The creek is an unnamed tributary of the McMichael. Framed by pines, Norway spruces, and fall’s leafless hardwoods, the land slopes away toward a view of rising hills beyond Merwine Hilltop Road, and a bubbling creek below. The trail is easy to follow, with few roots or rocks, and the steep downhill incline eases its way through multiple switchbacks. The new single-track trail veered off into the woods, past stands of white birch and other reminders of a large tree nursery that once flourished here. We took a short detour into the woods to visit a venerable old piece of farm equipment - a hay rake? - proof, as if it were needed, that this land used to be farmed. From the trailhead, we started upslope along the open field. And, last spring, a group of volunteers – including Pleasant Valley School District students – built a new network of single-track trails to challenge mountain bikers.īernie Kozen, executive director of the West End Park and Open Space Commission, met me at the parking area to give me a hiker’s-eye view of the new trail network. Wide, groomed trails lead from the parking area to a variety of meadow and woodland habitats. A flat, handicapped-accessible path of about a mile loops through mature forest, with exercise stations along the way. Peaceful views like these are only part of the appeal of the 244-acre park owned by Chestnuthill Township. A hazy late-fall sun lights up the big field at West End Regional Park. Cows dawdle by a barbed-wire fence, chewing their cud. A family farm sits across the road from the trailhead.

Bayberry road chestnuthill township pa