Parks, Trails, & Historic Sites

Perkioem Trail
 

Mission Statement

To provide the premier system of natural, recreational and historical sites within the County by presenting unique and exceptional opportunities for visitor experiences that encourages a strong understanding and respect for the County’s ecological and cultural resources.


Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites offer wonderful opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy various natural resources, participate in educational and recreational opportunities, and appreciate our historic past. Whether you are a bike enthusiast, a lover of antiques, or just want a quiet space for a family picnic, there is something for you throughout our facilities. You may be surprised at all there is to experience from our premiere sites…

Montgomery County owns and/or manages more than 6,000 acres of public open space which includes nine parks, five historic sites, and nearly 100 miles of regional trails. These areas include over 125 historic and non-historic structures, playgrounds, a fish ladder, a working historic canal lock, a wildlife center, and an archives/artifact collection of over 53,000 pieces. Our parks, trails, and historic sites combined are enjoyed by over 1.5 million visitors each year. Park lands include fishing opportunities, environmental education programs, hiking, boat rentals, pavilions, and more. Our trail systems and connections have been noted as some of the finest trails in the country, with the goal of all Montgomery County residents being no further than a few miles from their home to a trail experience. The historic sites preserve such things as the collection of a Pennsylvania governor, a Pennsylvania German farmstead, a colonial ironmaster’s home and the first American home of John James Audubon, a National Landmark. Each location throughout the county offers something unique! You will want to visit these locations again and again.

ALL COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & HISTORIC SITES ARE NOW SMOKE FREE.  NO SMOKING (INCLUDING VAPORIZERS) OF ANY KIND IS ALLOWED.

The Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic sites works with a local citizen Advisory Board as well as many local agencies and partners in order to carry out our goals. To further assist you, please feel free to contact each site location with your specific requests or questions. If you are unsure whom to contact, please call or e-mail the main office during weekdays to be directed to the correct person or site. We look forward to making your visit memorable!

Trail Alerts
Trail Challenge
Guidelines and Application for Special Use Permit
PTHS Permitted Use Matrix

Inclement Weather

Montgomery County’s Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites hours of operation during inclement weather events will vary based on regional geographic areas and micro climate conditions. To verify if a site is open, please call the site directly or check the facility’s social media page. When freezing temperatures, rain, and ice are in the forecast, the public is urged to be extra cautious on trails, roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. Visitors are encouraged to sign up for ReadyMontco text and email alerts to receive real-time alerts on closures, alerts, and other warnings.  

Update on the Mather Mill Storm Damaged Area (Restorative Vegetation Re-Growth & New Native Plantings)

The County is working on a fall or spring (2023) planting schedule and implementation plan for when the appropriate funding is secured to commence the final stage of site restoration. 

It is important to remember this site will remain as open space and there are no plans for development on any of these parcels.


TRAIL UPDATE!

Good Morning, we have a big announcement to make. On December 9th, Bridge 99 (Perk Trail Connection between Rt. 29 and Deep Creek Rd.) will be Closed for at least 18 Months for renovation. We will be closing the trail from Crusher Rd. to the Orange trail Parking lot at Green Lane. We are sorry for the inconvenience but happy that this old 8 stone arch bridge will be fixed. Wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season to you and your families.

~ Joe Seltzer (Region 2 Manager)

    Joseph.Seltzer@montgomerycountypa.gov


  1. camp header

    Enrollment now open for Peter Wentz Farmstead – Colonial Camp 2023

    Join us this summer for the Peter Wentz Farmstead’s Colonial Camp, where you can step back into the eighteenth century and live like a colonial farmer for a week! Read on...
  2. Green Ribbon Trail Wissahickon

    8th Annual Montco Trail Challenge Returns This Weekend

    This annual family-friendly program encourages participants to track their visits to select Montgomery County trails to earn awards for completing visits to five, ten, or fifteen participating trails.
  3. Mayfair

    Local Historical Sites Announce May and June Events

    Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites invites the public to attend upcoming events hosted at its historic sites in May and June. These events are family friendly and are low or no cost to attend, reservations are recommended.
  4. Green Lane Park Bird and Wildlife Festival

    Public Input Sought for Green Lane Park Master Plan Update

    Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites has announced a series of public meetings and other interactive public feedback tools to inform the master plan update for Green Lane Park. The first meeting will be held on April 5, 2023.
  5. CountySeal_Color image

