BigUgly

I know there are some PA people in here and I was wondering if anyone knows anything about this trail along the Schuykill River then runs from Hamburg to somewhere close to Pottsville? I am trying to map a ride from Pottsville to Skippack, PA and am looking for an Alternative to Rt 61 from Pottsville to Hamburg? Any suggestions? I will be on a skinny tire road bike and don't mind taking it on hard packed gravel rail trails. Thanks.

Bone Head

Pottsville to Hamburg while avoiding Route 61 is gonna be a tough one. If you were on a fat tire MTB, there are active railroad tracks you could follow along the river. Probably not a great option for skinny tires.
If you can get to Schuylkill Haven, you may be able to get to Hamburg via Landingville and along the east side of the lake / Auburn.
Avoid 901 (Gordon Nagle Trail) from Pottsville to Cressona / Schuylkill Haven. I hate driving it and wouldn't even consider riding on it!!

Perhaps Spokes Bike Shop in Hamburg or one of the local bike clubs listed on their website can offer a route? Bartram Trail is a listed link on their website. https://schuylkillriver.org/trail_pag...tram_paths.pdf

Spokes Bike Shop
www.spokesbikeshop.com
16590 Pottsville Pike
Hamburg, PA 19526-8104
(610) 562-8900

Best of luck!!

BigUgly

Thanks Bone Head. I found the website for Spokes this morning and a Berks County Cycling Club I am going to contact them. You are the 2nd person that said stay off 901 and I appreciate that as I was eyeing it up as a potential route. Maybe I will just bite the bullit and ride on 61 only where I have to. I have ridden on 4 lane highways before and it should be on a Saturday morning in the summer so maybe there won't be too much traffic. I am finding that the Bartram trail doesn't make it all the way to Landingville yet. Thanks again.

Bone Head

61 from the south end of Pottsville (Mount Carbon) to Schuylkill Haven may be doable. There is a wide shoulder that I believe may be paved. I'm sure there will be debris on the shoulder but it may the the least offensive option. Best of luck Anthracycling!!

Neil_B

Let me know when you are coming down. I could ride with you near Skippack if you like.

BigUgly

Thanks. I opted to skip Centralia & Ashland to cut off some mileage so I could make the trip in 2 days instead of 3 but I think Pottsville is still somewhat coal cracker territory.

Historian, I am planning on making the trip June 18 & 19. I have been debating whether or not to use the Perky Trail. Hopping on somewhere around Salford Station Road(above Spring Mount and I know about the hill on the trail behind the ski area) and riding it down to the trail that goes over to Skippack. I may be on an old Schwinn Tandem with my daughter at that point but we would definitely welcome the company and to finally meet the legendary Historian!

Neil_B

Deal.

Whiteknight

Bone Head,

You mention Spokes Bike Shop and give the highway address.

If you know the area and ever plan on going to this shop you should be aware that they moved out of the building they started in. They are now down closer to Shoemakersville on Route 61. A bigger store. Saw them moving about 3 or 4 weeks ago.

Bone Head

I'm originally from Minersville just a few miles from Pottsville. I'd have to say that Pottsville is definitely Coal Country! Not as hard-core as Shenandoah or Mahanoy City, but coal country just the same.

Thanks for the info. On the rare occasion when I get back to PA w/ my bike, Spokes is the closest(only) bike shop. I always manage to blow a tube or cut a tire etc. The 2 or 3 times that I've stopped in, they have been very helpful.

Whiteknight

Minersville!!

We hit that area twice a month for the Marlin Market.
Then in the summer there is always the ethnic picnics at the grounds west of Minersville on 901. The ethnic food is real good. Haven't seen it like that since I was a kid in the south end of Reading when it was almost all Polish and Slovak.

Bone Head

Ah yes, MarLin Markets - the only retail store in 'downtown MarLin'-- They also have a shop @ Renninger's Farmer's Market (The Auction) on 61 between Orwigsburg and Schuylkill Haven.
But for the best Kielbasa I always go up to Kowalonek's in Shenandoah for their 'fresh kielbasy' and the 'kielbasy loaf.' The line is around the block just before Easter!! https://www.kielbasy.net/

How do you think I got to be Clydesdale? "The Polish Picnic" up @ St. Nick's in Primrose!! Legendary!! Homemade Pierogies, Halushki, and a cold Yuengling. Where else can you get bean soup cooked over an open fire in what looked like a witch's cauldron -- stirred with love and a boat oar?! Brings a tear to my eye.

My apologies to the OP for getting off topic and sentimental...