Towpath Park to Parkerford - Schuylkill River Trail
, by John Urbanski, 3 min reading time
Towpath Park to Parkerford Trailhead
Towpath Park is open form sunrise to sunset. There is a gated entrance with parking for 5 cars at entrance if the gate is locked. The Schuylkill River Trail goes through the park and is now paved down to the Parkerford trailhead. The trailhead starts along the Schuylkill River in North Coventry and passes by historic Frick's Locks to Parkerford PA. This wide trail is for walking, running and cycling. It is a multi use trail that allows horseback riding. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. The 37 foot elevation change makes for an easy walk or bike ride. Hunting is allowed at Linfield County Preserve. Wear your orange during hunting season, and stay on the trail.
The Parker Ford Trailhead is located at 724 and Linfield Rd. The parking lot is paved and is not gated. There are not any facilities at the trailhead.
Towpath Park: Open sunrise to Sunset. Gated.
Frick's Locks: Open sunrise to Sunset. Gated.
Parkerford Trailhead: Not gated
Trail Information
Helpful Resources
East Coventry Township
Facilities
Towpath park is on 15 acres that include a playground, volleyball net, picnic tables and a pavilion that is available to rent through East Coventry Township at eastcoventry-pa.gov. There is boat launch providing access to the Schuylkill River. And a boat dock for kayakers. The dock is removed during the winter to prevent ice damage. Restrooms on site (porta-potties).
History
Historical markers at the preserved section of the canal. Canal Construction: The canal in front of you was part of the Girard canal section of the Schuylkill Navigation System. It is one of the few preserved remnants of this Schuylkill heritage. The Schuylkill was well suited for a canal system because it only dropped 618 feet over the 108 miles that it covered. In order for the mules to tow the canal boats, the water in each section of the river had to be still. This was accomplished by a series of 32 dams, 23 canals and 109 lift locks.
Family Life on the Canal
Families operated some of the canal boats. The father would serve as the ship's captain, controlling the ship, and acting as the liaison with the rest of the world. Young children played on the barge, harnessed to the center so that they could not fall overboard. Older children took turns leading the mules along the towpath.
As the trail turns away from the Schuylkill river and towards Frick's Lock, you are walking over the canal. Look to your left and for a small stone wall with a square opening. This is one of the many waste water weirs on the canal to control the water level. This weir would have had a metal gate on it, as it was below the water level of the canal.
- Length: 3.2 miles
- Surface: Asphalt
- Restrooms: Towpath Park and Frick's Locks
- No winter trail maintenance
Helpful Resources
East Coventry Township
- Pavilion rental at Towpath Park
- Frick's Locks tour dates
Facilities
Towpath park is on 15 acres that include a playground, volleyball net, picnic tables and a pavilion that is available to rent through East Coventry Township at eastcoventry-pa.gov. There is boat launch providing access to the Schuylkill River. And a boat dock for kayakers. The dock is removed during the winter to prevent ice damage. Restrooms on site (porta-potties).
History
Historical markers at the preserved section of the canal. Canal Construction: The canal in front of you was part of the Girard canal section of the Schuylkill Navigation System. It is one of the few preserved remnants of this Schuylkill heritage. The Schuylkill was well suited for a canal system because it only dropped 618 feet over the 108 miles that it covered. In order for the mules to tow the canal boats, the water in each section of the river had to be still. This was accomplished by a series of 32 dams, 23 canals and 109 lift locks.
Family Life on the Canal
Families operated some of the canal boats. The father would serve as the ship's captain, controlling the ship, and acting as the liaison with the rest of the world. Young children played on the barge, harnessed to the center so that they could not fall overboard. Older children took turns leading the mules along the towpath.
As the trail turns away from the Schuylkill river and towards Frick's Lock, you are walking over the canal. Look to your left and for a small stone wall with a square opening. This is one of the many waste water weirs on the canal to control the water level. This weir would have had a metal gate on it, as it was below the water level of the canal.
Aerial view of the Schuylkill River and preserved section of the canal at Towpath Park.
John Urbanski
www.SRT60.com
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