Pennypack Trail

The Pennypack Trail from Holmesburg Junction offers a scenic touring cycling experience, guiding you through the lush Pennypack Creek Valley. You'll pedal across varied surfaces, from smooth asphalt to crushed stone and even boardwalks, all while enjoying frequent views of the slow-moving creek and passing through woodlands and meadows. The natural environment often makes the 19.1-mile (30.7 km) route feel remote, despite its urban proximity.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with access from Holmesburg Junction typically via State Road, close to the SEPTA station. While the trail is rated moderate with 686 feet (209 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes, it features rolling hills and short, steep sections rather than sustained climbs, making it manageable for most touring cyclists. Amenities like restrooms and water are available along the way.

This route is a significant part of the Circuit Trails network and traverses Pennypack Park, one of Philadelphia's largest natural areas. Beyond its natural beauty, the trail boasts historical significance, following a former railway line and passing remnants of 19th-century mills and the oldest surviving road bridge in the United States, the 1697 stone-arch bridge at Frankford Avenue.

The Pennypack Trail South loop from Fox Chase offers a diverse touring cycling experience, winding through wooded parks and along the Pennypack Creek. You'll encounter a mix of paved and crushed stone surfaces, including a 0.6-mile gravel section on the Lorimer Park Fox Chase Farm Trail. The scenery transitions from lush natural areas with rock cuts to waterfront views as you approach the Delaware River, providing a dynamic backdrop for your ride.

This moderate 15.9-mile (25.7 km) cycling route features 566 feet (172 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 32 minutes to complete. While there are rolling hills and some short, steep climbs, it's a manageable challenge for most touring cyclists. The trail is easily accessible from the Fox Chase area, making it a convenient option for a varied ride.

Beyond the natural beauty, the Pennypack Trail is rich in history, with remnants of 19th-century mills and the Frankford Avenue stone-arch bridge, one of the oldest road bridges in the United States. It's also part of the extensive Circuit Trails network, offering connections to other routes. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife and native plants, especially around the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust.

Embark on the Pennypack Trail loop from Philmont, a journey that takes you through a vibrant natural oasis within an urban landscape. You'll cycle alongside the serene Pennypack Creek, winding through lush woodlands and open meadows, with the surface transitioning from smooth pavement to crushed stone. Keep an eye out for the historic Pennypack Creek Bridge, the oldest continuously used bridge in the United States, as you enjoy the shaded paths and diverse ecosystems.

This moderate touring cycling route covers 22.4 miles (36.0 km) with 841 feet (256 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The trail is well-served by numerous trailheads and parking areas, making it easy to access and customize your ride. It's a multi-use path, so expect to share it with walkers and runners, and consider visiting during spring for wildflowers or autumn for spectacular foliage.

The Pennypack Trail is a significant part of the Circuit Trails network, offering a vital green corridor and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including deer, foxes, and various bird species. Its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, tracing parts of a former railroad line, makes it a unique and rewarding experience for cyclists seeking a refreshing escape.