By Katie Harris, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy 

The Philadelphia region is home to one of the country’s largest trail networks, a visionary model that, when complete, will incorporate 750 miles of connected trails leading through urban landscapes and rural countryside. The system is called the Circuit Trails, and the network will be accessible to all residents and visitors, regardless of age, income or experience level.

The network is revolutionizing the way we view trail systems and providing safe routes to business, employment and cultural destinations in the region.

Read the Rails-to-Trails blog to see 10 of the many reasons the Circuit Trails are remarkable: http://bit.ly/1KKn3JL

Photo Courtesy: Montgomery County Planning Commission

By Anya Saretzky, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

In the northeast part of the U.S., a bi-state project called the Circuit Trails is making waves in the walking and biking world. This network, when complete, will include 750 miles of trails in the Greater Philadelphia region covering nine counties in southeast Pennsylvania and South Jersey. Today, 300 miles are complete, with 50 currently in development and 400 yet to be built. Completion is slated for 2040. It’s an ambitious plan, no doubt, but it’s one that captures a vision the region has embraced and will see to completion.

Read more about the region's burgeoning network and the elements that make the Circuit Trails a strong and thriving project on the Rails-to-Trails blog: http://bit.ly/1P3kbcO

Photo courtesy: Mark Willard

By Katie Harris

While it’s easy to stay bundled and cozy at home this December, there are great things to see all along the Circuit Trails this December!

1. Join clinical herbalist Kelly McCarthy on Sunday, December 13 for a hands-on Herbalists Workshop and Family Artists’ Workshop at Bartram’s Garden! According to the event website, workshop participants will “learn about the medicinal and historic use of bitters and explore the ways they might benefit digestion and overall health.” And the best part? You won’t leave empty handed! Participants will take home two bottles of bitters each.  Find more information here: http://bartramsgarden.org/calendar/2015-12-13/

Nearest Circuit Trail: Schuylkill River Trail

2. Further north on the Circuit, the Sigal Museum in Easton, Pennsylvania has plenty going on! On Saturday, December 12, learn about the Battle of the Bulge from WWII Veteran, Morris Metz, who will be joined by two other veterans and will speak about his experience serving under General George Patton.  Find more information here: http://sigalmuseum.org/schedule-of-events/

Nearest Circuit Trail: Delaware and Raritan Canal

3. Think Santa is just a land-faring gentleman? Think again! Meet Scuba Santa at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey. It’s not often that you find St. Nick and a hammerhead shark in one place. Don’t miss it! Find more information here: https://www.adventureaquarium.com/What-to-do-in-new-jersey/Daily-Shows-and-Feeds/Meet-Scuba-Santa

Nearest Circuit Trail: Camden GreenWay

4. Families in Mercer County have a great resource in the Tulpehaking Nature Center, right off of the Delaware and Raritan Canal. Various exhibits and events, including a birdhouse building workshop, naturalist-led hikes, and wildlife scavenger hunts, are being held over the month of December. Find more information here: http://mercercountyparks.org/calendar/

Nearest Circuit Trail: Delaware and Raritan Canal

5. Have you ever eaten breakfast, “chowline style,” on a battleship? We didn’t think so. On Saturday, December 12 you’ll get the chance to do just that on the famed Battleship New Jersey in Camden! Hot breakfast will be followed by a tour of the Battleship. Find more information here: http://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/news_events/?startrow=10

Nearest Circuit Trail: Camden GreenWay

6. Make the journey to Valley Forge and take part in the Annual March In of the Continental Army Commemoration on December 19. You’ll learn about General George Washington’s Continental Army’s arrival to Valley Forge in 1777 and the difficulties they faced during their encampment. After a candle-lit walk to the Muhlenberg Brigade huts, where you’ll learn about the encampment from a living continental camp, swing by the Visitor Center for refreshments and  18th century music. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/vafo/planyourvisit/march_in.htm

Nearest Circuit Trail: Valley Forge Trail (Joseph Plumb Martin Trail)

7.  Did you know that President Obama signed one of Camden artist William Butler’s paintings, “Invincible Promise”? When the president visited Camden in May of this year, he signed the painting to commemorate his visit. See the painting, and new pieces by Butler, during Camden’s Third Thursday Art Crawl on December 17. Butler’s work will be presented at Gallery Eleven One and other art events and showings will happen along the Art Crawl route. Find more information here: http://www.camdenwaterfront.com/calendar.php

Nearest Circuit Trail: Camden GreenWay

8.  One would be hard-pressed to find more of a winter wonderland than Cooper River Park’s WinterFest. Lights, treats and ice skating round out this fantastic destination. Can’t make it to WinterFest during the month of December? No problem. The event runs through February 14, 2016. Find more information here: skatewinterfest.com

Nearest Circuit Trail: Cooper River Trail

Whatever and wherever you’re celebrating this year, spend a little time exploring the Circuit Trails!

Photo Courtesy of Camden County Board of Freeholders

By Steve Taylor

The arrival of cooler weather can give new perspectives on The Circuit Trails. For Linda McGrane, President of the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia, getting out in the later months is about enjoying “the crisp, refreshing autumn air, as well as the colorful fall foliage. As long as the roads are clear and dry—that is, free of snow and ice—I continue to cycle into the winter months.”

