I really enjoy rollerblading, it’s a great outdoor low-impact variable workout. You can take in the scenery and/or listen to your favorite music or even a podcast or two. I’ve been rollerblading on the Schuylkill River Trail in Southeastern Pennsylvania since 1997 when I was living in East Norriton near the Westover Golf course. In those days I could literally walk out of my apartment and roll down South Schuylkill Ave and right onto the trail. These days I need to drive 20-25 minutes to reach the park and trail. Last week I realized that the section of the trail from Betzwood/Rt 422 overpass to the end of the tree canopy just short of Indian Creek was recently repaved. That section had previously been pretty tough on rollerblades with all the tree roots pushing up through the pavement and cracking the macadam, now it’s as smooth as a baby’s bottom.

If your local and still enjoy rollerblading the trail from Pawlings road to Riverside Cemetery is a great course at just over 5 miles long one way. While some of the trail is under a tree canopy there are also large stretches that run alongside the Schuylkill River. The head winds usually aren’t too strong although they can make for a good workout along the open stretches alongside Rt 422 and the Schuylkill River. The trail is usually busy with walkers, joggers, bikers and the occasional rollerblader. I wouldn’t advise families to use the trail for young children as it’s just too busy and crowded. Some of the bicyclists move at 20-25mph which can lead to some scary and dangerous moments if you’re not paying attention. The trail continues all the way to Conshohocken and even Philadelphia although the trail between Riverside Cemetery and Rt 202 narrows and is a bit rough for roller blades between Riverside Cemetery and Rt. 202.

Cheers!
Update: Saturday August 23, 2014

I need to thank the family of Alan Josel for their generous donation which helped to provide the reset station and water fountain at Port Royal. I stop there every time I’m on the trail and have been meaning to update this blog post to include a reference to the the plaque there.