Exton · outdoor
Chester Valley Trail
Eighteen miles of paved, flat trail means you pick your distance — babies in strollers, toddlers on balance bikes, older kids on their own wheels. The Exton Park section is the best starting point for families: easy parking, bathrooms, and a playground right there if you need to cut it short.
Source record checked 2026-09-01
Chester Valley Trail runs 18 miles from Exton through Malvern and beyond, following a converted rail corridor with gentle grades and consistent pavement. For families it's ideal precisely because it's boring in the best way — flat, safe, and long enough that you can go as far as the kids can handle and no further. Strollers work well, bikes and scooters work great, and there's no traffic to worry about. The Exton Park end has bathrooms and a playground, which gives you a natural turnaround point with a reward at the end.
Know before you go
Restrooms and a water fountain (with a pet-friendly water station too) are at the Exton County Park trailhead, but restrooms there run seasonally, so check before you count on them in winter. Parking is free at both the Exton Park and Church Farm Lane trailheads, and leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.
- Address
- 132 Church Farm Ln, Exton, PA 19341
- Hours
- Daily 8a–sunset
- Parking
- The Exton Park trailhead off Park Road has a large lot and is the easiest family entry point. The Church Farm Lane trailhead also works but has less amenity. Both are free.
- Crowds
- Weekend mornings from April through October are popular — expect company but the trail is wide enough that it never feels crowded. Weekday mornings are very quiet. Winter use drops significantly.
- Good for
- Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, Kids, Tweens, Teens
- Type
- outdoor
Know before you go
- Restrooms
- Seasonal
- Stroller-friendly
- Yes
- Parking
- Free
- Water fountain
- Yes
- Dogs
- Yes
- Drive time
- ~15 min from West Chester
- Drive time
- ~5 min from Exton
- Drive time
- ~15 min from Downingtown
Sources: chesco.org, chesco.org, westwhiteland.org
Make this plan work for your family
Check current opening information before leaving. Need a different kind of outing?
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