Jed Kornbluh, national sales manager for cyclewear company Verge Sport, is also a year-round cyclist. His favorite Circuit segments to ride this time of year are both on the Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail. “The first is from Stockton to Milford (and on to Easton if you cross the river into Pennsylvania), and the second is Lambertville to Kingston. These are two very different trails. The first section starts and finishes along leaf-swept gravel and cinder with the river on the western edge and rolling country highway Route 29 on the east. The other stretch starts in the bustling village of Lambertville, rolls along through historic Washington Crossing State Park and eventually goes from country to urban just after the Trenton Country Club section.”

Jed has this cool weather tip: “Remember to layer. This time of year can be tricky, with mornings in the 30s and afternoons in the 50s. It's best to pack a variety of clothing but the best options include vests, light jackets or convertible items (with removable sleeves). When I travel on the canal paths I generally ride a bike equipped with a large handlebar bag, which has enough space for tools, food and spare clothes.”

To this, Linda adds, “Remember also to cover your head, hands and feet adequately. Body heat escapes most quickly through the extremities. Another important point: Even when the temperature is cooler, you still need to stay hydrated.”

When the temperatures get wintry, John Boyle, research director for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, uses some special gear for his often windy bike commute across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, including handlebar mittens and a face-shielding balaclava. In the coldest weather, he breaks out his ski helmet, goggles and electric socks.

On the weekends, John enjoys getting out with his family for walks on The Circuit in less specialized attire. “The Pennypack and Perkiomen are great walking trails, but the D&L Trail may be the best. I like the Nockamixon Cliffs / Palisades section.”

Linda also enjoys the Pennypack Trail, especially the hillier part between Bustleton Avenue and Pine Road. She appreciates trails that allow her to ride parallel to busy and non-bike-friendly roads. “I like the Chester Valley Trail, since it allows me to cycle safely up and down the Route 202 Corridor. The Leiper-Smedley Trail near Swarthmore lets me ride near and over the Blue Route.

“Continuing to cycle outdoors, regardless of the cooler temperatures, provides a therapeutic dose of daylight and allows you to remain connected with other people and with the environment.”

Photo Credit: Photo 1 Jed Kornbluh (on D&R Canal Trail); Photo 2 Howard Hess (on Chester Valley Trail)

By Steve Taylor

A trip on The Circuit is always better when it includes a trailside snack or drink.

A Pennsylvania and New Jersey loop on the Delaware Canal Towpath and the Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail might include stops at the Point Pleasant Village Store, the Bridge Cafe in Frenchtown or one of the coffee shops in Lambertville within a block from the trail, like Rojo’s.

Exploring the Perkiomen Trail? Have breakfast at the Collegeville Diner, then head toward Green Lane. On the way back to Collegeville, share a stromboli at Moccia’s Train Stop in Schwenksville.

Then there are some destinations that exist because of a trail. They were conceived by trail users and advocates and designed to meet the needs of those who would start, end or take a break from their trips there.

Ken Fields, owner of Outbound Station, has ridden on the Schuylkill River Trail for over 20 years. While biking through Conshohocken, he would often stop at an antique store in the old train station sitting on a hill above the trail.

When the owners decided to close their antique business and lease the property for another use, Ken immediately saw the potential. He knew that he wasn’t the only one who would like a place to warm up with a coffee on a cold morning or to share a meal outside on a sunny afternoon.

Outbound Station features salads and sandwiches assembled in the full kitchen, an assortment of local pastries, and locally roasted La Colombe coffee. They make their own soups as well as their chicken salad and egg salad.

Looking at the cycling posters on the wall, a large selection of energy bars and the floor pump and tool kit in a corner by the coffee station, it’s obvious that a cyclist is the owner. Ken doesn’t require a purchase to fill up a water bottle or to use the restroom or the tools.

For Ken, being situated on the trail is great and being on a popular route is even better.  “We're eight and one-half miles to Valley Forge and 12 miles to the Art Museum. We're roughly that center point where people can start their ride here with plenty of parking on the weekends or use us as a meet point or a mid-point.”

While Outbound Station serves as a waypoint on The Circuit, the Cynwyd Station Cafe and Tea Room is a gateway. Owner Sadie Francis notes that, “When you come to us from the trail, we’re the entrance to Lower Merion Township. When you come to us from Lower Merion, we’re the entrance to the regional trail network.”

Sadie became involved with the development of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail in 2008. Along the way, her expertise in green building was called upon to help plan the reuse of the 1890 Pennsylvania Railroad station that overlooks the trailhead.

“What makes us so special is the entire business is built around the location. Normally when you start a business, it’s the other way around.” Sadie saw the need for a community space for informal gathering and events. She also “asked people what they want, and everyone said ice cream!” So, she sought out a local source and found Jenny and Frank’s Artisan Gelato.

Like everything on the menu, the gelato is made from ingredients available in 1890. For even more of a 19th Century feel, have a phosphate soda with your ice cream sandwich. Less chilly selections include soups and grilled nut butter sandwiches. The well-curated tea menu is complemented by fair trade coffee, hot chocolate and hot lemonade. Everything is prepared and served without the use of plastic.

With the opening of the Manayunk Bridge, a new Circuit segment linking Philadelphia and Lower Merion over the Schuylkill River, Sadie is excited that the Tea Room’s role and that of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail as connectors will grow.