BACKGROUND
railroad
For decades, the West Chester Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad provided commuter rail service along a 26-mile line from Philadelphia to West Chester. Ownership of the branch passed to Conrail in 1976 and then to SEPTA in 1979. In 1986, SEPTA terminated service beyond the Elwyn Station due to low ridership and deteriorating track conditions. In 2022, SEPTA restored rail service west of Elwyn to a new station in Wawa. Commuter rail service to West Chester was never restored.
In 1996, the West Chester Historic Railroad began operating a scenic excursion train on weekends between West Chester and Glen Mills.
Learn more about the West Chester Historic Railroad
Trail
Idea
Outdoor recreation spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic. With indoor spaces restricted, people looked to nature to clear their minds, adapt their fitness routines, and connect face-to-face with others at a safe distance.
Nick Rickards and his children enjoyed exploring the wooded areas by their home near Bayard Rustin High School. He realized that the rail corridor is a hidden gem. A beautiful stretch of green space wide enough to accommodate the tourist train AND a multi-use trail, building a trail on it would be a win-win he thought. The idea for the Turks Head Trail was born.
Turks Head refers to the original name for West Chester. It was the name of the Inn and Pub that stood at the main intersection of the town when it was unincorporated farmland. The owner named it after pubs in England which have used that name since the times of the Crusades.
PROGRESS
2024: The trail was included in the Chester County Trails Master Plan.
2025: The trail was included in the West Chester Borough's Parks for All: Parks Recreation and Open Space Plan.
Today: Our efforts continue to be focused on moving this concept trail from the idea phase to the feasibility phase. In order to accomplish this goal we are partnering with Chester County and West Chester Borough as well as other groups and supporters. Our immediate goal is to officially prove that this trail is possible through the feasibility study.
Once the official feasibility study is in hand, it will take tremendous public support to continue the effort and move into the planning and design phase. We hope you will do your part and support the Turks Head Trail!
benefits
Trails provide numerous benefits to enhance our quality of life!
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Improve physical and mental health through a connection to nature, stress reduction, and exercise.
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Spark appreciation for nature, conservation and history. They help us understand our place in the world.
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Create accessible public spaces that can foster connection and a sense of community.
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Provide a safe alternative transportation option thereby reducing reliance on cars, lowering fuel costs, and minimizing air pollution.
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Offer free or low-cost recreation options, through the trail itself but also through the many connections to existing parks and recreational facilities.
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Enhance the vitality of local businesses and even increase property values in surrounding areas.