Hiking Trail - Evansburgh State Park
Near Norristown, PA is Evansburgh State Park which covers a lot of land and has many diverse trails -from strictly Hiking, to mountain bike and equestrian trails, and of course multi-purpose trails. Some of these trails are nicely mowed lawn paths that are fairly easy to walk on, no real hazards, and very stroller-friendly, but the Overlook Trail is an exception.
The Overlook Trail
Level road and Cedar lane, follow Cedar lane and it becomes Lewis road which dead ends at the parking area. Just as you are turning into the parking area, you will see the trail head for this hike. Go ahead and park. It's a nice neighborhood but I would still secure your car. There are teens walking around sometimes.
The trail starts off with a nice walk down an old abandoned road. This "road" supposedly takes you to a neighborhood on level road, so that could be a nice walk if you just have walking shoes on, but if you are going to walk the trail, I would suggest at least a mild lug sole shoe. The asphalt here is a little torn up in spots so watch your footing. There are some nice sycamores hidden among the other smattering of trees. I heard at least two woodpeckers and a few other bird calls.
About a half mile up and to the left, the real trail breaks off into the woods. It is a nice path but watch your step. A few loose rocks and roots make for a trip hazard. Twenty five yards of this and it becomes a smooth 18-inch wide dirt path. After another 10 minutes, the trail slightly turns to the right and opens to a nice little camp area with a small fire pit obviously built by kids or hikers, NOT park officials, though the vegetation is cleared out so it looks safe as long as you put it out properly.
So far I haven’t noticed a single blaze on this trail, but it is well worn in so it is easy to follow. It starts a nice descent. Take your time because if it has rained recently, footing will be at a premium. I had to use my Trekking Poles as brakes to stop from skiing down. At the bottom of the hill, you are standing right at Skippack Creek. To the right is a small spring creek and it is the rocks that you need to cross. It is an easy task. You will not even get a wet toe here. Trail splits into three at this point. Take the far right. I heard that the left follows the creek for miles and the middle goes up to a neighborhood on level road.
The trail tightens as you go up this hill, at spots being just a tiny hint of a foot path. The trees and animals with their sounds make this an almost haunted area. It is very enchanted-looking! This part of the trail seems to be about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile, climbing and then descending onto that same small spring or creek, but at this crossing, you will see the coolest remnants of an old stone and concrete dam structure, partly missing so it is no longer holding the water. If you walk up the creek for about 30 yards, you'll find the ruins of a small pump house. These both look very old; I would guess 1800's or early 1900's. Cross the creek and start up a nice climb of a hill. This is a bit slick if your boots are wet so be ready. Another 1/4 mile or so and you are back at the paved road. Turn right to head back to the parking lot, passing the original trail entry point where you first went in. There is also a Geocache on this trail for us cachers "GCY8G6".
This is a short hike that I do on some nights after work. It is a good and fast stress reliever, and a very quiet area. Hope you enjoy it.
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