New Montco Trail Proposal Would Create 17.5 Mile Loop

NORRISTOWN, PA — A major trail construction project in Montgomery County that would link up a number of the region's most beloved natural spaces could soon be taking a major step forward.

The Cross County Trail, which currently runs for three miles from the Schuylkill River Trail in Conshohocken to Germantown Pike in Plymouth Meeting, would be extended and connected from Germantown Pike to Erdenheim Farms, and from Fort Washington State Park to the SEPTA regional rail station in Fort Washington.

These connections would make the Cross County Trail nearly contigious with Wissahickon Valley Park in Philadelphia, effectively completing a massive dogleg off of the Schuylkill River. When all is said and done, officials hope the Cross County Trail will be 17.5 miles long and also connect to the Cresheim and Power Line trails.

The Montgomery County Planning Commission and their consultants, NV5 have multiple potential routes in mind. They want public input, and they're holding an upcoming open house to present the options and accept comments.

"The feedback received at the open house and online will assist the planning team in determining the final preferred trail alternative and will set the course for future design and construction of the remainder of the Cross County Trail," county officials said Monday. "Input on the trail route alternatives will be vital to determining key active transportation mobility and recreational preferences."

Specifically, the county is considering which of the numerous ecological and historical highlights near the Wissahickon and Bethlehem Pike the trail should feature.

"The input gathered during this phase of the project will ultimately shape the upcoming trail design and construction phases," officials added.

The open house will be held on Wednesday, March 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Miles Park Building on 4021 Joshua Road in Lafayette Hill.

More details on the trail and proposals are available online here.