Chester Valley Trail

Trail Heads & Parking

Chester County's Exton Park Site - 132 Church Farm Lane, Exton
Battle of the Clouds Park - 125 N Phoenixville Pike, Malvern
East Whiteland Municipal Building - 209 Conestoga Rd, Malvern
1055 Westlakes Drive, Berwyn
West Whiteland Municipal Building - 101 E Commerce Drive, Exton

Chester Valley Trail Specifics & Usage

Specifics

The Chester Valley Trail is currently 18.6 miles in length with 13.5 miles open for use in Chester County and 5.1 miles open to the east in Montgomery County. Maintenance and operation east of County Line Road should be directed to Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites

On March 13th, 2023 a 3.8 mile extension of the Chester Valley Trail officially opened in Montgomery County. This extension connects the Chester Valley Trail with the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown.

Chester County is actively working to extend the trail an additional five miles to the west into Downingtown with the first one mile leg currently under engineering review.

The trail surface is paved in asphalt that is fully ADA accessible. The trail is generally constructed to a 10-12’ width with 2’ level shoulders on each side. The trail is used for commuting, exercise, and recreation by a variety of users including, walkers, joggers, cyclists, and inline skaters. Battery-powered wheelchairs, dog walking under leash, and strollers are also permitted. Cross-country skiing is permitted in the winter months however the trail is maintained by Chester County as a commuter transportation facility and as such it is plowed of snow after other County government facilities are cleared.

Chester County park rangers patrol the trail. Sections not yet open to the public are posted as "NO TRESPASSING.” Security issues and maintenance are coordinated by calling 610-344-5656.

Hours of operation are from 1/2 before sunrise to 1/2 hour past sunset. In icy/snowy conditions the trail may be closed until parking and access areas are addressed. During substantial snowstorms, the Chester Valley Trail will be open to cross-country skiing for brief periods; however, snowmobiling and any other motorized use are prohibited.

Usage

It is estimated that there are over 85,000 jobs and 58,000 residents, as well as professional buildings, corporate centers and shopping malls along the trail in West Whiteland, East Whiteland, and Tredyffrin Townships.

Portions of the trail are parallel to, or coincide with, 18th Century, Revolutionary War movements by Washington's Continental Army and British General Cornwallis' troops, after the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777. This includes the area known as "Battle of the Clouds," where an impending battle was cancelled due to torrential rains and dampened black powder, in the vicinity of Phoenixville Pike and Swedesford Road. Parts of the Chester Valley Trail are labeled as "Patriot's Path," a path proposed to connect the Paoli Massacre Site with Valley Forge National Historic Park.

Permitted Uses

Battery powered wheel chairs by persons with disabilities
Cross country skiing
Cycling and scooters (non-motorized)
Dog walking under leash
In-line skating
Jogging
Strollers, including those connected to bicycles
Walking

Prohibited Uses

Equestrian use, including horseback riding or carriage use
Motorcycles
Motorized vehicles, including motor vehicles (excluding authorized vehicles)
Powered scooters and snowmobiles
Skateboards

Become Involved

The Friends of the Chester Valley Trail assist the parks with funding, volunteering, programing and more. Please visit chestervalleytrail.org for more information.