Hike #595; Southern Brandywine Trail

 Hike #595; Southern Brandywine Trail

11/6/11 Brandywine Trail; Downingtown to Talleyville with Jason Kumpas, Amanda Murphy, Jason Itell, Meghan ?, Dale Brandreth, Eric Grelak, "Commando Tom" Petrucci, Laura Allen Cunningham, Jesse Pollack/Dangerfield, Carol and Rob Creamer (and Bruce), Brad Ladutko, Peter Fox, Marissa Rosan, and ?

The group on the tracks beside the Brandywine Trail

My next hike would be quite an interesting route, mostly following the Brandywine Trail between Downingtown and Wilmington DE. On our last trip down, we had covered the entire Brandywine Trail from where it started on the Horseshoe Trail above Ludwig's Corner south to Downingtown. This time we would almost finish that trail heading south. This was a really big deal hike because it would be the first time any of my connected hikes reached into the state of Delaware, the first time below the Mason Dixon Line.

We met in the morning at Brandywine Creek State Park. When we arrived there, the gate was locked, and we all had to congregate at the entrance. A ranger came by and wanted us to move along, but I told him we'd soon be out of there and he was fine with it. Once everyone had arrived, we caravaned out to Rt 202 in an area called Talleyville, at a strip mall with a Subway, Pier 1, and other stores because it would be near where a trail could take us out at the end. Commando Tom and Laura ended up getting a flat tire here, and so they went off to get it fixed, then meet up later. The rest of us took a few cars to Downingtown where we parked at what I think was Kardon Park on Pennsylvania Ave.

The group on Lions Trail, Downingtown PA

This was where we left off on the previous hike to Downingtown. In order to get to the Brandwine Trail we had to walk the Lions Trail from here north a bit. This paved trail went through Kardon Park, past some statues and little ponds before regaining the old railroad bed the Brandywine Trail and Struble Trail follow further north. The theme I had chosen for this hike, just a week after Halloween, was capes. I had worn my black velvet cape a few times now, and decided to get the entire group to do it for fun. Not everyone was in on it, but a few tried to come up with capes. Jason Kumpas had a poncho cut into a cape form, and Amanda and Marissa were using cut shirts as capes. I passed on a giant red and black plaid quilt to Jason Itell who wore it most of the day like a cape.

It was also really great to have Dale Brandreth back out with us. Dale first joined my hikes through Appalachian Mountain Club in 2004, but I had not seen him in years. We both once held the title of top mileage hiker with the group, and both wore beat up old sneakers regularly. He was in his mid seventies at the time, and one of the fastest hikers. He was now about 80, and proved to us he could still handle 23 miles and be right up front the whole time.

Brandywine Trail descending from Rt 282 in Downingtown

The funniest was Brad, who arrived without a cape, and so I made him wear my frankfurter hot dog umbrella I'd carried in the trunk of my car for years, and made Chris Jones wear on a French Creek hike with a muumuu theme (I had miraculously re-acquired the umbrella after leaving it on a mail box because DJ Ray Cordts ended up finding it and bringing it back to me!).

At Norwood Road, we reached the rail bed section of the trail again. Brandywine Trail did no follow Lions Trail, but rather turned right onto Norwood Road. The white blazed trail followed the road out to Rt 282 and then crossed a guide rail and descended to the edge of the Brandywine Creek on steps. I was already really happy to see a nice foot path. The Brandywine Trail ahead would far exceed my expectations. The north section had a lot of road walking, but this section had little and was quite nice.

Brandywine Trail coming into Downingtown

The nice wooded section stayed pretty close to the creek, and then made it's way out to the developed Kerr Park, a mowed lawn area with lots of nice shade trees. Jason K told us as we neared a pavilion that it was the first check station when the Wilmington Trail Club does the entire trail as a through hike.

Brandywine Trail in Kerr Park, Downingtown

Brandywine Trail in Kerr Park

Brandywine Creek

Brandywine Trail in Kerr Park

Brandywine Trail, Kerr Park

Brandywine Trail reaching Pennsylvania Ave from Kerr Park

Pennsylvania Ave bridge along Brandywine Trail, original bridge's stone.

The trail went around the pavilion and then began following a paved pathway. It then crossed a small pedestrian bridge over a tributary and continued parallel with the Brandywine Creek. A lot of the group had already begun to fall behind at this point, and it would remain segmented much of the day.

I believe we passed beneath a bridge for Pennsylvania Avenue, also Rt 282 at this point and continued on as there must have been a transition from Kerr Park to Downingtown Veterans Memorial Park.

The trail weaved around a little bit through the park, and we approached a nice looking concrete arch bridge where Lancaster Avenue, also Rt 30 at this point, crossed the Brandywine Creek. The trail turned off to the left and ascended to the bridge on a nice set of steps, then turned right to cross it. At least I think that was this bridge. Pretty sure.

