Tranquil Yet Rugged Hike Full of Waterfalls on the Neal Thorpe Trail in Mont Clare, Pennsylvania

 

Tracing Waterfalls and Hiking a Rocky Landscape on the Neal Thorpe Trail

Discovering incredible Pennsylvania hiking trails near our starting point in Valley Forge was an easy challenge! The region offers so many trails to choose from. After our morning in Philadelphia, we opted to unwind in the afternoon with a hike exploring the Neal Thorpe Trail in Mont Clare near Phoenixville. The slightly over 2 mile trail loops off of the Upper Schuylkill River Trail.

A peek through the trees at the Schuylkill River

While wandering to the entrance of trail, we enjoyed some Schuylkill River views and the rugged landscape. Soon, we headed onto a more rocky, natural trail. The Upper Schuylkill River Trail is a paved, multi-use trail and a good one to know about. However, we were excited to enjoy more rustic hiking upon embarking on the Neal Thorpe Trail.

Rock filled ravines crafted unique scenery.

Throughout our hike, we rambled through ravines encountering both dry and flowing creek beds. The rocky  terrain crafted trickling waterfalls tumbling over unique shaped rocks that forged mini cliffs.

Fact About the Neal Thorpe Trail: This trail was named for Neal Thorpe who was instrumental in founding the Schuylkill Canal Association to preserve the canal area in Mont Clare.

Waterfalls delicately unfurl over mini rock ledges in Mont Clare, Pennsylvania.

Walking along the creek, we delighted in discovering mini waterfall after mini waterfall delicately unfurling over miniature rock ledge. Truly a slice of Mother Nature magic! The water dribbling over fallen and eroded slabs of rock created multiple series of small waterfalls as if in a fairy world.

Eventually, we began hiking further up in elevation. At one point, we noted parallel trails. Here, using AllTrails is beneficial to make sure that you stay on trail or can find your way back from the parallel trails. Hiking through the dense forest while admiring rocky features gifted us splendid views. In spot, the hike challenged us but overall the trail was not too difficult.

We savored our time hiking along the craggy trail through a dense forest full of ferns, trees and mosses while appreciating ravine views. The thin, ribbon like waterfalls provided extra delight. We would not hesitate to wander the Neal Thorpe Trail again.