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With the 128-mile Schuylkill River as its spine, (pronounced SKOO-kill, Dutch for Hidden River), the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area is alive with a remarkable diversity of historic, recreational and cultural attractions.
Along "the Revolutionary River," visitors can discover the nation's history, from its cobblestone streets and fabled landmarks of old Philadelphia to the huts and hollows of Valley Forge. Upstream is a wealth of historic places, quaint river towns, abundant parks and access points to the river and trails and year-round festivals and activities.
There are numerous facilities that provide access to lakes and the Schuylkill. French Creek, Tuscarora and Locust Lake state parks have lakes of varying sizes for flatwater paddling. Canoes, rowboats and pedalboats can be rented at these facilities. Blue Marsh Recreation Area is a favorite flat water boating facility in the Western Berks region.
For those seeking more movement, several of the river's tributaries are navigable seasonally. Please note that the tributaries can be narrow, fast moving and more challenging than the river itself. These sections are recommended for experienced paddlers only.
Many of the tributaries lack public access points. Please do not trespass on private property while putting in or taking out.
The Little Schuylkill and the West Branch in Schuylkill County are navigable during the spring. Both feature public access points and are part of the Schuylkill River Water Trail.
Road bikers enjoy traveling many of the region's back roads as they wind their way past farm fields and small towns and villages. Three official Bicycle PA routes, E, L and S, cross the Heritage Area and are well-marked on local roadways.
Route E is in the planning and design phase and when completed will be the Pennsylvania section of the East Coast Greenway between Maine and Florida.
Route L runs north-south through Chester and Montgomery counties and Route S is the longest bicycle route in Pennsylvania and runs east-west through Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties. Route S intersects with Route L near Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and French Creek State Park.
The Heritage Area is noted for its location along the Kittatinny Flyway, one of the nation's most significant migratory bird routes. There are numerous wildlife preserves, gamelands and arboreta that provide important bird habitat and make great birdwatching locations.
On the border of Berks and Schuylkill counties in the Kittatinny Ridge region is Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, a key area for viewing birds of prey on their migratory routes. The Blue Mountain Wildlife Refuge outside Hamburg is home to a variety of plants, animals and birds and provides walking trails.
The Black Rock Wildlife Sanctuary and the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove are great viewing locations in the Valley Forge/Phoenixville areas.
Camping in the Heritage Area is limited to state parks, private campgrounds and approved shelters along the Appalachian Trail. Currently there are no rustic camping facilities along the Schuylkill or its tributaries.
There are two types of hiking experiences in the area. There are several long-distance regional trails that cover multiple counties, or in some instances multiple states. The Appalachian Trail passes through the region along the Kittatinny Ridge between Berks and Schuylkill counties. The Horseshoe Trail is a hiking and horseback riding trail that begins at Valley Forge and ends in the Appalachian Mountains above Hershey.
The Schuylkill River Trail is a mixed-use hike and bike trail that when completed will extend from Philadelphia to Schuylkill County along the river. This trail is paved in some sections and compacted gravel in others, and passes through a variety of urban, suburban and rural settings.
The East Coast Greenway will cross the Heritage Area in Philadelphia and will be a coastal walking and biking trail connecting Maine to Florida.
There are also numerous loop trails and small trail networks around the region in parks, nature preserves, environmental education centers and at historic sites.
Outdoor Activities |
