About the Park
The Schuylkill River in Upper Providence Township forms a natural backdrop to this educational display of wild animals and raptors indigenous to Pennsylvania. In one visit to the park’s Wildlife Center, you can see raccoons, foxes, wolves, rabbits, a bald eagle, a bobcat, a variety of owls, hawks, turkeys and an assortment of farm animals. A seasonal butterfly garden will delight all ages, while a permanent exhibit entitled The Schuylkill Wilds features creatures found in and around the Schuylkill River. Turtles, frogs, fish, snakes, and an opossum are on view throughout this indoor space.
Picnicking and fishing are popular along the river, and a carry-in boat ramp allows easy access for non-motorized boats. An accessible fishing pier allows everyone to enjoy this lovely location.
Fun events for the family, especially young children, happen throughout the year. Group tours and field trips are welcomed, but prior arrangements are needed. Call the office to schedule your group trip. The site is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Because outside animals are disturbing to our wildlife, please leave your pet at home when you visit the park. Service animals are, of course, welcome.
The Schuylkill East Trail is a natural surface trail which connects Lock 60 in Mont Clare to Upper Schuylkill Valley Park along the Schuylkill River. This trail, less than 2 miles, is a bird lover’s paradise. It is accessible from the lower parking lot at Upper Schuylkill Valley Park. It is mainly flat. The trail is subject to river conditions during flooding events.
There is no fee to enter the park and it is open from sunrise to sunset. Current sunset/closing time is posted at the entrance of the park and changes seasonally.
Notice of Dredging: Montgomery County is undertaking a dredging project of the forebay of the Schuylkill Canal at Lock 60 beginning July 5, 2023. The project will include some tree removal on the Canal side to enable stabilization and repair of the canal walls. (Historically, the area would have been clear cut to allow for tow lines.) The Schuylkill East Trail that connects Upper Schuylkill Valley Park (USVP) to Lock 60 will be closed at the Lock area, and larger vehicles may be on the open portion of the trail hauling materials to the Lock from USVP. The internal road (towpath road) at Lock 60 will not be accessible past the first stone parking lot. The contractor will use the turnaround at the end of towpath road as a staging area. This work will last 3 months. Increased traffic on towpath road as a result of the dredging will occur. Parking areas may be limited. Site users must follow all signage and stay away from fenced in/closed areas. We apologize for any inconvenience. Permitting allows for only a specific window of time when work can occur.
