Schuylkill River Trail

This is one of the best-kept secrets in the Philadelphia area. Part of Valley Forge National Historical Park, the ride is located across the Schuylkill River from the main attractions of the park-hence, it sees very little traffic except from hikers, joggers, and cyclists. This particular portion of the park is where General George Washington positioned his commissary. Out of these stone buildings blacksmiths, leather workers, wheelwrights, and other skilled laborers produced wagons, cannonballs, muskets, ammunition, and other goods to support Washington's encampment. The Schuylkill river played an important role in Washington's strategy during the winter of 1777-78. The river was a major supply route and was also the northern defense for Philadelphia. Food was shipped on the river from farms in the out-lying area to feed the soldiers at the encampment. The clay from the riverbanks was used as mortar in the wooden huts used by the soldiers. Terrain: Wonderful riding through open fields and dense woods, along the scenic Schuylkill River Trail.