Brandywine Trail in Downingtown Veterans Memorial Park Park, PA

There was a plaque on the bridge marked 1801, the year of the construction of this bridge's predescessor. I had seen many places in PA where the marble markers of the original bridges were incorporated into the newer ones.

I waited on the bridge for a little bit for the others to catch up. The trail crossed the bridge and then turned left onto another paved path.

Lancaster Ave Bridge, Brandywine Trail route through Downingtown

The paved path passed by buildings and stayed pretty close to the creek. There was an open mowed area to the right, and a few other people around walking dogs and such. We must have looked pretty crazy. I waited up for Jesse who was also wearing a cape as well as a nice blazer, which caught some attention. He also wore an old military style frame pack.

Brandywine Trail in Johnsontown Park, Downingtown PA

Two middle aged black men walking their dogs greeted us happily as we walked, and were blown away that we were walking to Wilmington.

We continued as the trail crossed a small foot bridge over another tributary, and then followed the creek toward a really nice looking stone viaduct.

Brandywine Trail approaching Downingtown viaduct on the "Low Bridge Line"

I could see the nice bridge ahead was an older stone constructed right away, and was very nice. I believe it had four arches. This was now used by SEPTA I believe for commuters, and was once known as the "Low Bridge Line", because there were two significant bridges over the Brandywine, both high and low.

"Low Bridge" in Downingtown on Brandywine Trail

We could see that the old bridge had been refurbished and probably widened, because the north side was nice masonry construction, and the south side was all concrete. In addition, the bridge seemed to have a concrete cap that might have made it higher. I waited until everyone had caught up at this point and we continued on beneath the bridge.

Brandywine Creek dam site

The trail continued on through Johnsontown Park, a much wider park with paved trail following the perimeter. The Brandywine Trail took the left fork and continued along the creek. There was a spot where there might have been a dam on the creek, but now was just rubble causing some retention water.

The trail spat us out onto East Church Street from the park, and continued up to St. Joseph Lane and went left. This road hung a ninety degree angle turn to the right out to Bradford Ave and turned left. We walked on this for a short distance, and the trail turned right onto Glenside Ave.

Culvert on Glenside Ave, Downingtown, with Brandywine Trail turning right.

We approached a culvert underpass below the high grade line just south of Downingtown. I explained to Jesse how the turn blazes worked on trails, the turns and such. We chatted about how when trails follow the roads it's almost like you're following a secret code. The road section didn't last at all very long here, as the Brandywine Trail ascended to the right of the big culvert up the fill.

Brandywine Trail on Downingtown high grade line

I dropped my camera case, and Jesse reached to pick it up for me, but hurt his back, probably because of the giant pack he was wearing. He had to sit down for a moment, but said he'd be fine. We ascended to the right from the culvert. The trail took us through woods, and then turned left when it reached a mowed yard area up to the former railroad bed. We had to wait a bit, but everyone made it up.

Seasonal view of Downingtown from the Brandywine Trail on the high grade line

We began following the rail bed heading east, following the Brandywine Trail blazes. The abandoned rail line even had giant steel poles along it that held overhanging wires. It was strange to see a rail line abandoned that had once been electrified, because we don't see that much. The rail line seemed to split a bit, where the electric line went into a cut, but we followed over to the left, which was more of a shelf allowing for some good seasonal views of Downingtown.

We saw painted out blazes going up hill to the right from the high grade line, but the newer paint took us further along the rail bed, and then began to descend from the right side of it on seemingly an old road way.

Brandywine Trail descending from Downingtown high grade line

Before the hike, I had found a website that was gps tracks, called "America's Running Routes" which gave the track of the entire Brandywine Trail, and an opinion on it. It wasn't an impressive opinion, because it said the trail was mostly roadway or paved. I didn't want to take the website's opinion for that, and found the route shown on it to be rather attractive.

It turned out to be better than I'd thought of course, but things had also changed. The trail no longer followed the same route, which was to head south across Romig Road to Sawmill Road and turn left for a while.

Downingtown High Bridge from Brandywine Trail

As we continued, we could see to our left, to the east, the famous Downingtown High Bridge. This bridge was once part of the Pennsylvania Railroad system, and then Conrail. It was abandoned around 1991. I believe this bridge was constructed in 1904, and Conrail could not find a safe or cost efficient way of tearing it down. It looked like an outstanding bridge, and many of us chatted about crossing it, but we knew we wouldn't have the time.

Downingtown High Bridge from Brandwine Trail

Downingtown High Bridge

Downingtown High Bridge

Downingtown High Bridge from Brandywine Trail

We descended on the trail until it came out on Bradford Ave again, at the intersection with Route 322, Downingtown Pike. We crossed Downingtown Pike and entered a parking area, the beginning of a paved trail. This was of course the new Brandywine Trail. It was obvious this trail section was not very old at all. We had wonderful views of the Downingtown High Bridge as we crossed the road and began on this trail section.

We questioned where we were at first, because Jason K remembered it being different of course. We went back out to the road to make sure there weren't more white blazes, but then noticed one on a fence post along the new trail.

