Springfield Trail
In 1964 , a small group organized as the Springfield Trail Club with a goal of connecting hikers to explore local, regional and international trails together and inspiring people to embrace the outdoors. It appears that the idea may have blossomed in 1967, but, in 1969, the club blazed the Springfield Trail. Its course has changed a little over the years, due to erosion, fallen trees and progressive trail routing practices, but efforts have been taken to protect the vision of the club and maintain the trail as it was originally blazed.
There are now 13 recognized trailheads and the trail loop, based on the most recent measured route, is approximately 5.5 miles in length. The trail follows a number of tributaries, namely Whiskey Run, Crum Creek and Lownes Run, along with a few others that have yet to be formally identified. Along the trail are remnants of a paper mill and various other mills, as well as the homes of those who worked in or supported the mills. Wildlife sightings are frequent, such as frogs, toads, turtles, deer, racoons, foxes, opossum and many others.
Although the club is no longer active, its spirit continues within the membership of the Friends of Smedley Park (a PA 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) that works closely with Delaware County, Springfield Township, Nether Providence Township and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to promote and beautify Smedley Park and its contiguous resources.