Norristown's Schuylkill River Trail Named Among Nation's 10 Best

The Schuylkill River Trail, which passes through much of Montgomery County, has been named one of the best urban bike paths in the United States by Fodors Travel.

The trail follows the river from South Street in Philadelphia, past the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row, and then out of the city past Manayunk, Conshohocken, and eventually to Norristown.

For many miles the trail also parallels SEPTA’s R6 Line.

The list was released in May to commemorate National Biking Month.

It highlighted a total of 10 trails around the country. The Schuylkill River Trail was the only trail from the mid-Atlantic region that made the list.

Richmond’s Virginia Capital Trail was the closest by path that made the list.

“There are 200 miles of bike lanes in the city of Philadelphia, but the locals’ favorite stretch is along the Schuylkill River Trail that cuts through Center City,” Fodors writes. “This 26.5-mile loop will take you by many of Philly’s most iconic attractions: the Philadelphia Museum of Artfor your own “Rocky” steps moment; Boathouse Row with its line of charming, 19th-century peak-roof structures; and the newest addition, Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk, where you can take in city and waterfront sights from one of four overlooks.”

The list also highlights Philadelphia’s Indego bike-share program, which features 60 stations around the city and daily rentals for $4.

The Schuylkill has the added benefit of connecting with many other trails in Montgomery County. Valley Forge, the Perkiomen Creek Trail, the Audubon Center Loop, and the Norristown Farm Park paths all connect to the Schuylkill River Trail.

For more information about the trail, including its official beer, maps, and mileage charts, please see the website.