Neal Thorpe Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views

The Neal Thorpe Trail starts at Lock 60 Canal Park. From the parking area, cross the foot bridge over the Canal and turn left/upriver as if you are on the Upper Schuylkill River Trail.

Before the trail enters the treeline, a trail sign indicates the Neal Thorpe Trail to the right. The trail is well established and follows a small gorge upstream. There are a couple of stream crossings, but each time I have visited, there has been no trouble crossing because of low water or ice.

Approximately 1/2 mile in, the trail reaches a small open space with a fire pit in it. After this point the trail takes a hard left and climbs up a steep hill with no switchbacks. Once on top of the hill, the trail is difficult to distinguish from the many other animal and footpaths atop the ravines. Following the largest path (perhaps it's an old logging road) will lead visitors through the trees to the north for approx. 1/4 mile. At this point, the trail will reach an end.

It has been reported that there is a small path in the narrow section between private houses and steep hillside that allows you to continue further and rejoin the Upper Schuylkill River Trail farther upstream, but the icy conditions prevented me from searching out the other end.

Small mammals, deer, and birds tend to frequent the area.