Hike the Skippack Creek Trail

The Skippack Creek Trail was one of my favorites on this most recent trip. Any chance I can hike a trail along side a river, I take advantage of it. The trail starts on the south side of Skippack Creek at a parking area on Kratz Road. It was early in the morning and the weather could not be more perfect. Cool temperatures and not a single cloud in the sky all day.

There is a kiosk at the trail head but the trail is unmarked the entire way other than a few signs that state "Loop Trail." I think the loop I did was not what the signs are referring to. The trail follows the creek which is wide and shallow with some sections of fast running water. The trail ascends slightly until you reach some high ground but eventually goes closer to the bank of the river. There was no wind and the slow sections of the river were like mirrors reflecting the trees across the way. The entire trail passes through blooming batches of watercress, which I could not take enough pictures of.

About a quarter of the way, the trail exits onto a road and follows this for a short time until you are back in the forest. When you reach Germantown Rd, you can cross over the bridge and turn right on Shippack Creek Road. Unfortunately the quarter of this trip you have to walk down the road to complete the loop, passing a horse parking lot and ball field until you reach an obvious left turn. To the right there is a pedestrian crossover for the creek. Turn right as if going over the bridge. You will see the hiking trail on the left just before you can cross. Follow this a very short way when you see a fork in the trail. The left fork is fairly straight, well maintain and above the river. To the right is a meandering well defined trail that is closer to the river and is much more enjoyable. Follow all the way back to Kratz road for a great 7 mile loop hike.