WINTER THAW
March into March on the move
The winter thaw is on the horizon as spring-like days tease us as to what’s to come. As we ride out the final weeks of winter, longer periods of light and warmer temps mean it’s time to get off the couch and head outdoors.
Since winter months typically equate to more sedentary time for many in the cozy indoors, it might take a few attempts to get the whole family in sync as everyone exits from hibernation.
It’s ideal not to come out too strong, as much as you might be excited to dust off the bikes that have been stored in the garage for the past few months. Instead, think baby steps.
First, on an upcoming warm day, head to the park and throw or kick a ball around to get everyone limbered up with some wholesome treats to round out the excursion.
The next time you head out, you can choose a trail you’ve been wanting to explore, but set your watch for 10 or 15 minutes to let you know when it’s time to turn around for a 20-minute or half an hour hike, depending on the age of your children. It’s better to end a hike with kids wanting more than to have them whining the entire time because they were overextended.
After a couple of excursions, your family should be ready for a day to hop on their bikes and venture out on a trail ride.
If you’re stuck on where to head, the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation pinpointed its favorite destinations in and around Pottstown to explore as winter starts transitioning to spring. The health foundation also highlighted the best aspects of each destination to make the most of your excursion. These locations are ideal to get out for the first bike ride of the spring season, take a hike or explore.
MONOCACY HILL RECREATION
AREA» There are miles of trails packed into the reservation, with perimeter loops surrounding the hill, and a trail right through the center of the park that takes you to the summit of Monocacy Hill. This wooded hill is beautiful any time of year, but in the colder months, the leaves fall to reveal incredible vistas of the surrounding area. For more info, including maps and directions, visit the Monocacy Hill Conservation Association’s website.
WARWICK PARK» There are plenty of places to shelter from the winter wind in the valleys of Warwick Park. This gem features trails along the French Creek, through meadows, and into the surrounding forests and hills, and is a great place to explore history
while taking in nature. Whether you’re walking, running, or cycling, the meandering trails in the park offers over four miles of terrain to explore. The area now occupied by the park was a hub of activity throughout the colonial period, producing charcoal to support the region’s iron industry, and signs throughout the park offer a chance to learn more.
POTTSTOWN’S RIVERFRONT PARK» A favorite spot for starting off on an adventure on the Schuylkill River Trail, Pottstown’s Riverfront Park offers a free bike-share program managed by Schuylkill River Greenways. The site of the annual Polar Bear Plunge and Bonfire on New Year’s Day, Riverfront Park is a perennial favorite for festive activity in Pottstown.
FRENCH CREEK STATE PARK» At over 7,000 acres, there’s a lot to see at French Creek State Park, including the 68-acre Hopewell Lake. A true destination for those who love the outdoors, there are over 30 miles of trails within the park for cyclists and hikers, and when the snow covers the trails at French Creek, it’s a perfect spot for cross-country skiing.
THE PERKIOMEN TRAIL» On the eastern side of the Pottstown Area, the Perkiomen Trail links the extensive trails around Green Lane Reservoir to the Schuylkill River Trail 20 miles to the south. Along the way, there are plenty of cultural and historical sites to stop and explore, including the grounds of Pennypacker Mills and the Audubon Center at Mill Grove.
Where to Go?
The Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation offers a very handy Outdoor Activity Finder to enable you to find ideal destinations to suit the activity of focus whether you want to take a walk or run, bike or hike, inline skate or go canoeing.
Outdoor Activity Finder
www.pottstownfoundation.org/mission-healthy-living/outdoor-activity-finder
For more information
Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation www.pottstownfoundation.org Ride a Bike for Free www.schuylkill-river-trail/borrow-a-bike