The Chester County Planning Commission is proud to release the final Chester Valley Trail Extension to Downingtown Feasibility Study and Master Plan. We are very excited about the potential for developing this trail in the heart of central Chester County and expanding The Circuit, Greater Philadelphia’s regional trail network. The Chester County Commissioners accepted the plan at their December meeting to close out the grant provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program that partially funded the study. 

The extension’s recommended alignment is to develop the trail within the inactive Philadelphia and Thorndale low-grade rail corridor which parallels the Amtrak Keystone Corridor – or the “Main Line” – between Exton and Thorndale. This unique corridor is a hidden gem that will provide for a safe and completely grade separated trail that will attract many users due to its scenic and historic quality and proximity to regional rail stations including Exton, Whitford, Downingtown, and Thorndale. Once implemented, there will be an additional 10.1 miles of trail including three new trailheads and connections to the existing Struble and East Branch Brandywine trails in the Downingtown area. Download a full copy of the final report and watch a short summary video of the recommended improvements.