing which I like. My only gripe is the trail isn't marked well getting from Abington to Pine Road.
I love Pennypack. So many memories. I learned to swim in the creek when there were life-guards in 1951. I've been riding my bike on the trails since I was 5 years old. After they paved some of the trails, it became quite crowded, but still fun. I'm a few months shy of my 70th birthday and still enjoy cycling through this Philadelphia Treasure.
This trail is more like a Greenway then a Rails to Trails. With that side I am not a big fan of Greenways but it is a great ride. It is hard to believe that you are so close to such a big urban setting. It is a beautiful setting and I think it is under used.
What a great trail, nestled into the heart of the city! It combined rocky terrain with rolling woods, while following a gorgeous stream.
I did a very early morning ride, starting at sun up, and started from Pine Street to the Delaware River. The scenery was fantastic with plenty of wildlife (about a dozen deer along the water's edge), fishermen, and frantic squirrels preparing for winter.
The trail seemed to be in great condition with very few rough spots. My only complaint was the limited trail markings and directions. With all the side trails and the main trail having a barricade blocking access across a bridge, it can be quite confusing. I had to stop on a few occasions to ask directions, but there were plenty of walkers and joggers and all of them very pleasant.
Great trail. The further north you get the bigger the hills get. There's more entrances and parking then this trail site says so you can start almost anywhere. There's some people traffic but nothing you won't be able toanage.
I was so sad to read the previous review. Sounds like that reviewer happened to have a really rough day. In contrast, I've ridden this trail perhaps 30 times since moving to the area a few years ago, and for about half of those rides I pulled my daughter (who just turned three years old) in a Burley behind me.
In all those trips, I never felt unsafe, never noticed terrible trail maintenance, and certainly never felt a need to become a member of a gang. (???) There are parts where the signage isn't great (crossing Torresdale Ave and crossing State Rd) so riders new to the trail should check ahead about crossing those streets. But overall, this is a lovely, hilly ride, with a great "payoff" when you reach the beautiful Delaware River section.
Of all the paths that I have rode, worst trail that I have been on. I felt like I needed a gun. The path was not taken care of and after riding 2 miles the path was closed due to fallen trees or dead bodies I wasn't waiting around to see. Who ever should be maintaining this path should be ashamed.I drove an hour to get to this path, ruining my sunday.
I rode this trail for the first time today. I started at Pine Road and rode to Winchester Ave entrance. The Pine Road entrance has parking, bathrooms and a food truck there as well. It was a really good ride and challenging ride. The trail was clear (no washouts). There were a lot of hill which add to the ride and workout. There were a lot of walkers, runners, people with dogs and other bike riders on the trail. It did not feel unsafe because there was someone always round. But if you would like to ride with less people..definitely go early. I got there around 11:30 am.
I recommend you checking it out.
Overall, a good trail that tends to be under utilized. If you don't live nearby, better to park at Pine Road and go east. (edited by TrailLink staff for inappropriate content) If you do go past Frankford Ave, be aware that the trail is flood prone in that area nearest to the Delaware.
I live in the Greater Northeast & let me tell you if you want to have alot of fun, go to Pennypack Park! There you'll find so much to do and see, Geese, Birds of all types Large odd shaped rocks etc. The trails are somewhat hilly and challenging for most people, but it's really alot of fun. During the summer the park hosts Free concerts near The entrance at Welsh Rd & Cresco Street. Come on down, you'll have a great time!
As a visiting mid-westerner, this was my first time cycling alone in this area, so I appreciated how well used this trail was, mid-afternoon, late August. Heavily shaded most of the miles I covered between Pine Rd. and Bustleton Ave. Very winding and sometimes hilly, made me hug the right, so as not to run someone down on a blind curve. I always signaled my approach, but strolling pedestrians aren't too good about keeping to the right. Beautiful scenery: huge old trees, birds, squirrels, chipmunks, rocky Pennypack Creek, picturesque bridges.
Recently discovered this one. Beautiful ride, and enjoyable terrain.
" Pennypack is a great jogging/biking trail. West of the boulevard is safer than east of the blvd. Whatever direction you go, it's fun. Philly receives heavy criticism for many things, but give the city a lot of credit for Pennypack."
"Riding this trail, at least on the northern section, is like riding a roller coaster. It’s a very hilly section and some of the hills are steep. The cool thing is that with the exception of one or two hills, which are very challenging to climb, after descending one hill, it only requires moderate peddling to get up the next one. Then it’s time for another decent. Don’t ride into Pennypack Creek by accident!
Very beautiful scenery. This trail winds along a nice, meandering creek. I rode from the upper end of this trail, south 6 miles. I must agree with another reviewer that after riding 5 miles south, some shady characters appear on the trail. They’re not the kind of people that would steal your bike, I hope, but they will make you feel uneasy if you’re not used to Philadelphia. Therefore, I recommend riding from the north end of the trail, south 5 miles to the massive overpass and then turn around for a 10 mile roundtrip.
After about 4 miles, the trail flattens out and the scenery is pretty nice. By the way, the whole trail is paved, so 10 miles is very easy to do.
Definitely park at the north end of the park (pictured), across Pine Road from Fox Chase Farm (Butler Twp Park). Plenty of parking here with bathrooms and a food concession on Pine Road. Nice people on the north end of this trail."
I ran in Pennypack during my four years of college. The trail has been re-paved in the last three years. There's some fantastic scenery along the trail. Watch yourself if you're running east of boulevard -- there are some shady characters there. West of boulevard the trail is very hilly and beautiful.
I jogged in Pennypack for 11 years while living in Philadelphia. The city has much improved the paved trail in the last two years. West from Roosevelt Boulevard the trail is hilly and very scenic. East from Roosevelt Boulevard the trail is more flat. It's hard to believe you're in Philly when you're in the park. Be careful if you're in the park after dark.
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