The connection has been made: There is now a trail connecting Hopewell Big Woods to French Creek State Park.
Representatives of the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape, their partners, community leaders, and politicians gathered at the trail head near Hopewell Lake for a celebration on Friday, July 29. The event highlighted the cooperation between the public and private sectors.
“This section connects both parks,” said Carol De Wolf, director of Schuylkill Highlands. “If you follow the trail down, you go to French Creek State Park.” She explained how the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources started this process, and partnerships have been formed with counties, municipalities, politicians, to advance the overall goal of interconnection.
“This trail started in 2008,” said De Wolf. “We started to work on concept for how we were going to get a trail from the Schuylkill River Trail down into Hopewell Big Woods. It is globally significant for its forested landscape and is historic in cultural significance.”
In addition to the trail, handicapped accessible parking area has been installed to offer disabled persons access the lower village at Hopewell, and new exhibit signage has been placed at French Creek State Park Hopewell Lake and at the Day Use area at French Creek State Park.
“We wanted that trail – an ADA multi-use trail – to go through here from the Schuylkill River Thun Section in Union Township all the way down to the Boars Back, connecting to Elverson and St. Peters, and other trails. That was important for us,” said De Wolf.
She explained how, prior to this project, there was no access for handicapped users at the site other than at the upper level near the Visitors Center.
“This trail represents the extraordinary partnership between public entities and the private sector,” said David Blackburn, Hopewell Site Manager. “This trail would not be possible without funds, advocacy, and assistance from all of the groups represented here – from private and public sectors.”
“There were a lot of people involved in this project to see it through,” said De Wolf. “This is the first of many significant sections that we will have to invest in and fund.”
“This is part of a bigger trail that’s going in over time,” said Jocelyn Canfield, who helped to create the new signs and has enjoyed Big Woods throughout her life. “There’s lot to learn as you’re walking by.”
In addition to the recreation, groups are also working on educational opportunities along the trail.
“This enables people of all ages to learn about our forests, waters, wetlands and birds while they’re hiking the trail,” said James Wassell, Assistant Park Manager of French Creek State Park. Some of the signs will be child-friendly to engage children while they’re exploring nature. The goal is to offer an interactive learning experience.
New maps have also been installed to give visitors an idea of the greater picture, and not just where they stand.
“People in these large populaces live so close to a large, forested area and they don’t realize it. They think they have to go to Montana or out West to find these large expanses but they don’t – it’s right in your backyard,” said Wassell. “Right in your backyard – you can enjoy this ‘big woods’ experience.”
“Trails are a metaphor for life,” said Berks Commissioner Christian Leinbach, sharing how he grew up visiting French Creek with his family, and hiking with his friends when he was older. “These trails connect. They’re a metaphor for life – they’re about family and friends, but they’re also about history.”
He spoke about how Hopewell is one of the most complete furnaces in Pennsylvania and its involvement in the Underground Railroad.
“I’ve learned a lot hiking these trails and the hiking trails of life,” said Leinbach. “I’m hopeful, now that people have the opportunity to talk where they couldn’t walk before, that they will have a greater appreciation for all of the different connecting pieces. Trails are a valuable asset.”
State Rep. David Maloney, R-130th Dist., rode his bike into the event to offer his support of the project.
“Connecting a lot of our neighborhoods and communities, we have done with many trails and road appropriated, designated groups. That’s been very special to a lot of people and personal to me,” said Maloney, noting his upcoming Share the Road legislation. “For me, having a trail option is something that is more family-friendly and safe; it’s a piece that brings us into the game lands. I’m excited for the completion of this. They did a fantastic job.”
State Rep. Tim Hennessey, R-26th Dist., explained how the Big Woods project involves 73,000 acres and now everyone will be able to enjoy a piece of it.
“We have treasures right here in Chester and Berks County; these two sites – they are gems waited to be discovered by a lot of people,” said Hennessey. “For a large part of our population, especially elderly and the disabled – it can be hard to connect with nature. This trail is open to people that may not otherwise enjoy the outdoors. This is the kind of collaborative idea that can work in public and private partnerships throughout the country.”
De Wolf says about 8,000 people a year use the trails at Big Woods.
Those who helped to fund these projects include Appalachian Mountain Club, the PA Department of Community and Economic Development – Commonwealth Financing Authority, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and Wyomissing Foundation.