Brandywine Trail in Brandywine Meadows Preserve

Brandywine Creek bridge

The now paved trail passed through some open meadows parallel with the Downingtown Pike. This section was quite heavily used. We passed tons of people all along the route.

This section was called the Brandywine Meadows Preserve I would find out later from a map. The trail seemed to get further from the road, and then a bit closer before turning sharp left and crossing the Brandywine Creek on a very new elaborate foot bridge.

Brandywine Trail crossing it's namesake creek

We crossed over the bridge, and soon on the other side there was a side trail that broke off to the right. There was a white turn blaze leading to the left as well, so I decided it would be smart to investigate, to make sure we were staying on the right path. The trail forked up there, and one went up hill while the other turned right parallel with the paved route. I could see a painted out turn blaze, and determined that this was once the Brandywine Trail, but that it was moved to the paved path. They had simply missed painting out the turn blaze.

Brandywine Trail

Brandywine Trail at Harmony Hill

I waited to make sure no one made the wrong turn, and we continued along the paved path heading south. This section seemed to go on for quite a while. A couple of side trails broke off to the left as we walked. It turned out the Brandywine Trail skirted the west side of a place called Harmony Hill Nature Preserve, with many trails. I'd have to come back to do more exploring.

Harmony Hill Nature Preserve map

Brandywine Trail vicinity map at Harmony Hill

When we reached Harmony Hill Road, there was a trail head where they had maps of the system. While walking just north of here, there was a side trail that turned off, with a sign that read "East Branch of the Brandywine Trail". I wondered if this was because it was the east trail itself, or if we were actually following the east branch of the Brandywine Creek. I'm not sure...

Two maps were shown at the Harmony Hill kiosk. One read "East Branch of the Brandywine Trail" and showed the route we had followed as well as the side trails in dotted lines. Another seemed to be simply an inset that mainly showed the Harmony Hill Nature Preserve. I then wondered if this section of trail was called the "east branch" while the original route was still used. After all, the original trail would have rejoined at Harmony Hill Road. Still not sure.

Gibson's Covered Bridge at Harmony Hill

The coolest thing about this road crossing was the old Gibsons Covered Bridge, also called Harmony Hill Covered Bridge. It was built in 1872 and repaired in 1999 according to on line resources. I went up to take pictures of it, and a few ladies said that it was destroyed, washed down stream, and that it was just a replacement. I believe they have to use as many original parts to these bridges as possible when they are repaired, but I'm not sure. There was reportedly a new steel substructure added to support vehicles. Not sure much of he other history of it though.

The group resting at Harmony Hill, Brandywine Trail

We took a little break here before moving on. The trail beyond this point remained paved, continuing south along the Brandywine Creek, sometimes higher above it. This section seemed to have a sort of line up the center of it, unlike the previous section. We had a nice view of Gibsons Covered Bridge as we continued.

Gibson's Covered Bridge from Brandywine Trail

Brandywine Trail south of Harmony Hill

Brandywine Trail south of Harmony Hill

Rock outcrop on Brandywine Trail

Brandywine Trail south of Harmony Hill

No one felt like going to walk through the bridge but me this time, but it's understandable because we had such a long way to go.

The trail continued on, and I remember thinking that it was very much like a rail trail, but that it did make some slight ups and downs that just didn't make sense for a railroad to be doing. I figured it could have been an older one that had been flooded out, or some of it's character was lost in the regrading and rehabilitation for the trail. It even went through a substantial little cut.

After the hike was over, I realized what it most likely was: a trolley right of way. Downingtown once had a trolley, and I know it followed the Brandywine Creek for a bit south of town. There is even a road called "Old Trolley Road" following the creek north of where the paved section starts. That must have been it.

We continued as the trail made it's way high above the creek for a while, then descended until we reached Downingtown Pike again. The Pike made a sharp turn and crossed Brandywine Creek about where the paved trail ended.

Brandywine Creek from the trail on Downingtown Pike

Brandywine Trail turned right and I believe the bridge had a small pedestrian walkway. We crossed for a good view of the creek, then crossed Downingtown Pike directly. We continued along the road ahead until we reached the intersection with Waltz Road.

Brandywine Trail along Downingtown Pike

Brandywine Trail on Waltz Road

Brandywine Trail on Waltz Road

Ruins of a possible mill

Possible mill ruins off Waltz Road

The trail made a left turn onto Waltz Road. This was a very nice old dirt road, so it wasn't even like we were doing a road walk section. I always welcome road walks like this. It keeps things interesting. So far, we had already gone from paved path, to foot path, to mowed turf, railroad beds, and paved streets. A dirt road just added to the already diverse mix.

As we walked, the road gained a bit of elevation from the Brandywine Creek. At this point, we spotted an old masonry frame structure off to the left of the road. We assumed this was probably an old mill site. I couldn't find anything on it when I looked it up.

