This series of posts on places to hike in and around The Main Line and Chester County can be filled with countless places. I recently moved to West Grove and close by me there is Nottingham County Park, with plenty of space to hike, cook out, and enjoy nature with a pond for fishing and space to ride horses as well. A new PA State park is planned and opening soon Big Elk Creek State Park. But, I cannot miss talking about Valley Forge National Historical Park.Most people have heard of Valley Forge, many erroneously believe a battle was fought there when in fact it was the site of the American Army Camp. Due to a bitterly cold winter and the lack of clothes and shoes many men died. It was here that Washington and his generals forged the American militias into an army to fight the British.... 09/11/2023

Today, I went for a walk, not one of my six mile jaunts, just a short early morning walk as I was meeting a friend for breakfast. As I walked I realized how grateful I am for the day, the wonderful colors along the creek I walk beside.  I was descending a hillside and just stopped and listened to what intially I thought was silence. But heard the crickets and other insects chirpping, then the cooing of a dove. As I stood there I noticed a single leaf floating to the forest floor, swirling around and around and thought it would land lightly, but no, I actually heard it land amid the other leaves.As I continued my walk and was walking home, I heard the water rushing along the creek, gurgling and splashing, the birds singing and trilling in time to the music of the creek. And then my favou... 10/23/2020

Walking this week in Valley Forge I saw this memorial to Patriots of African Descent. Seems such a shame that those patriots of African Descent suffered and fought alongside those who had come from Europe, in the 18th century, but still struggle to have a measure of equality and are still fighting racism today in the 21st century. 06/13/2020

Since our massive thunderstorms last week, we still have people without power, I have walked in Valley Forge a couple of times. Over the weekend I took a long hike along the Schuylkill River and the damage on that trail was unbelievable. It was an effort to get through in places. Not just one tree has come down, in many places these big old trees take out three others on their way down.I met come cyclists who had come over Mount Joy and they said it looked like it had been shelled. My route had taken me back along Valley Creek and there was a section taped off with caution tape as the trees were balancing on each other, not completely down.This morning I took the path up Mount Joy, well frankly it was heartbreaking to see the devastation. I know Bob Crane will probably say this will all... 06/10/2020

Saturday saw some beautiful Spring almost Summer weather visit our area and Valley Forge Park was abuzz with families and couples walking, running, biking and enjoying all the park has to offer. A little while ago an article was published that somewhere in the park several dinosaur fossils from the Triassic period had been found on a path. Hiking so often as I do there I have been keeping my eyes peeled. I thought I knew where but was unable to identify any specific fossils. Till yesterday, when I saw this gentleman explaining to his friend what he was looking at, right in the area I had been expecting. It turned out he was a professor and knew what to look for and could see it when others cannot and walk straight over it.Having at last had a fossil of a foot print of some bird type din... 03/31/2019

At the birth of the nation after a battle at Brandywine where the British relentlessly pushed forward towards Philadelphia the defeated American Colonial Army retreated to Valley Forge to protect the crossings and regroup. It is a famous point in American History. Did the British realize how weak the Americans were and how easily they could have crushed them by bringing them to another fight? The lure of Philadelphia was too great, and while the Americans sheltered and reformed from a rag tag militia into an army. The British entered Philadelphia.Eventually that newly formed army took on the might of an Empire till they withdrew.During that time of shelter at Valley Forge they wintered during one of the coldest spells, the recent snow falls allowed me to get some footage that shows how ... 03/08/2018

However dark life may seem, how storm tossed the waves, remember... This too shall pass and the sun will rise, good times will return, the clouds will part and things will improve. Where ever you are in life I wish you a blessed 2017 filled with all you wish yourself, but most importabtly health, for without that you have nothing, friends and family around you who support and encourage you, amd a dream or goal to pursue that challenges you to grow in this coming year.Photos of the memorial arch at Valley Forge Park 12/31/2016

Is this really cold? What about Valley Forge?I often ask myself when I am complaining inwardly about the cold, "Is this really cold? What about Valley Forge?"I am usually wearing multiple layers of good modern materials designed to keep me warm, decent gloves, solid shoes, a scarf and a hat and coat. Back in the 18th century when the American Colonial Army sheltered in Valley Forge after the Battle of the Brandywine it was cold. Most of the men had threadbare clothing, often no shoes and little or no pay. That was cold, little to keep your spirits up and food was short as well. There was little organization in the army at that time and the whole defence of America almost came to an end. If only the British had realized how bad it was they would have pushed out from Philadelphia and easi... 12/16/2016

I'm thankful for Valley Forge National Park!Being a Brit, I always found it ironic visiting here with my kids and hearing about all the history they were learning and how bad the British were portrayed. But, over the years it has become a favorite place to visit. I love walking here, around the loop, along the river in the woods, there are so many places to enjoy. It helps on bad days to soak in the sunshine, to feel the breeze, look out over the vistas and clear your mind, and just breathe. For this I am thankful that wise men, put this land aside for us to enjoy. Thank you!And to finish it up, here is a short video tour of my favourite place: 11/15/2016

I often walk at Valley Forge National Park, which is a short drive from my home. In the summer it is best to get there early due to the heat. I took this photo early one morning when the mist was still a little evident but had mostly burnt off.It seems ironic when we first moved here from London, England and times were tough we would walk in Valley Forge, the location of The American Revolutinary Army Camp. But the blue skies which are often prevalent where we live lifted our spirits when they wanted to flag. Being so close, it is a great place to walk along the river under the shade of trees and realize how much history lingers in the air. Considering how despondent the army and its commanders were at the time, it is amazing how much this park lifts my spirits. 11/02/2016

