The Pa. Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) has named North Wales’ Green Ribbon Trail and Preserve to its 2022 Great Places in Pa. list. The site was honored in the category Greenways/Trails and Public Spaces.

The Green Ribbon Trail is a 12.6-mile connection between Upper Gwynedd and Whitemarsh Townships, aside the Wissahickon Creek. It wends its way through six townships and two boroughs.

For the Chicago-headquartered APA to recognize a Pa. statewide great place, the candidate must have a sustainable vision for the future and serve as a model for other communities. Further, it should show high-quality examples of successful planning efforts that build healthy, vibrant communities.

The trail and preserve evolved over a period of 50 years with guidance from a master plan and the collaboration of Wissahickon Trails, municipalities, and private landowners. Diverse landscapes and habitats, as well as historical structures and interpretative signage, are found along it, amid scenic views, glimpses of the past, and opportunities for on-trail education.

Nine parking areas and 18 walk-in access points connect the trail to adjacent neighborhoods and other preserves. It also benefits from proximity to four train stations and connectivity to the Crossways and Penllyn Pike Trails.

It is a popular destination for running, walking, birding, horseback riding, and sports training.

More information on the Green Ribbon Trail is online.