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Head along Pennypack Creek from the northern access point on a complete lollipop loop run.


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Map Key

6.4

Miles

10.3

KM

99%

Runnable

313' 95 m

High

144' 44 m

Low

345' 105 m

Up

346' 105 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Wildflowers

Open every day, 8 am - dusk, year round. Some wider trails in the north end of the preserve are multi-use and open to horses, bikes, and leashed pets. Most are hike-only, no pets.

Overview

This scenic tour provides visitors a complete run option, tying together a handful of trails at Pennypack Preserve. The stem of the lollipop can be skipped by parking closer to the Visitor's Center and simply doing the four-mile loop or shorter options are also easily connected in the same area.

Along the route, visitors will travel across old, wide roadbeds, mowed grass paths, and dirt footpaths with intermittent views and changing scenery depending on the season.

Description

Just south of PA Turnpike 276, find the Pennypack Road entrance and parking area and head east onto the Pennypack Parkway. This multi-use path is open to bikes and horses, as well as pets, but the majority of this run is foot-travel only and closed to pets.

Continue across Masons Mill Road onto the Pennypack Creek Trail through conifer woods, which can hold sections of water making for muddy travel after rain or in the wetter months. At just over a mile, continue to the right (south) onto the Creek Road Trail as it runs parallel to Webb Walk. As the trail begins to head upward, look for a right turn onto the Mitchell Trail and another right to connect to the Beech Springs Trail (though a left will also meet up with the Beech Springs Trail).

Follow the Beech Springs Trail to Huntingdon Road, crossing the road to continue counterclockwise onto the Wood's Edge Trail loop. This trail encircles the Visitor's Center and a web of shorter trail options. At the south side of this area, continue onto the Raytharn Trail as it heads through a meadow on a mowed grass path. You'll find nice, unobstructed views in these meadows with short, hilly sections.

Finally, at the Creek Road parking area, turn left (north) onto the Creek Road Trail as it follows along Pennypack Creek, passing an ancient forest area called "The Peak Woods," dating back to 1760. Continue along the creek and then turn right (east) onto a short section of the Paper Mill Trail to link up with the popular Pennypack Trail - Montgomery County section.

This pathway makes for a nice return journey along a wide, gradually uphill tread. Around the five-mile mark, turn left (west) onto the Creek Road Trail for a brief connection back to the Pennypack Creek Trail. Retrace your steps along the "stem" of the lollipop back to the Pennypack Road parking area.

Flora & Fauna

Tulip trees, oak, native grasses, etc.

History & Background

Use the Pennypack Trust trail map to locate historic sites through the preserve.

Contacts

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#4075

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#77

in Pennsylvania

#4,075

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1,157 Since Feb 11, 2020
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Photos

Enjoy a break and sit on the benches in front of the pond.
Nov 23, 2016 near Bryn Athyn, PA
A nice easy track.
Nov 23, 2016 near Bryn Athyn, PA
Pond close to the trail, a very peaceful place.
Feb 11, 2020 near Bryn Athyn, PA
Temptation
Feb 11, 2020 near Bryn Athyn, PA
Nice church along the way, you can also head inside the grounds. Some very old buildings.
Feb 11, 2020 near Bryn Athyn, PA
Pennypack Creek is right next to the trail for most of the way.
Feb 11, 2020 near Bryn Athyn, PA

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