Possible mill ruins off Waltz Road, Brandywine Trail

Brandywine Trail on Waltz Road

I didn't see any sign of a mill race on either side of the old building, but it was close enough to the flood plain that there could easily have been one that washed away. The structure had both north and south walls still standing, with the west wall completely collapsed and the east wall somewhat standing. A couple of window areas were still visible on that side, but they'd soon deteriorate.

Brandywine Creek from the trail on Waltz Road

We passed through an opening with a power line going over head as we crested the top of a very small hill, which afforded us views of the Brandywine Creek up stream. We made a corner and continued through a mostly undeveloped area.

Brandywine Trail on Waltz Road

The nice road headed down hill into a pleasant valley area, and then began to ascend a bit more slightly, and there was some pavement under some of the dirt. It appeared it was paved once, but minimal patch work was done since that time. The road took us out to Telegraph Road, a paved but very small road.

Jesse, Carol, Rob, and Brad were falling a bit behind, so we waited a bit for them to catch up at this spot. We moved on for a bit after we could see them.

Brandywine Trail on Waltz Road

We turned left on Telegraph Road and began heading down hill slightly. We left the fields and entered an area of woods. As we headed down, Jason spotted some bamboo, and he looked rather funny trying to bust off a piece for himself, because he was wearing that giant red and black plaid quilt. He must have looked like a homeless person or something looking for his shelter for the night.

Jason messing with Bamboo on Telegraph Road section of Brandywine Trail

We continued down Telegraph Road until we came to Strasburg Road. This road was an early colonial route that followed an even earlier Native American Path as early as 1620. Wagons, the first to be known as "Conestoga Wagons" first used this route starting in 1714. It was improved over the years and finally opened as the Strasburg Road, from Philadelphia to Strasburg in Lancaster around 1790. The trail turned left briefly on this historic road.

1807 Brandywine Bridge from Brandywine Trail

The trail made a right turn up a driveway here, so we stopped to take a break at a beautiful three stone arch bridge over the Brandywine Creek. Known as the Brandywine Bridge, spanning the East Branch of the creek, it is one of the two oldest bridges in Chester County, and considered to be one of the most historic bridges in the United States. Built in 1807, it is a rare example of a surviving bridge constructed prior to 1850, and retaining historic integrity. The area were were now in was known as the "Taylor-Cope Historic District".

We waited for the others to catch up, resting on the nice walls that approached the bridge.

Brandywine Trail on a driveway, Taylor-Cope Historic District

Brad along Brandywine Trail

Brandywine Trail in rural southern Chester County.

After everyone had caught up, we continued along the trail beside the driveway. The area was marked private property, but the blazes went right through. The driveway stayed on a high shelf above the creek with a nice fence along that side.

We continued on this until the driveway made a sharp turn right. The trail turned left at a fence post into some woods.

Brandywine Trail descending to the creek

Brandywine Trail south of Taylor Cope Historic District

Brandywine Trail, Stroud Water Research Center

The trail was again a nice foot path. It descended steeply down a slope below the driveway, and then turned left through a flood plain next to a small spring. We crossed the spring on a couple of boards and entered a wide open field, part of the Stroud Water Research Center.

Brandywine Trail, Stroud Water Research Center

Brandywine Trail, Stroud Water Research Center

Brandywine Trail, Stroud Water Research Center

View from Brandywine Trail from Stroud WRC

Brandywine Trail, Stroud WRC

Brandywine Trail, Stroud WRC

Brandywine Trail, Stroud WRC

Brandywine Trail, Stroud WRC

Big Sycamore along Brandywine Trail at Stroud WRC

Brandywine Trail, Stroud WRC

The field was beautiful, and I was happy to see that the trail was still constantly changing.

The Stroud Water Research Center is a place focused on research and education regarding fresh water. According to their website, it was started in the Stroud family garage in 1967 and has grown into an incredible organization. The property has an education center which incorporates the masonry from an old barn, and has a laboratory in a cabin built in 1710! It was a shame we didn't get to see these structures, but we had a long day ahead of us even at this point.

The trail continued across the field, staying close to the Brandywine Creek. It was barely even recognizable as a trail because it was so little used. We had occasional white paint blazes along the edge. Across the creek, we could see an historic stone building and lovely fields as well. The fields to our right were fantastic, with rolling hills that continued to look different as we moved on.

When the field seemed to end, there was a giant bent Sycamore tree which was tempting me to climb it, but I held back so we could continue on. The trail turned at the field edge to skirt it to the right. I was a bit relieved because I figured this would give everyone the chance to cut the corners and catch up a bit. This was not to be the case though.

In Stroud Water Research Center property

Farms of the Stroud WRC

Stroud WRC

Stroud WRC

Much of the group was ahead of me, and they seemed to be stopping at the field's edge for reasons I did not yet know. This was the "wet area" Jason Kumpas had told me about years ago, when I had first met him in early 2004. I remembered clearly how he said that probably wouldn't bother me, but that you have to deal with finishing the hike with wet feet.

