The woods of St. Peter’s Village are replete with relics of its history as a mining center. The trendy town is now a local hot spot for artistic charm and outdoor adventure.
St. Peter’s Village is tucked in the Hopewell Big Woods of northern Chester County, near French Creek State Park. Ample parking for the trails is located at the northern edge of the town, where French Creek and Mine Run converge. This is a popular spot, so expect company, especially on weekends. Before you embark, be sure to read the information kiosk for the history of St. Peter’s Village.
We crossed the bridge from the parking lot over French Creek and were immediately met with multiple trail options in all directions. We opted to turn right (north) to cross Mine Run over the abundance of boulders. Some sections were so full of boulders that you could hike up the stream without breaking your stride.
We made our way along Mine Run until we met with the old railroad bed and trestle bridge pictured below at 40.18168, -75.73185. You used to be able to walk across the bridge, but now there is a fence in front of it covered with “No Trespassing” signs. We respected the signs and turned west to follow the rail bed.
There is an interesting section where Mine Run percolates through and flows underneath the rocks, an upside-down stream so to speak. Be sure to see the video at the bottom of the post. The woods are thick with ruins and relics of the area’s mining heritage; you would literally trip over them. We took an excursion north from the main railbed trail at 40.17806, -75.74115 to find a quarry and encountered the stone bridge piers below.
After climbing up some small rock cliffs and watching turtles swim in in an old quarry at 40.17870, -75.74472 we returned to the railbed trail and encounter the dilapidated railroad bridge below. Afterward we met up with the Horseshoe Trail and took it west to Tryhall Road. At the road we turned around and travelled back to just before the railroad bridge and followed the Horseshoe Trail up the hill.
Near the top of the hill, we discovered many pit quarries. The area is strewn with split granite. The boulder below and many like it, were started but never finished. I wonder why?
We navigated the network of trails to one of St. Peter’s Village’s landmarks: Mushroom Rock located at 40.17764, -75.73535. There is an enormous amount of graffiti in the woods at St. Peter’s Village and especially in the area of Mushroom Rock.
As we descended east, toward the town, we heard people splashing in the water. As we made our way toward the activity, we encountered piles of black granite. One of the most interesting spots was the hillside below littered with flat split slabs.
The swimming hole was a popular hangout during our visit on a hot and humid summer day.
The rope swing at the swimming hole was another popular attraction.
The plenteous boulders in French Creek just behind the town form a natural obstacle course.
The boulders are even larger downstream of the swimming hole, forming a massive maze for the boulder-scrambling enthusiast to conquer.
Although there are no waterfalls per se at St. Peter’s Village the boulders create some lively cascades.
Be sure to explore the historic town of St. Peter’s Village, now a trendy artsy tourist destination. The Inn at St. Peters Village pictured below was built in 1880 as a weekend retreat. The inn offers casual dining as well as lodging.
Parking is at 40.17984, -75.73201.
Overall, our adventure was about 6 miles, but the abundance of trails plus the Horseshoe Trail (which runs from Valley Forge to the Appalachia Trail at Ft. Indiantown Gap) makes this a highly customizable hike. The Horseshoe Trail is in green on the map below. There are direct routes to the attractions such as the swimming hole and Mushroom Rock.
Although the St. Peter’s Village hiking area isn’t huge (approximately 350 acres), there are many trails for you to chart your own course or simply ramble. We enjoyed the history of the area and the great abundance of ruins and relics. Unfortunately, the area is heavily trafficked, and we are sorry to report that it is heavily littered and graffitied. Like many disturbed terrains in southeastern Pennsylvania, beware of the prolific poison ivy. Much of the trail was quite literally lined with the woeful weed. St. Peter’s Village is worth the visit if you love history and/or boulder scrambles. However, if you are looking for a more scenic hike and natural beauty, there are better places without so much traffic, graffiti, and litter.
While you are in the area, visit the Old Abandoned Route 82: Berks County’s Graffiti Highway
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
