WHY GO: Where do Philadelphia couples go when they’ve had enough of the city and want to reconnect in peace? To towns along the Perkiomen Trail!
For over a hundred years, Philly folks have trekked 30 miles West of the city to recreate near Valley Forge National Historical Park, in the hills of Montgomery County PA.
The train tracks that once carried them have been turned into a lovely 20-mile long paved and graveled bike and jogging rail trail along the Perkiomen River with a connection to the Schuylkill Rivers.
In winter, learn to shred on the Mom and Pop slopes of Spring Mountain for a fraction of what you’d pay at larger ski resorts. Take a 5-mile jog off the Perkiomen on the Skippack Trail to the charming Skippack Village. Check out 18-year-old James Audubon’s first American home, and learn about the organization that was named after him.
To expand your getaway, plan to visit Chester County PA in addition to the aforementioned Valley Forge PA.
Things To Do on or Near Perkiomen Trail
DO: Ride or walk the Perkiomen Trail
Are the two of you up for a long, bucolic bicycle ride? Bring your bike (or cross-country skis in snowy winter), and wheel 20 miles along scenic Perkiomen Creek on the Perkiomen Trail.
In Spring and Summer you’ll meet up with plenty of locals who can’t believe that this treasure is in their back yard. On your way, pull off in a number of towns for food and snacks.
The trail follows Perkiomen Creek and connects at the junction with the Schuylkill River Trail. It’s just a 35 mile, 1 ½ hour ride into Philadelphia from Schwenksville.
TOUR: John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
James Audubon killed every bird he painted, so it would probably puzzle him to learn that his name would someday be associated with one of the most powerful conservation groups on earth – the National Audubon Society.
The John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove was James Audubon’s American Home, and there’s plenty more you probably don’t know about the guy.
For example, Audubon was born out of wedlock. He was French. He was never trained in art or science and was despised by the elite of both disciplines. And yet, Audubon was celebrated for his exquisite renderings of North American Birds.
Learn more about this young man – only 18 when he moved into this house. And peruse the exhibits at the state of the art Visitor’s Center, which include a complete “Double Elephant” Portfolio of “The Birds of America.” (Out of a run of 200, there are only around 100 in existence today. The last complete set sold at auction for $12 million). Check website for hours/dates open and admission prices.
Hike the 4.5 mile Audubon Loop Trail, which intersects with the Perkiomen Trail, and takes you right to the Mill Grove campus.
DO: Snowboard or Zip-Line Ropes Course @ Spring Mountain
Though it’s the highest point in Montgomery County, Spring Mountain Adventure Resort remains a beginner and snowboard-features Mom and Pop ski slope. Attracting a diverse group of folks, Spring Mountain is a welcoming, multicultural example for all mankind.
Come summer, the mountain turns into a Downhill Bike Park, BMX Competition Center, GEOCache area and Zipline Canopy-Tour-Ropes Course Park.
STROLL/SHOP: Skippack Village
Take the 3.3 mile Skippack Trail from the Perkiomen Trail to Skippack Village, for a delightful afternoon foray.
It’s a great possibility that George Washington and the Continental Army marched through the quaint little hamlet now called Skippack Village. The history is cool enough, but you’ll want to stick around for the dozens of individually owned stores and restaurants that bring heart back into the shopping experience.
If you’re in the market for a floral arrangements, antiques, unique gifts, and plenty more, you’ll find it in this collection of antique homes-turned indie shops.
Restaurants on or near the Perkiomen Trail
EAT: Parc Bistro, Skippack Village
Opened in the mid 1990’s, Parc Bistro was one of the first establishments to draw Philadelphians to the outskirts of the city. It’s still going strong.
Decked out with sponged walls, large oil paintings, and country rooster carvings, the dining rooms may convey it, but the menu items at Parc Bistro are not a rendition of the “Italian, French, Country” indicated on its sign. Talented Chef Bill Tschoepe is free to innovate at the range, and avoids pigeonholing his cuisine.
Where To Stay on Perkiomen Trail
STAY: Hotel Fiesole, Skippack Village
Modeled after the hotel of the same name in Tuscany, this stately Hotel Fiesolein the center of boutique-shop Skippack is elegant and styled for upscale travelers who don’t like cookie-cutter chain hotels.
Don’t miss a peek at the ultra cool library room with stained glass domed. There’s a hierarchal level of dining; main floor is fine, middle floor casual, and the basement, aka “rathskeller” blasts live music.
