The Trail

The Valley Forge Gateway Trail is a planned 2.8-mile, 10-foot-wide multi-use trail in Upper Merion Township (Montgomery County, PA) that will connect two major Circuit Trails—the Schuylkill River Trail and the Chester Valley Trail—creating a safer and more accessible route for walking, biking and recreation.

The trail is being developed in seven segments, some of which have already been completed while others are in various stages of planning and design (see our Project Status page for details!). Once finished, the trail will run through Valley Forge National Historical Park, along North Gulph Road, through the Village at Valley Forge, and across US Route 202 at South Warner Road before connecting to the Chester Valley Trail.

The Valley Forge Gateway Trail will close a critical gap in the Upper Merion trail network by connecting the Schuylkill River Trail and the Chester Valley Trail. As part of the Circuit Trails network, the project will improve connectivity throughout the region while creating safer opportunities for walking and biking.

Beyond transportation and recreation, trails are places where communities come together. They connect people not only to destinations, but also to one another. The Valley Forge Gateway Trail will create new opportunities for residents, employees and visitors to spend time outdoors, engage with their neighbors and experience the community in a more connected way. By linking parks, neighborhoods, businesses and gathering places, the trail will help strengthen the social and economic fabric of the region.

The Valley Forge Gateway Trail will provide a safer and more convenient way to travel between neighborhoods, workplaces, parks and commercial areas. Residents will gain new opportunities for recreation and active transportation; employees will have additional options for commuting; and visitors will enjoy improved access to local attractions and amenities. By creating dedicated trail connections and safer crossings, the project will make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to get around without relying solely on a car.

The Valley Forge Gateway Trail will better connect residents, employees and visitors to the places where they live, work and gather. The trail will create safer, more accessible connections across Upper Merion Township, Norristown Borough, Bridgeport Borough, Lower Providence Township, Tredyffrin Township, Upper Providence Township and West Norriton Township.

Key destinations along or near the trail include Valley Forge National Historical Park and its 35 miles of trails, Moore Park, the First Avenue Linear Park, Recharge Park, the Village at Valley Forge, King of Prussia Town Center and a variety of businesses, parks and community spaces. The trail will also create a critical connection between the Schuylkill River Trail and the Chester Valley Trail in Upper Merion Township, expanding access to the Circuit Trails network and hundreds of miles of trails throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

Ownership and maintenance responsibilities vary by segment. The trail’s seven segments will be owned and maintained through partnerships among King of Prussia District, Upper Merion Township, the National Park Service and adjacent commercial property owners.

Yes. The Valley Forge Gateway Trail is expected to remain open year-round for public use. Maintenance responsibilities will vary by segment, and detailed maintenance plans will be developed as each section of the trail is designed and constructed. During inclement weather, some sections may not be maintained or cleared as quickly as others.

The Valley Forge Gateway Trail is being designed as a paved, shared-use trail that will meet applicable AASHTO and PennDOT standards, which include accessibility considerations. Because portions of the trail are still in the planning and design phases, final accessibility features will be confirmed as the project advances.

For the most up-to-date information on the Valley Forge Gateway Trail, visit our Project Status page. Stay connected by subscribing to our e-newsletters and follow the Valley Forge Gateway Trail Partnership on social media!

The Valley Forge Gateway Trail Partnership unites public and private stakeholders around a shared vision to advance the planning, development and promotion of the Valley Forge Gateway Trail and the Circuit Trail network. Managed by King of Prussia District through a three-year Environment and Public Space grant from the William Penn Foundation, the Partnership fosters collaboration among organizations, agencies and community representatives to support trail advocacy, secure funding opportunities and engage the public. Together, partners are working to create a more connected, accessible and vibrant regional trail network that benefits communities throughout the region. Check out our Partnership page for more information.

The Partnership champions the Valley Forge Gateway Trail as a vital link in the growing Circuit Trails network, connecting neighborhoods, businesses and destinations while creating spaces where people gather, move and experience the region together.

If your organization is interested in getting involved in the efforts to promote the Valley Forge Gateway Trail, contact us at info@vfgatewaytrail.com.