Union Canal Trail in Wyomissing

On the next beautiful day—spring, summer or fall—consider checking out the Union Canal Trail in Wyomissing, about 30-40 minutes from Lancaster city. The trail is perfect for both biking and walking.

You can ride the trail for as short or as long as you’d like. We had our three kids with us and decided to go at a leisurely pace. We parked at Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, although you could also park at the Red Bridge or other parts of the trail along the old canal.

The trail is along the canal that originally connected the Susquehanna River (at Middletown) to the Schuykill River (at Reading)! The canal was operated from 1828-1884. Remains of the tow path can be seen along the Tulpehocken Creek—we stopped and checked it out and found some unique wildlife including two large snakes!! The older I get the more history fascinates me!!!!

As we rode along the trail, we saw some really unique architecture and old buildings, rode across a covered bridge, and enjoyed the old buildings at Grings Mill including, my kids favorite, the “waterfall under the bridge” (you kind of have to go to understand what I mean by that . . . they would have played Pooh sticks there forever I think 😂).

The trail was mostly flat and is an easy trail for families. We did cross the road once but you wouldn’t have to go that far. I think we biked about 4 miles out and then turned around before we headed back to Gring’s Mill. Friends of ours were there the same day and biked a lot further, all the way to Blue Marsh Lake. They were with kids too.

On our return trip to Gring’s Mill, we decided to take a “short cut” off-road trail. The kids had a ton of fun with it—and I think my hubby and I did too. It was a very simple version of mountain biking, but more exciting for the kids than riding on pavement. We recommend trying it!

On the way back we also explored the red covered bridge, and even rode our bicycles through it. So much fun!!

Please know that pets are prohibited on this trail (however, we will note that we did see several people walking their dogs before we saw the no pets allowed sign).

At Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, there is a beautiful bridge you cross and below it, there is a nice entry point for wading in the water on a hot summer day.

We had a fabulous time on the Union Canal Trail, and decided that it would be a great idea to pick a trail like this one and ride it in each season, to see how the views change. Perhaps you’d like to do that too!

Directions to Gring’s Mill Recreation Area & The Union Canal Trail

From Lancaster, take Route 222 east towards Reading. Follow Route 222 north, but get off at the very first exit and turn right at the Penn State Berks campus. Make the first right and it’s not far down the road on your left. See the map below.