The Pennypack Trail actually has two distinct segments, the lower part that runs from Pine Road, just inside the city border with Montgomery County, southeast a little over ten miles to the creek's outlet at the Delaware River. The other segment, connected by a gravel path through Lorimer (oh, so close) Park, heads north from Rockledge Park about six miles to County Line Road. The path continues another 2.5 miles as the Newtown Trail to its current terminus at Bristol Road in Southampton.
The Philadelphia portion of the Pennypack has a very different flavor, as it winds through dense forest, winding along its namessake creek. I had parked at the trailhead off Pine Road and was immediately surprised by a bridge that was closed, so I had to walk across the creek on some rocks. Riding my 'cross bike, I was wearing my rugged Mavic shoes, so I had plenty of grip, but the creek was very low, so I could've easily used my bike down in the shallow water for stability, if needed.
Although the temps weren't as bad as last week, it was a bit humid, and the thick tree canopy and creekside conditions made the riding feel even more "sticky". The paved path winds considerably and has occasional short, punchy climbs - nothing too challenging, but you do have to be concious of encountering occasional walkers (as one should always be) that impede progress up- and downhill.
I had done the ride out to the Delaware River decades ago, so I ditched the trail at Torresdale Road, made a right onto Rhawn Street and pedaled five miles out to Fox Chase. Here I met an extension of about a half mile (actually posted as the Fox Chase Lorimer Trail) to the nothern section of the Pennypack. This path had a totally different feel - besides having a gravel surface, it had the somewhat typical rail-trail design, up on a well-engineered railroad grade. There was a lot more open air (less humidity!) and the fills, rock cuts and bridges kept the trail at a very level grade. A bunch of railroad remnants, such as old signals and electrical relay boxes were still along the right of way.
About three miles from Fox Chase, I crossed Welsh Road and found that house that once sat right by the tracks (now gone). Many folks have imagined what it was like to live so close to trains rumbling by every day, but I'd argue that you probably wouldn't live there if you didn't enjoy railroads. Sadly, the tracks and trains will probably never return!
A short distance later, I reached the Bryn Athyn railroad station, which is now a post office:
Prefering not to backtrack over the same route, I instead took to the streets to make my way back to Bryn Athyn. I was nearly regretting my decision completely, as the roads were heavily trafficked with not much of a shoulder and had more of an up and down profile than my now-weary legs would have preferred. However, my choice was justified after catching a glimpse of the fantastic Bryn Athyn Cathedral:
From there, the return to my car was rather uneventful, though I will say that the gravel path from Lorimer Park over to the Pine Road trailhead could use some improvement. No real stress for someone who has gone off-road as much as me, but the casual cyclist on a hybrid would want to be cautious.
By the way, if you are looking for somewhere new to ride, check out the Trail Tales link in the right-hand column for some great destination ideas, most of which are a day trip from the Philadelphia area! ...and if you have leftover patriotic spirit from the nation's 250th birthday, take a look at the City Cycling: Historic Philadelphia section.
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