Berks and Schuylkill Counties, PA
The John B. Bartram Trail is one segment of the Schuylkill River Trail, which follows the Schuylkill River from Pottsville to Philadelphia forming the 128-mile-long spine of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area’s Regional Trail Network. Although most of the trail is located on right-of-way formerly occupied by the Pennsylvania Railroad, Schuylkill Division, many right-of-way segments were acquired by various entities, including some private interests after the railroad was abandoned.
Consequently, completion of this trail was contingent upon creative mechanisms for securing trail right-of-way that meets PennDOT criteria for TEA funding, including easements, licenses, cooperative agreements and fee-simple purchases. While right-of-way planning remains an important consideration for the Schuylkill River Greenway Association and their many partners, the current lack of ownership continuity was not an impediment to trail development. The John B. Bartram Trail connects with other elements of the Schuylkill River Trail to the south, and with other regional trail systems such as the D&L Trail to the east.
- Complete environmental clearance, preliminary and final design of three trail segments, each with independent utility
