Christmas Morning: 6-Mile, Scenic Phoenixville-Schuylkill River Loop Hike
Details
A local hike is a great way to start your Christmas day, and the Schuylkill River trail is a lovely place to do it because our trails will treat us to river views 95% of the time.
Note: Meetup sign-up signals interest. To register, visit the trip posting - **https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN0000025Xrp/act00018087** - on the AMC Activities Center.
This easy-to-moderate hike will start promptly at 9:30 AM. We will walk a flat, @ 6-mile route that starts in the first, large parking lot at the Lock 60 Recreation area, across the canal from the Locktender's House.
We will hike the eastern side of the river on the gravel, Schuylkill River trail. If desired, we can explore the Schuylkill Nature Center, which features pens for domestic and wild animals. We will then field a small stream and cross over the busy Black Rock Bridge. From the Black Rock Boat Launch, we will follow the dirt path along the western bank of the Schuylkill River. At the trail's end, we will return to the Lock 60 parking lot on the paved road. We'll wrap up the hike with some hot, spiced cider and seasonal cookies.
Although the hike is almost entirely flat, you should wear sturdy hiking or walking shoes and bring water, snacks and a smile. If it has rained, the trails on the Black Rock side will be very muddy. Layer according to the weather. Christmas day predictions indicate temperatures in the 50s. If the weather is iffy, check for a cancellation around 8am.
The address of the Lock 60 Recreation parking lot and GPS coordinates have been problematic in the past. It is best if you use the address for Lock 29, the restaurant just next to the Lock 60 entrance: 127 Bridge St, Mont Clare, PA. Depending on your directions, the red, Lock 60 sign will be on your left after you cross the bridge over the Schuylkill, or on your right as you are approaching the bridge. Follow the paved road - just under a mile - to the gravel parking lot.
"Please note: In order to comply with Pennsylvania Youth Protection Laws, all children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This policy applies for all events offered by the Delaware Valley Chapter as well as any other Chapter events within the state of Pennsylvania."