TRAILS STARTING IN HAMBURG

The Borough of Hamburg became a boom town after the construction of the Schuylkill
Canal in 1820, and today it retains its Pennsylvania Dutch character and old world charm.  The Schuylkill River Trail can be accessed from three different locations in the town:  the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum, State Street Trailhead, and Hamburg’s Community Park. All of these trails are wheelchair accessible and are also good biking trails. In addition, dogs are also able to use all of these trails but must be kept on leash. Trail visitors can walk or bike to local eateries, connecting trails, parks and the restored Strand Movie Theater. 

 

Reading Railroad Heritage Museum Trailhead 
Includes a parking area directly outside the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum located at 500 South Third Street at which there is a four-panel kiosk with a Schuylkill River Trail map. The trailhead is significant because it helps create a connection between the trail and the town of Hamburg. The trail runs along a 1 mile on-road route going north on Third Street, turn left on Grand Street, turn right on Second Street, turn left on State Street and ends at the State Street Trailhead and parking area (25 W. State Street) across the street from the Hamburg Historical Society. From the State Street Trailhead the trail connects to the Therman Madeira Switchback Trail, which connects with the John Bartram Trail at the Kernsville Dam Recreation Area, and the Hamburg Community Park River Walk Trail. The Hamburg Community Park River Walk Trail connects to the Richard Etchberger Bicentennial Walkway.

Hamburg Community Park River WalkThe park and trail are located along the Schuylkill River.  The Hamburg Park River Walk Trail connects from the State Street Trailhead at the end of the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum Trail at one end and the beginning of the Richard Etchberger Bicentennial Walkway at the other end. There are benches and tables along the river. In addition, accessible between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm, the park offers tennis, basketball and baseball courts/fields, a playground area for children, swimming pool, stage. A covered pavilion                                                                                     is available for rent for reunions, parties & picnics. There are                                                                                   also seasonal toilet facilities. 

A canoe launch area at the north end of this trail gives access to the Schuylkill River.
This launch area is administered by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

 

 

 

 

 

     

Richard Etchberger Bicentennial Walkway connects from the north end the Hamburg Community Park River Walk.  This trail is located on the old Schuylkill Canal towpath and runs along the Schuylkill River.  This well-maintained trail is good for a short stroll among the trees and the sound of the river.  Be aware that there is no parking available at the north end of this trail.

Therman Madeira Switchback Trail is a 1.24 mile long trail running through a wooded area with
lots of shade. Its starting point is at the parking lot at the State Street Trailhead across the street
from the Hamburg Historical Society.  The trail is flat and easy to navigate crossing the Schuylkill River on an old railroad bridge where you can view fish swimming in the river.  
                                               

 

This trail ends in Tilden Township at the Kernsville Dam Recreation Area where it connects to the
John Bartram Trail. Information on this trail can be viewed in the Best Trails Near Hamburg on this
website. 
                                                                         

For more information on the Hamburg trails, stop by the Our Town Foundation/Arts & Craft Gallery at 320 State Street in Hamburg.