For history buffs, it doesn’t get any better than the 8.7-mile, paved Joseph Plumb Martin (JPM) Trail. Located in Valley Forge National Historical Park, the site of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army, walkers and cyclists can immerse themselves in history while enjoying a picturesque route that follows rolling hills set amongst fields and forests. Along the trail find several monuments, re-created military structures, and historic buildings. This fee-free park has almost two million visitors annually and offers a variety of events and activities to appeal to all ages and interest levels. The inner 5-mile loop runs along historic encampment lines and is easily accessible from the main visitor center parking lot. The JPM trail also has spur connections to several other park trails that permit bicycles, such as the Chapel Trail, Valley Creek Trail and, on the other side of the Schuylkill River, the River Trail. If on foot, the JPM trail connects to the Mount Joy Trail, the Mount Misery Trail, and a variety of mown trails that run through and along tall grass meadows. The JPM Trail also offers easy access to regional trails like the Schuylkill River Trail, Audubon Loop Trail, and the Perkiomen Trail on the north side of the Schuylkill River, and the Horseshoe Trail on the south side of the Schuylkill.  For more information about the park and on-site trails, click here.

Photo: nps.gov