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Pennypack Trail Extensions Improve Access to Regional Rail
Before yesterday's opening of the north and south extensions of the Pennypack Trail in Montgomery County it was very difficult to get to or from the trail via SEPTA. The only trailhead was almost in the dead center of the trail on the narrow and twisty Moredon Rd in Lorimer Park. It wasn't impossible, you could get could get close via the 24 or 88 bus but the on road distance and difficulty to get to the faster and more direct regional rail trains didn't make the trip worthwhile.
The new section up to Welsh Road is now linked to the Bethayres Station on the West Trenton Line via a sidewalk that begins at the bridge over Pennypack Creek. Biking on Huntingdon Pike and Welsh Road requires a tolerance for riding in fast traffic without shoulders.
From the Bethayres station:
- Follow the sidewalk at the north end of the station lot up to the signal at Chestnut St
- Cross Huntingdon Pike and turn right to follow the narrow sidewalk
- Continue on the sidewalk around the Bethayres Market along Welsh Rd
- The sidewalk ends at the bridge near the trailhead.
- DIstance is 3/4 of a mile or a 15 minute walk
The new bridge at the south end of the trail crosses a deep ravine and Shady Lane and eases the trip from Fox Chase Station on the Fox Chase Line. The on road bike route from Fox Chase is less stressful than from Bethayres but there are also sidewalks for pedestrians.
From the Fox Chase station:
- Head north to the Rhawn St exit
- turn left then right at the Oxford Ave/Pine Rd intersection if you are walking cross the Rhawn St here
- Turn right onto Huntingdon Pike (to the left of Dunkin Donuts) for two blocks and turn right on Blake Ave
- Blake Avenue bends left and becomes Rockledge Ave
- Turn right onto the trail at Rockledge Park
- Distance is 8/10 of a mile or 15-20 minute walk
