Union Canal Towpath is a level biking and hiking trail that follows the Tulpehocken Creek for 4.2 miles between Rebers Bridge and the Stonecliffe Recreation Area. The gravel path is suitable for hybrid bikes; road bikers might find it slippery.

Start at Rebers Bridge by crossing Plum Creek over a historical truss bridge (Rush’s Mill Bridge, relocated here in 1980), and continue downstream. The beautiful tree-lined path winds along the banks, passing historical structures dating from when the trail was a towpath along the 79-mile Union Canal. Wertz’s Covered Bridge area , about 1.9 miles from Rebers Bridge, is an interpretive center (fee charged), a great place to learn about Berks County history, including a museum devoted to the history of canals, as well as a gristmill and wagon works. The 204-foot red covered bridge is a remarkable sight, the longest of the state’s existing single-span bridges. About 3 miles from Rebers Bridge is Gring’s Mill and Homestead, which now serves as a visitor center for the park and offices for the Berks County parks department.

At the end of the trail is Stonecliffe Recreation Area, an active park that includes playgrounds, a picnic area, a fishing dock, and a skatepark.

An out-and-back journey is a pleasant and easy bike ride for families, or take a long walk (which can, of course, be shortened).

Fishing is popular in trout-stocked Tulpehocken Creek. Gain access to the creek from the trailhead or below the Rebers Bridge parking area.

Remember: No pets permitted. Bike rentals are available for drop-off at Blue Marsh Lake trails; check local outfitters.

At Rebers Bridge, the connector trail continues along the creek and links to the extensive trail system of Blue Marsh Lake, where you can hike, bike, swim, fish, or paddle.

A snack bar is at Gring’s Mill along the trail.