The grass became greener in the area, and many of us scouted for potential dry routes around the wetness. I think only Pete was able to find a dry alternative by staying further to the east from the rest of us.

Brandywine Trail, Stroud Water Research Center

Once we got through the west stuff, we came out onto a wide gravel path where the trail turned right. There was a parking area further out to the left, and there were a lot of people walking by us. Some of them commented about us walking through the water, or getting off of the trail. It was not at all apparent that this was actually the Brandywine Trail route where we came out, especially considering how developed this section was.

Brandywine Trail near West Chester PA

Once everyone was out of the muck, we followed the trail to the right. It didn't last on this open and developed path way for very long before making a sharp left turn along the edge of another field. There was a sign to the right which read "trail closed" but we chose to believe it was referring to a mowed path that went up hill to the right, since it looked as though it was getting destroyed by horses.

Brandywine Creek near West Chester PA

At the end of the field, the trail turned left into the woods. This was a very nice section which soon made it's way to the edge of the Brandywine Creek again. They must not have gotten the snow we'd gotten up north in this area, because there were hardly any trees down blocking our way.

Brandywine Trail north of Allerton Road

The trail exited the woods and began following the edge of a field, next to the creek also. I don't recall seeing anyone on this stretch of trail either. It was quite lovely, and might have been totally on private land already, as there were no signs for the Stroud Water Research Center.

Along Brandywine Trail near West Chester

As we walked along the edge of the field, we only saw one sign that looked to be directed at visitors, but it was laying on the ground. We continued along the path as it soon began to skirt a field with a substantial looking electric fence to the right. I wouldn't dare touch this one because the wire used was probably twice the gauge of electric fencing I'm used to seeing.

Allerton Road Bridge, Brandywine Trail

Allerton Road Bridge, WestBrandywine Trail

Jefferis Ford historic marker along Brandywine Trail

The trail came out on Allerton Road. There was a "no trespassing" sign where we came off, so we were definitely in private land for the latter section here. The trail turned left on Allerton Road and crossed a beautiful old Pratt through style truss bridge across Brandywine Creek. This bridge was originally built in 1905, but was moved to this site in the 1950s. Not sure where it originally came from.

We crossed the bridge and took a break to wait for the others to catch up.

Allerton Rd Bridge, East Bradford Twp. PA

This site was also called Jefferis Ford. During the American Revolution, around the Battle of Brandywine in 1777, it was at this site that Cornwallis' army forded the Brandywine Creek. There was a sign on the east side marking this. There are many online resources detailing the events associated with this as well.

Brandywine Trail in East Bradford Twp.

Jason K determined we might have fourteen more miles from this location, quite a bit. Jesse caught up and we were soon off from the bridge out Allerton Road. Just before reaching North Creek Road, the trail turned right into a section of woods parallel with the road for some time.

Seasonal view into Brandywine Valley from the trail.

Brandywine Trail, East Bradford Twp.

Along Brandywine Trail high above Rt 842.

The trail turned away from the creek, staying more close to the road, and then made a left to cross Rt 892, South Creek Road, at it's intersection with Blue Rock Road. We headed up hill on it rather steeply. Someone, I think maybe Dale or Jason, told me this would be the steepest climb on the entire Brandywine Trail. I was surprised to see the trail go up this at all, because by doing so it missed out on Shaw's Bridge Park along the creek itself, where a developed trail exists.

The trail afforded us a seasonal view out into the valley, and continued on the hillside's edge until we came out to a field.

Brandywine Trail near West Chester and Blue Rock Rd

Field scene along Brandywine Trail, near West Chester

We couldn't figure out at first where the trail went. There were no posts or blazes except for one that pointed us to the left from the edge of the field. It definitely didn't stay on the field, and it didn't go right because we could see houses and back yards ahead. Then again, this trail did some weird things. Fortunately, the guys found a blaze by walking straight out into the field just a few feet to where a fence post was visible with a blaze. We walked to the wooden fence and turned left following it.

Brandywine Trail parallel with Ridge Haven Road.

The trail crossed through the fence to follow the right side, but then soon seemed to switch sides again. We were close to the back yards of the homes on Ridge Haven Road, but soon we found additional "walking trail" markers along the edges of the fence in addition to the white Brandywine Trail blazes.

View along Brandywine Trail near Blue Rock Road

After our steep climb, the trail started going down hill, and there were some nice views off to the left of the fields and such. Soon, the trail came out onto Blue Rock Road where it turned right. As we turned Jesse texted me, having found his way to the field, but didn't see where we'd gone. I gave him directions, and expected to see  him very soon. He told me he needed to take a break, and that he'd try to catch up.

Brandywine Trail coming out to Blue Rock Road

We followed Blue Rock Road to the right, and then the road made a left turn and continued to head gradually down hill. I talked to Jesse on the phone, and he couldn't figure out where to go based on what I'd told him. I ended up talking to him a few times up ahead, but he couldn't figure out where it was. This time, I thought he had it, because I think I remember him telling me he found a white blaze.

