Norristown Around-the-Island Tour

Norristown Around-the-Island Tour

Circumnavigate Barbadoes! Did you know the largest island in the entire 130-mile Schuylkill River lies between Norristown and Bridgeport? Barbadoes was part of the original manor owned by William Penn, Jr. that included the “Town of Norris”. On this one-of-a-kind tour, we will hike and paddle from Norristown to Bridgeport and back, viewing all “coasts” of Barbadoes while soaking up riverfront lore.

Starting from Riverfront Park near the West End Historic District, we’ll walk along the former railway Schuylkill River Trail across Stoney Creek to the Dekalb Street Bridge. After crossing the bridge, we’ll visit the Norristown Dam Fishway before launching our dragon boat from the Upper Merion Boat Club dock. Knowledgeable local guides will provide background on Norristown’s important historic, environmental, and recreational connections to its river, our drinking water source. The walk is approximately two miles and the paddle is approximately a half mile.

Highlights of the route:

-Elevated views of the Schuylkill River and Stoney Creek

-Norristown Arts Center, adaptive reuse

-site of McCredy’s Mill, first large industry in Norristown

-1932 brick P&R Railroad Station

-Montgomery County Courthouse and Courthouse Square

-river views from DeKalb Street Bridge pedestrian walkway

-site of Norristown Canal on Bridgeport side, part of 19c Schuylkill Navigation System

-new Norristown Dam Fishway that enables the return of the American shad to our waters

-a short voyage in a dragon boat, around the northern tip of Barbadoes Island back to our starting place.  Beginners and children 12 and older welcome!

Space limited to 15 people. Meet at Riverfront Park. Register.