Coexistence Corner

Great Things about the Struble Trail in Downingtown, PA

By Nate Feldman 

I can't recall the first time I visited the Struble Trail.  I know it was sometime in high school, but I can't remember for what purpose.  But, for the past two decades it has been a favorite place of mine to go outside and enjoy a run or walk in nature.

Being only 2.6 miles in length, the Struble Trail in Downingtown, PA is ideal for anyone who is just getting into hiking or exercising for the first time.  But, even though it is not that large, it offers amazing scenery that is worthwhile for any adventurer.

I have always started my walk at Kardon Park, also known as "the Ponds," which is located across from PA-Route 282, the trail's starting point.  In Kardon Park, I walk past a small pond and wooded area on my right and a small meadow on my left.  When you reach a baptist church on your left, you can see the entrance to the trail across the street.

The trail has markers every quarter of a mile.  The first quarter goes from the beginning of the trail to a small tunnel underneath a highway.  In this part, there are several small games for young children like hopscotch and an activity that asks for words that begin with the letters A, B, and C.  The trail runs parallel to the Brandywine Creek on your left, which you can see meandering in the distance.  Once you go through the tunnel, the creek widens out.  You will often find people fishing or even swimming in this part.  Opposite the creek a little farther down, on your right, is a clearing in the woods with a steep hill.  There isn't a path to the top of the hill, and I am not certain if one is permitted to climb it if they want to.  But, I imagine the view from the top is wonderful.  After that, the trail enters a wooded area on both sides and continues that way for another three quarters of a mile until it meets another street.

After crossing the street, around the mile and a half marker is the ruins of Dowlin Forge, an old metal producing plant.  This is an interesting part of Chester County's history.  Then, the trail winds through the woods again for about another mile until it reaches its end a little bit past the two and a half mile marker.  There is work to connect the trail to other trails leading to Marsh Creek State Park in the future.  In the meantime, even at its current length, it is a great way to enjoy your time outdoors.