This Hike Takes You To A Place Pennsylvania’s First Residents Left Behind
Have you ever stopped to think that pretty much everywhere we go in Pennsylvania has some sort of historical significance – whether it’s to a family, a community, or an entire state? That makes exploring even more fascinating, doesn’t it? This beautiful rail trail in Pennsylvania, for example, has a fascinating tale to tell, and it begins with the area’s very first residents.
Long before the Chester Creek Trail in Aston hosted hikers, bikers, and other adventurers, its land was home to the Lenni-Lenape, the first-known inhabitants.
Aston and the surrounding area grew and thrived, especially with the addition of the Chester Creek Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad toward the end of the 1860s.
The railroad played a significant role in life until the early 1970s. Hurricane Agnes hit in the summer of 1972, causing the Chester Creek Line to flood and effectively shutting it down permanently.
For nearly two decades, the railroad tracks lay dormant, overgrown by grass and shrubbery. Then Mike Fusco, an area resident, and several others rallied together to bring the railroad back to life again - as a rail trail.
It took some time, but the Chester Creek Trail opened in 2017 and has since become a popular destination for hikers. The trail tallies 2.8 miles one way and is considered easy.
Have you followed this trail in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Then take a peek at the nine things you probably didn’t know about Pennsylvania’s history.
Address: Chester Creek Trail, Chester Crk Trl, Middletown Township, PA 19014, USA
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