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The paved Power Line Trail carries users between residential neighborhoods, parks, schools, and other destinations in Horsham Township. The 5.5-mile utility easement trail also heads north to green open spaces, a rare delight in the northern Philadelphia suburbs. The trail crosses about a half dozen roads, some of which were laid out by original settlers in early Colonial times.
About the Route
As the trail’s name implies, it shares a corridor with a power line operated by PECO Energy. Those overhead power lines mean that the trail is exposed its entire length. There’s very little shade from adjacent trees, even as the route passes parks or open space.
A convenient starting place to explore the Power Line Trail is Lukens Park, where there are restrooms and plenty of parking off Dresher Road. Open dawn–dusk, the trail ends in a commercial center about a mile southeast at Blair Mill Road via a short off-road path and sidewalk adjacent to Witmer Road. A gravel trail through Lukens Park connects with housing beyond.
Heading northwest from the park, the route meets several side trails that lead to neighborhoods near the path. At 0.8 mile beyond Lukens Park, the path crosses the upper reaches of Pennypack Creek, which meanders 22 miles through northern Philadelphia suburbs before it drains into the Delaware River.
The trail crosses Norristown Road and passes through Jarrett Road Park before entering a 0.7-mile segment bordered by cropland on the east and housing on the west. (Turn right onto Privet Road at the north end of the park and then left onto Jarrett Road to travel through this agricultural zone on a road that’s been converted to a gated trail and connects to Horsham Township Library and the Jarrett Nature Center.)
The power line corridor cuts a wide swath between subdivisions for 0.8 mile past the farmland to a cluster of parks alongside Park Creek. A paved side trail to the right, just before a small bridge, links to a trail network connecting Horsham Dog Park, Kohler Park, Deep Meadow Park, and Carpenter Park. Most of the parks are dedicated as sports fields, though Kohler has a fishing pond.
Past the parks, the utility corridor passes between woodlots and cropland for another 1.2 miles to a residential neighborhood. There are trail connections to a golf course and Cedar Hill Road Park near the northern end of the trail.
The Horsham Township, established in 1717 and settled mainly by Quakers, is named for a town in England. Today, it’s home to corporate offices as well as the Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s sprawling Horsham Air Guard Station, which got its start as a grass airstrip opened by pioneering aviator Harold Pitcairn in 1926.
Connections
The trail is part of the Circuit Trails, a developing 800-mile urban network of trails in Greater Philadelphia. There are plans for connecting other Circuit Trails by extending the rail-trail northwest to the 202 Parkway Trail and southeast to the Pennypack Trail.
The Power Line Trail runs between Vestry Dr near Biwood Rd (Horsham) and the intersection of Blair Mill Rd & Witmer Rd (Horsham).
Parking is available at:
SEPTA provides access to the southern end of trail via several bus stops.
Visit the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.
Really nice path with tons of different parking options. Only downside is virtually no shade. Lots of bikers and dogs but plenty of runners too
June 3, 2024
HORSHAM POWERLINE TRAIL PREVIEW PART 1
Check out the Horsham Powerline Trail Preview Part 1. I started at the Jarrett Park parking lot, ran towards Norristown Rd, made a U-turn. I headed on the path back past Jarrett Park, up the hill, and made a right before the path gets to Babylon Rd on the section that heads towards the library. At the dead end, I made a right to head back up the alternative path from the library parking lot to Jarrett Park. Great time always while using the trail here. See my video of the run on youtube: https://youtu.be/yHqGfeiBuJo?si=9b0ayOoBU36DMM3q
I am not an owner of a dog but coming on this trail and getting to love on so many dogs makes me happy. I met some very nice people with their companions.
Nice trail for runners but only if you’re ok with hills
Biked from Lukens Park to the end and back as the sun was setting on Labor Day 2020. This trail (asphalt) was in superb condition and wide enough to accommodate joggers, baby strollers, dog walkers and bikes. Those on this Trail today were very respectful of social distancing (several lawn sign reminders). More than adequate parking available at both ends.
This has quickly become my go-to long run spot on a Saturday or Sunday. There’s so much to love about it, about a 10 mile run that is not crowded like the Schuykill river trail can get. I just want to caution folks: you will cross a few busy roads and you must be absolutely sure traffic has stopped for you. I have almost been hit by a car once, and it before I hit mile 1/9. That’s the only downside of this trail, car traffic.
Going to the end and back is a nice 10 mile ride. Trail is smooth and wide, and even on a gorgeous fall Sunday afternoon, not very crowded. Even as a novice rider, it was easy to yield and pass to other riders, walkers, or dog walkers. The elevation changes can be tough at times but not killer. A nice workout
This is a great short trail. The rolling hills were not too steep or too long and were fun to go down. The trail is in excellent condition. There are controls for flashing lights at the road crossings but most of the roads were not busy at all. Okay scenery for being under a power line. Not much shade as most of the trail in near the center of the power line cut.
I LOVE that you can ride horses here!
This is a great find. Wide smooth trail that was a breeze to walk.
there is a good sized parking lot near the south end or the trail. it's located on Dreshertown rd stone unpaved lot. which makes it a little rough but once you get to the trail it is like warm butter. I can't wait till more connections are made. It would be nice in the future to replace the portable potties with something permanent
This trail is great for long distance push. The pavement is pretty smooth for the whole trip, not a lot of shade though. There are some moderate hills which I would either foot break slide or just walk down. Dog walkers frequent this trail; though, so be prepared to step off and jog around them. Over all its a great trail to start off or train for bigger distances for long distance push or long distance pump. Definitely don't want to miss this trail.
Modest elevation changes. Very open, so you will get sun. Smooth paved surface in very good condition (2014). Love to see this connect up to 202.
Because a huge power line follows the trail (or vice versa), there is little shade. That being said, there is plenty of nature to be enjoyed along the power line's right of way. The path is well-paved and dotted with parks, tidy neighborhoods, vegetable gardens, and even a tree farm. The trail would benefit from some sort of distance markers (other than those of the most recent 5K) since it's basically an out-and-back path.
Had a great bike ride. There was lots of activity. Connects to the Horsham Library, a dog park, and Kohler soccer fields. Really nice ride. I will definitely do this trail again.
I am always looking for a new trail to run. This one is awesome. I started at Dreshertown Road and went to Cedar Hill and back! Beautiful, no trash, well kept and hardly any people! A greeat way to see beautiful Horsham Township. Kudos to all who creted and are maintaining this trail!
The trail is now like 6 to 7 miles long with the connection of the trail from Babylon Road to Kohler Park (route 152 entrance). The eventual plans are to connect it to the 202 Parkway Trail in the Montgomeryville area.
Enjoyable path for walking, jogging, and relaxed pace biking.
I scoped out this trail for the first time today, walking from the lot at Dresher Road up to Norristown and back down again. Looking forward to when all of the leaves change....it should be lovely! Well kept, not much trash at all. Definitely worthy of 5 stars.
Wide newer paved path through wooded areas that goes through a dog park, soccer fields, passed a golf course, and softball fields.
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