While leaf weary Vermonters wait for Killington to start up their loud and icy snow guns, peak foliage has come to the trails of the Circuit. This year it appears that the peak is perfectly aligned with Indian Summerso now is the time to get on the path and enjoy a windshield free view of the Autumn color.
Since much of the Circuit trail system runs through parkland almost any segment of the network will do, however I do have a favorite lists of trails that I consider to be especially scenic and worth a visit.
1.
Tyler State Park - The park has a 10 mile criss-crossed network of paved trails, the east side of the park has a flat path that follows the Neshaminy Creek, but it is the hilly west side trails that are most interesting with great views and an abundance of not so shy deer.At the far north end of the park is Schofield Covered Bridge.
2 -
Perkiomen Trail - The terrain around the northern half of this 19 mile trail is rural and rugged, there is even a moderate trail climb around Spring Mountain. And while the
PA Live Steamers model RR is no longer open to the public you can still get a good view of the action from the trail.
3 -
D&L/D&R Trails - These trails follow scenic canals with interesting wooden bridges on both sides of the Delaware, unfortunately on the Pennsylvania the D&L Canal has been dewatered north of New Hope due to required trail repairs, so you will be riding next to a trench instead of a watercourse. Still it's worth riding north to see the impressive Nockamixon Cliffs on the River.
4 -
Brendan Byrne State Forest - This may be the anti foliage trail, Pitch Pine and Cedars dominate the landscape. While the Pine Brendan Byrne's 2.7 mile Cranberry Trail is the only multi-use path in the core of the pines, For a more substantial ride try the 10 mile bike loop which uses low traffic park roads.
5 -
Forbidden Drive and the Wissahickon Bikeway - Great scenery and just over 30 minutes by bike from Center City Philadelphia via the Schuylkill River Trail. Stop at Valley Green but make sure continue to travel north the Thomas Mill Bridge. On weekends through October ride about a mile up Northwestern Ave to the Morris Arboretum, where bicyclists can gain admission for half price.
More Than Honorable Mentions - These trails are just as scenic as the featured ones above, but I don't have all day to talk about them.
Tell us about your favorite autumn Circuit Trail ride.