Happy Presidents Day Beginning in 1879, this holiday was originally Washington's Birthday and was celebrated on February 22 each year to honor our first President. In the 1970s, the celebration was shifted to the third Monday in February and in the mid 1980s it became more commonly known as Presidents Day. Although intended to be a holiday, today it seems to be more of a commercial event with many stores and businesses remaining open and having special sales. Regardless of how you may celebrate, be sure to take some time to remember it's original purpose and the sacrifices that George Washington and the others in the Revolution made to win our freedom and create this nation. David HenkeLong & Foster Real Estate Inc – Devon, PA/Wilmington, DEOffice: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808www.D... 02/18/2013

Pennsylvania Barn located in Valley Forge Park There are trails around this barn and around the park that are good for hiking and biking. General Henry Knox spent a winter on this farm during the winter of 1777.  Earlier in December he aided Washington in organizing the troops in the December 25th crossing of the Delaware River into New Jersey.   Photo taken at dusk August 2011. Nikon Coolpix 1.22. 08/21/2011

Walking through Valley Forge National Park you can get some really wonderful views. When these flowers bloom the view will be even better. We always think of the winter spent in Valley Forge, but forget much longer was spent there training the Revolutionary Army. You can see examples of cabins throughout the park, but it does not really give the sense of what it must have been like, with so many men, women and probably children running around, horses cantering through to give reports to officers and the continual patrols that were mounted to raise food and keep an eye on the British who were not that far away. Being so close to the Park, the several Main Line neighborhoods allow you to take advantage of the views, the history and the trails throughout the park, whether it is to jog, wa... 06/20/2011

This morning we were up in Valley Forge for a walk, we saw this baby fawn all on it's own, Mom had obviously left, these walkers just could not resist touching which is a shame, as their scent is now on the fawn. No sign of Mom anywhere, when we came back this way the fawn was just curled up at the side of the path waiting for it's mother, sad, but a fact of life. As the park has been conducting a cull on the herd, cannot expect the ranges to care about one baby fawn at the side of a path. 06/18/2011

Valley Forge is minutes from our house. It's beauty often taken for granted, but sometimes an early morning walk just allows you to capture the joy of living so close to something so esoteric, the history, the beauty, the nature. 06/18/2011

Valley Forge Homes for Sale | Valley Forge Homes are a Great Value in Montgomery County Real Estate Are you interested in purchasing Valley Forge Homes? Fill out my form to receive our Free Valley Forge Homes Report Fill out my Wufoo form! Find Valley Forge Homes for Sale | Excellent Facts On Valley Forge Homes Valley Forge is a gorgeous town and is also speedily turning out to be among the most well-liked areas in the Tri County region as more and more young families and individuals buy Valley Forge Homes. Having a populace of estimated at 4350 it offers a superior comfort that's associated with a bigger human population without being too busy, and is home to great schools, widening industry and also superb arts and culture! There is a large market for Valley Forge homes for sale inclu... 02/14/2011

Valley Forge Homes | Very Historically Inspired Real Estate Do you want to know more about this historical community? Valley Forge is a small community located in Schuylkill Township in Chester County. It is one of the most historically rich communities in Pennsylvania. Valley Forge homes are located just minutes from the Valley Forge historical park where the Continental army camped during the Revolutionary War. Many of Valley Forge homes and businesses play off of this historical atmosphere. With large plots of land, close to great surrounding communities and a part of a wonderful school district, Valley Forge homes are in a desirable location. Valley Forge Homes, have you considered looking at one of the many historical Valley Forge homes for sale? The most popular housing style for... 12/09/2010

The National Park Service is offering Free Admission to many of its sites this weekend. It's August as the hot and steamy summer rolls on.  The beach, the mountains, the sports, and the summer chores have all been done but now you are looking for something different before the days of camps, sports, and school return in just a few weeks. Time to take advantage of the FEE FREE National Park Weekend August 14 & 15. During the year the National Park Service offers 5 separate days or weekends when they eliminate their entrance fees to a variety of National Parks across the country.  This upcoming weekend, August 14 and 15, is one of those times and it looks like it should be an excellent weekend to take advantage of this offer. The Philadelphia region has 6 National Park sites as well as Ho... 08/12/2010

Ever since I moved here 20 years ago I have loved Valley Forge. 3700 acres of National Park right on your door step to enjoy, trails to jog, bike or hike hills or along creeks or the Schuykill River. This 10 minute video gives a short tour of the park with some interesting clips from around the park. Hope you enjoy and make a trip, it is well worth it. For more information you can read some of the history on our website.  Valley Forge a short tour produced by Nick Vandekar on WellcomeMat   07/15/2009

Schuylkill Township Chester County Pa Market Report November 2006 Vs 2008* The Real Estate Market Report for Schuylkill Township in Chester County Pa comparison between November 2006 and November 2008 shows two of the three  Supply and Demand indicators for Schuylkill Township dropping. The number of homes for sale, Months Supply of Inventory, is up 103% from 29.5 months to 60 months of inventory. Keep in mind that these numbers for transactions is statistically small. Nevertheless, this looks like the picture of a real estate marketplace waiting for some official good news and a very strong Buyers Market. A good opportunity for those who are qualified and ready. If the median “for sale price” moderated a little more, the Inventory build up would likely start to move. See MainLinePaToda... 12/08/2008