Brandywine Trail on an old road, looking south from St. Finegan Drive

The trail followed Blue Rock Road to it's end, at the intersection of St. Finegan Drive in a quiet residential area. It continued across the street onto a path going straight, parallel with a small tributary to the left of it. We continued heading down the trail from here.

Brandywine Trail on abandoned continuation of Blue Rock Road

The trail was actually an abandoned road, probably the continuation of Blue Rock Road. From the intersection, it would have gone straight on. Now, there were homes above us on either side of the small tributary. The road was still paved, but had not been used in some time.

Brandywine Trail above Lenape Forge

The trail continued down hill until it came out onto South Creek Road and turned left briefly. We turned off of the road very quickly past a giant Sycamore Tree into the driveway to a small park with ball fields.

Brandywine Trail near Lenape Forge

Brandywine Trail coming out to Riverbend Lane

Commando Tom and Laura were waiting for us somewhere in this vicinity, so we would need to find them. The trail followed the dirt road along the left side of multiple fields, with at least four soccar games going on at once. We passed through some tree cover, and then skirted a field on the left with soccar fields to the right. A few cars used the roadway for access for parking to the right. The dirt road continued out through a line of trees and then joined a gravel driveway known as Riverbend Lane.

Lenape Bridge along Brandywine Trail

The trail came out to the main road, I think Creek Road, and turned right for a short bit, and then turned to the right into what appeared to be a small park area on the right where there were countless corvettes on display, some sort of car show going on, with a DJ playing music, and lots of vendors. In retrospect I should have gotten some food. This area was called Brandywine Picnic Park.

Lenape Bridge from Brandywine Trail, Brandywine Picnic Park

We had to jump a fence to get in along the trail route, and crossed the lot past all of the corvettes. We met up with Commando Tom and Laura here, as well as another of Jason Kumpas's friends. Once we had regrouped, we had to look around for the Brandywine Trail blazes. What might have normally been easy was tough with all of the people walking around, and corvettes with open hoods everywhere.

We soon found it, and were able to walk out of the festivities and out to the edge of the creek where the trail ascended onto the bridge to cross.

The Lenape Bridge, of Lenape Forge PA, the village we were now in, was built in 1912 and was quite an impressive structure. Multiple arches spanned a wide area and crossed the Brandywine.

We crossed, and the Simon Pearce restaurant on the left was closed. We then passed the former West Chester Street Railway power house. Not sure where the trolley went all the way through, but we must certainly have been on a bit of it earlier in the day.

The trail followed the road and soon turned left onto Pocopson Road, a nice back road.

Brandywine Trail parallel with Pocopson Road

Jason K commented on how this was one of the worst sections of the hike because it was such a long road walk, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that much of this had been eliminated as well with the recent construction of a walkway off to the right of the road, paved with fencing along it.

Brandywine Trail near Pocopson PA

The paved trail route turned away, but we continued on a gravel path which continued to parallel Pocopson Road and followed the berm of a retention pond for a newer development. The parallel trail ended at some sort of access road.

Old caboose at Ace Hardware, Pocopson PA

I talked to Jesse on the phone, and he had made a wrong turn, or made the right turn possibly, but either way had a land owner come out and yell at him. He had turned back and couldn't figure out where he was. I told him to go back to the road and start walking south until he got to the corvettes

We crossed Pocopson Road and stopped by an Ace Hardware store in the village of Pocopson where I got a Twix bar and a bag of Herrs Sour Cream and Onion potato chips. I was starving by this point and was glad to have just about anything!

Old Pocopson railroad station from Brandywine Trail

In front of the hardware store were a few old railroad cars, from the Pennsylvania Railroad, and two others. One bore an original railroad company name, and the other was painted with new Ace Hardware advertisements.

Across, near the railroad crossing with Rt 926 was what appeared to be the old Pocopson Railroad Station. This was a rather strange looking station because it looked like it was originally intended to double as a residence (it was obviously used as a home now).

View along Brandywine Trail, Pocopson PA

Along Brandywine Trail, Pocopson PA

View along Brandywine Trail south of Pocopson PA

The Brandywine Trail continued along Pocopson Road heading south, parallel with the creek through beautiful farm lands. We crossed over a small tributary creek and began to gain a bit of elevation as the road turned away from the creek yet again. Jason was going to walk the railroad tracks, but when he saw the road turning away, he opted not to. It probably would have worked out better for him, because now I see the railroad cut a corner.

We got up in the field parallel with the road to the left for a bit because walking on the road is just too hard on the feet. It actually worked out pretty nicely, and made the walk much more pleasant.

Brandywine Trail on Brinton's Bridge Road

Railroad tracks next to Brandywine Trail and Brinton's Bridge Road

An old bridge site over Brandywine Creek between Pocopson and Chadds Ford.

