Dave Thomas | profile | all galleries >> Out and About in Southeastern PA >> Rail Trails, Etc. >> Phoenix Iron Canal Trail | tree view | thumbnails | slideshow |
The Phoenix Iron Canal Trail is in Chester County and loops around the Schuylkill River bank perimeter of the Black Rock Sanctuary. One end starts from the Pa Fish & Boat Commission's access along Pa Route 113, just south of the Chester County end of the Route 113 bridge over the Schuylkill. The trail follows the river course, a large oxbow bend in this section, and reaches the Black Rock Dam and Fishladder. It continues on toward Phoenixville, but Ye Olde Photographer has yet to explore it to the end. One presumes it ties into parks or streets in Phoenixville, although it is on the opposite side of the river from the Schuylkill Navigation and Lock 60.
South of Black Rock Dam the trail travels on a sort of dividing dike between the river and what was apparently the canal referenced. This passes the portion of Black Rock where the former Reading Railroad mainline passes through a tunnel, shortcutting the oxbow bend. The actual portal is not visible, as the track passes into a curving cut.