    Norristown Farm Park to Conduct Deer Cull

    Montgomery County Park, Trails, and Historic Sites have announced it will conduct a deer cull at Norristown Farm Park. The cull will be held during the month of March in coordination with state and federal agencies.
  6. Ribbon Cutting 2

    Montgomery County Opens New Chester Valley Trail Extension

    The Montgomery County Commissioners joined with other local officials today to cut the ribbon on the Chester Valley Trail Extension, a 3.8-mile extension of the Chester Valley Trail.
  7. Mansion from the Meadow

    Local Historical Sites Offer Hands-on Programs this Spring

    Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites invites the public to attend upcoming events hosted at its historic sites this spring. These events are family friendly and are low or no cost to attend, reservations are recommended.
  8. CountySeal_Color image

    Registration is Open for Spring Master Naturalist Training Course at Norristown Farm Park

    Norristown Farm Park, in partnership with nonprofit Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, will host a volunteer Master Naturalist Training Course where Montgomery County residents can learn more about nature and support conservation efforts.
  9. Perkiomen RR

    Pennypacker Mills Presents: Traveling on the Perkiomen Railroad

    On Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 1 p.m., guests are invited to Pennypacker Mills for a free, in-depth presentation on the Perkiomen Railroad, presented by Steve Mallon, President of the Perkiomen Railroad Historical Society.
  10. Parlor Tree

    Local Historic Homes Offer Holiday Tours & Events

    Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites invites the public to attend upcoming holiday events and tours hosted at its historic sites throughout the remainder of November and December.
  11. DSC_0523 (2)

    Green Lane Park Announces November Educational Programs

    Montgomery County’s Green Lane Park will host three educational programs in November.
  12. Front of house

    Pottsgrove Manor Welcomes Dan Graham to Share Iron History

    Iron researcher and author, Dan Graham, presents on the historic origins of the Pennsylvania iron industry, through the story of Thomas Rutter this Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 1 p.m., at Pottsgrove Manor.
  13. Green Lane Park Fall Foliage View

    Green Lane Park to Host Fall Foliage Ramble on October 29

    Green Lane Park will host a “Fall Foliage Ramble” on Saturday, October 29, 2022, beginning at 1 p.m. Join us for a stroll on the beautiful Blue Trail as we investigate the wonders of fall leaves and their seasonal transformation.
  14. Photo of a George Washington reenactor at the Peter Wentz Farmstead.

    “Washington in Worcester” Exhibit Now Open at Peter Wentz Farmstead

    The Peter Wentz Farmstead is pleased to announce the opening of its brand-new exhibit, “From Home to Headquarters: Washington in Worcester” running September 30 through November 29.
  15. Hay Ride Pennypacker Mills

    Pennypacker Mills Announces All Hallows’ Eve Fall Festival

    Join the fun on Saturday, October 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. as Pennypacker Mills celebrates Halloween with hayrides around the meadow, kid-crafts, pumpkin painting, hay pile jumping, a bean bag toss game, and seasonal refreshments.
  16. Green Lane Park Bird and Wildlife Festival

    Upper Perkiomen Bird and Wildlife Festival Returns to Green Lane Park

    Montgomery County’s Green Lane Park will host the 11th Annual Upper Perkiomen Bird and Wildlife Festival on Saturday, September 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  17. Mansion from the Meadow

    Pennypacker Mills to Host Edgar Allen Poe Porch Performance

    Visitors are invited to Pennypacker Mills on October 1, 2022 for this year’s final Porch Performance, Edgar Allen Poe: Readings from Virginia Poe.
  18. Civil War reenactment at Peter Wentz Farmstead

    Peter Wentz Farmstead Announces Upcoming Civil War Themed Weekend

    The Civil War is coming to the Peter Wentz Farmstead on September 17 and 18, 2022! Visitors are invited to experience how the War affected society from both a military and civilian perspective.
  19. butterfly at Upper Schuylkill Valley Park

    Upper Schuylkill Valley Park Announces Butterfly Celebration

    The public is invited to Upper Schuylkill Valley Park on Saturday, August 27 from 10 a.m. to Noon celebrate a beautiful little insect, the butterfly!
  20. Living History Interpreter Powder Horns

    Visitors Invited to Learn About the Past this Summer at Pottsgrove Manor

    Visitors of all ages are invited to take part in the games and amusements of colonial Pennsylvania and learn more about the museum with events at Pottsgrove Manor throughout the summer.
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