Pocopson Road came to an intersection with Brinton's Bridge Road, where we turned left; another little used back road where we saw almost no traffic. The road descended for a bit and soon came close to the railroad tracks again. Rather than walk on the road, a lot of us got over on the railroad tracks for a bit to change things up.

We continued as Brinton's Bridge Road started to head up hill rather steeply away from the railroad tracks to the right. This afforded us a view of the creek and abutments from where another bridge used to span the creek.

Brandywine Trail below Brinton's Bridge Road

Brandywine Trail along fields north of Chadds Ford

Brandywine Trail north of Chadds Ford

Brandywine Trail north of Chadds Ford

Brandywine Trail at Chadds Ford School

Just past the view, the trail turned off of the road as a foot path to the left. It was quite nice, and it descended a bit closer to the railroad tracks again.

We followed the trail out through the woods to another open field like we had been in before. The trail continued along the left edge of the field, still remaining close to the tracks. When the fields ended, the trail again entered more woods and remained next to the railroad tracks, this time as a rather wide woods road.

We eventually came out into a mowed field, the north end of the grounds of Chadd's Ford Elementary School. The trail followed the left side of this, and skirted some ball fields. We then descended a hill in front of the school toward Rt 1.

Brandywine Trail at Chadds Ford School

Fairville Road unconventional steps along Brandywine Trail

When we reached Rt 1, the Brandywine Trail crossed directly and then began to follow Fairville Road. There was a nice stone wall on the right side of the road, and at one point there were stones jutting out of it like they were intended to be steps. We couldn't see any foundations of houses or anything, but it was still pretty interesting looking. We continued on as Fairville road began to turn south again parallel with the creek.

Northern terminus of Mason Dixon Trail, on Brandywine Trail, Chadds Ford PA

As we walked a short distance further down the road, we came to a sign denoting the eastern terminus of the Mason Dixon Trail, one of the next long distance trails I'd been wanting to tackle. For a time, the Brandywine and Mason Dixon Trails are co aligned. We followed the two trails from here south.

Brandywine/Mason Dixon Trail at Chadds Ford

Laura and Tom on Brandywine/Mason Dixon Trail

Along Brandywine and Mason Dixon Trails

I believe the two trails passed a business and maybe crossed a set of railroad tracks before turning left off of Fairville into the woods. The trails took us somewhat up hill on a well cut path, and then descended yet again down toward the Brandywine Creek.

The sun was getting much lower in the sky, and I wanted to get to at least the Delaware state line before dark. I had thought it was much closer to Chadds Ford than it really was.

Brandywine and Mason Dixon Trail boardwalk

We soon reached the railroad tracks again, and crossed them at grade. On the other side was a long, wide wetland. There was a nice narrow board walk across the wetland constructed by volunteers of Mason Dixon Trail and Wilmington Trail club.

Brandywine and Mason Dixon Trail boardwalk

Brandywine/Mason Dixon Trail

We crossed over the board walk, which changed from being two parallel two by fours to horizontally placed smaller boards further out. We then reached the edge of the Brandywine Creek and headed through an extremely beautiful section with grasses and low shrubs.

Brandywine and Mason Dixon Trail

Brandywine and Mason Dixon Trail on the tracks south of Chadds Ford

Pyle's Twin Bridge

We continued on the trail ahead, and passed by a couple walking the trail. The woman was drinking a glass of wine as she walked. I laughed and said "you have the right idea!". We chatted for a bit, and the guy was very surprised not only to see us out there, but to hear of the distance we were walking. He told us we were in for a treat ahead, an that the section was very nice. He also told us there was an incredible house we'd love when we saw it. I honestly don't remember seeing anything too spectacular, but oh well.

The trail continued along the creek until there was a tributary that would be too tough to cross. It then turned right up to the railroad tracks, and followed them surprisingly, for a short distance. It then turned right off of them, and onto the end of Stabler Road. It didn't really follow the road, but rather turned left onto a farm road parallel with the railroad tracks.

In a very short distance, the blue blazed Mason Dixon Trail broke away to the right, and we continued straight on the Brandywine Trail. It continued on the farm road as it left the fields and stayed in woods parallel with the tracks until we came to a giant concrete arch bridge.

Concrete Creek Road bridge over the tracks and Brandywine Creek

The bridge carried creek road over the Brandywine Creek and the railroad tracks. The Brandywine Trail passed beneath the bridge next to the tracks, turned away from the tracks the same as the road did, but then turned right via a foot path to ascend to Creek Road.

Brandywine Creek from Creek Road Bridge

Brandywine Creek from Creek Road Bridge

Brandywine Trail view from Creek Road Bridge

We crossed the creek and the tracks on the giant concrete bridge, which offered us some really nice views both up and down the creek, and of the farmland surrounding us. We waited for some of the others to catch up a bit from on top of the bridge.

On the other side, a gated private road off to the right, called Rocky Hill Road was the route of the trail. I didn't want to hang out in front of that gate for too long, so we hurried on through. Some of the others were still behind, but they caught up quick.

