New sections join Delco’s growing network of walking, hiking and biking trails
Two new walking trails have opened this spring in Delaware County and a 7.2 mile “cycling corridor” along Chester Pike will be opened May 30 to add to the county’s inventory of opportunities to get out of our cars and into the great outdoors.
Crozer Creek Trail: is only six-tenths of a mile, but it will eventually be a link in a circle of trails that will encircle the city of Chester in a seven-mile loop and connect to the County Primary Trail System via the Chester Creek Trail in Aston and Middletown and the East Coast Greenway Connector, a segment of which runs along the Delaware River by the Wharf and the Mitsubishi Soccer Stadium.
You can access the new Crozer Creek trail in the 1400 block of Kerlin St. and Finland St. at Crozer Park.
Naylor’s Run Trail: The quarter-mile trail section, which opened April 24, adds to the 1.6-mile existing walking and running trail of dirt and gravel. The new section can be accessed at 1500 Garrett Rd. across from Naylor’s Run Park.
Bike the Pike: 7.2 mile bike corridor running along Chester Pike will be officially opened May 30, with a ribbon-cutting at 9:30 a.m. at Sharon Hill Pike, 116 Clifton Ave., Sharon Hill Pa. The ribbon-cutting will be followed by a community bike ride through the Chester Pike communities of Glenolden, Norwood, Prospect Park, Ridley Park and Sharon Hill.
The new “cycling corridor” was created by the Chester Pike Corridor Improvement Partners and the five participating communities. In addition to the dedicated bike route, the CPCIP is also embarking on a comprehensive streetscaping program to revitalize the corridor.
The CPCIP points out that Chester Pike is not only a modern road but one of the most historically significant paths in the United States. In colonial times it was known as the Great Southern Post Road. During the Revolutionary War it was frequently traveled by delegates to the Continental Congress and by George Washinton. CPCIP proposes to put markers along the road to guide visitors and residents along the same historic trail.
Because Delaware County is so rich in creeks, the county planning department has been able develop – and is continuing to develop – many miles of walking, hiking and biking trails tucked into every nook and cranny of the county, which eventually will all be interconnected from one end of the county to the other. The trails encompass beautiful landscapes, abundant wildlife and tranquil spots for sitting and taking a breath. Please take a look at the planning department’s primary trails plan and find one or two near you.
PHOTO/Furness Park Trail, Wallingford, Clearinghouse
