The Rivers...
Our trails along the rivers are part of the Schuylkill Greenway, a 128 mile trail system. The Phoenix Iron Canal & Trails Association and the Schuylkill Canal Association, are grassroots organizations dedicated to developing and preserving the trails and history for recreation and wildlife.
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| Legend of the Schuylkill / Phoenixville Greenway |
1) Lock 59 - Part of the Schuylkill Navigation system, opened in 1825. Transported coal to Philadelphia during the Industrial Revolution.
2) Reservoir Park - Critical corridor and habitat for remaining wildlife including deer, small mammals, reptiles, fish and birds.
3) Indian Point Rock - Native American site.
4) High Bluffs - Dramatic scenery and hiking.
5) Cross Loop Trail
6) Boat Launch - Launch for canoeing and boating.
7) Black Rock Loop - 5 miles of fishing, currently stocked with trout.
8) Desilting Basin - A 140 acre Public Park being developed by Chester County.
9) Sandy Bottom Basin - Canal water system pond.
10) Black Rock Dam - Fishing, nearly 5 miles of creek trails currently stocked with trout.
11) Lock 60 - Completed in 1825, originally named the Oaks Reach, after Thomas Oaks, the Schuylkill Navigation Company's principal engineer.
12) Phoenix Iron Canal - Completed in 1820, and used for transporting raw iron upstream by mule, to the factory.
13) Schuylkill River South
14 - 15) Lower / Upper French Creek - Over 4 miles of trail riverside trails with wetland and woodland ecosystems.
16) PA Railroad Tunnel - Built 1882.
| The Major Tributaries of the Schuylkill River | More information on the Trail and Canal System: |
| Tulpehocken Creek Allegheny Creek Hay Creek French Creek Pickering Creek Valley Creek Little Schuylkill River Maiden Creek Monocacy Creek Manatawny Creek Perkiomen Creek Wissahickon Creek
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The History...
The Schuylkill watershed was inhabited by the Lenni-Lenape people when the European explorers arrived. They were labeled the "Delaware" by the settlers, in 1686, after the European name for the river alongside which they lived. They were a part of the Algonquin language group, and were under the political influence of the Iroquois Confederation. By and large they were a peaceful people. They were typical hunters and gatherers, although they also practiced farming, raising corn, beans and squash as staples of their diet.
Copyright 1999, all rights reserved.