Creek Road Bridge from Brandywine Trail

All of the houses back this drive sat far back away from the roadway. They all looked very nice, and probably cost a fortune. We got a good view of the concrete bridge we'd crossed from back in this section.

The trail followed the driveway beside fields until it came to a fork, and then turned to the right more.

Amazing creek view from Brandywine Trail near Rocky Hill Rd

Brandywine Creek

Cuteness

View along Brandywine Trail

Brandywine Trail just north of the state line

Brandywine Trail view

Along the Brandywine Trail

Once we had all regrouped, we continued on along the trail, which stayed somewhat near to the creek, but continued to gain elevation. It also entered woodland from the more pastoral setting we had just been in. It was going to get dark fast, so we continued on.

The trail eventually came out to another open field near a power line right of way, with some more nice pastoral views. The trail kept to a gravel farm road in some trees heading up hill a bit more to a larger farm road where it turned right. It then made an abrupt right turn down hill along the edge of a field. I drew some arrows onto the gravel driveway pointing to the right for those who were behind.

Brandywine Trail just north of DE state line.

View along Brandywine Trail just north of the state line

Brandywine Trail just north of the DE state line

Brandywine Trail steps north of state line

Brandywine Trail just north of the DE state line

Brandywine Trail just north of the DE state line

The trail headed through a line of trees and out onto another farm road. It turned right briefly as I recall, and then left along another field heading sort of down hill toward the creek. When we got near the edge of the creek, the trail turned left into the woods, and then crossed over a small tributary with little stone steps descending to it's one side. Carol was ahead and was worried because she had the remote to Bruce's electric leash, and Rob was a bit further back, but everything was fine.

The trail continued on from here with a steep slope to the left, and a nice foot path along the creek heading down stream. We passed by an interesting chapel building atop the bluff, and I think it was maybe Eric that went up to have a closer look at it, but I can't remember for sure. It was getting even darker by this point.

Giant tree along Brandywine Trail near the state line

Smith's Covered Bridge, PA/DE state line

We continued on the trail until it took us out with some nice small stone steps to Smith's Covered Bridge. Unfortunately, this was not an "original" covered bridge. The original one was burnt down by vandals around Halloween 1961, nearly fifty years ago, and had to be rebuilt. I'm not sure if any of the original wood is in the current structure. The original bridge was built in 1839. I was upset I couldn't get any really good pictures of it because it was so dark when we arrived.

Smith's Covered Bridge, PA/DE state line

Historic marker at Smith's Covered Bridge

We crossed over Smith's Bridge Road, and the Brandywine Trail headed south along the creek following Brandywine Creek Road. There was a rather humorous sign along the road right where we got on it where people have made it as if a camel was killed by a DUI driver.

Oh no, not another camel!! At Smith's Bridge and Brandywine Creek Road, Brandywine Trail

The trail followed the road across a small tributary, then turned right into a grassy picnic area, part of Brandywine Creek State Park, where I wanted to reach before dark. We'd just barely done it. We followed the trail along the creek to the south, and then it came out to the road again and crossed with a crosswalk. It continued further south, and when the road turned away to the east, the trail followed what appeared to be the former road abandonment along the creek.

Since the former road was so wide, hiking it was pretty easy. We continued walking and soon reached Rt 92. Brandywine Trail turned right off the road, and passed beneath 92, but we crossed directly. We would come back and do the last section of Brandywine Trail another time, as we had very little left of it to finish.

We stayed on what google maps called Piken Creek Road, a former roadway through the park, south of Rt 92. We stopped when we got to Rocky Run Trail, the second trail to break away heading up hill to the left. Rob and Brad did not catch up, so Kumpas went back looking for them. Rob had twisted his ankle, and so Brad stayed with him, and one of us would pick them up when we finished the hike. Rob kept Bruce with him.

The rest of us then made the left turn off of the Brandywine heading up hill into Brandywine Creek State Park. It had gotten pretty dark, but before we finished with this trail, the almost full moon lit the way and we could see pretty well despite the dark.

The trail began to level off, and soon we came out to the trail head on Garden of Eden Road.

Coming off a trail in Brandywine Creek State Park to Garden of Eden Road

I wonder if it was a nudist neighborhood....

Anyway, we followed Garden of Eden Road out to Rt 202, and then turned right. We made our way south along the highway in the town of Talleyville and soon reached the parking area where we had left the cars earlier.

We worked out shuttling people back to their cars, and who was to rescue who, and it all worked out. Rob and Brad were retrieved right away, and I got Jesse.

I thought this was a fantastic, diverse hike, and I'd accomplished for the first time connecting my previous hikes with the state of Delaware. Maybe I was so happy because of the building, having had Jason tell me all about this trail back in early 2004. Maybe it was because it was a new state, and opening up my trips to new exciting trail systems. Truthfully, it was all of this in addition to it being a really diverse route I never got the chance to be bored with.

Thanks everybody who was familiar with the area to help make it work out so well!