Located only about 6 miles from Philadelphia, Norristown has small-town charm and open space that allows people to quickly escape the hustle and bustle of the nearby big city. As of the latest census, Norristown has a population of around 36,000 residents. There are several trails in Norristown, with the 30-mile Schuylkill River Trail being the centerpiece. Easily accessed from the Norristown Transportation Center, the Schuylkill River Trail follows the Schuylkill River and has historic markers and picturesque views. Eighteen miles of the trail are in Montgomery County, and it was built on the PA Railway right of way and parallels the river. It is a very popular destination for walking, biking, jogging, and rollerblading.

There are 3 other “loops” in Norristown. The Nature Loop has wonderful paved trails with lots of amazing abandoned buildings and off-shoot trails, along with great fall foliage. The Farm Park Trail is a combination of paved trails and dirt paths around a large agricultural field. The Ballard-Wolfe Park Loop is a 35-acre woodland preserve, featuring trails and lots of benches. There is also the Norristown Farm Park, which has a variety of buildings and open fields that show the diverse history of farming, manufacturing, and institutional associations. The buildings date from the 1850s to the early 20th century and once served as mills, a tannery, and farm structures. It also has a stocked trout stream. The park has over 8 miles of paved trails that allow for biking, walking, jogging, fishing, and viewing wildlife in its natural habitat.

Norristown is also home to the 16-acre zoo, Elmwood Park. The zoo has numerous amphibians, including 5 different types of frogs, of which 3 are poisonous. There are also 24 species of birds and 32 different types of mammals, including bobcats, giraffes, zebras, jaguars, and a red panda. The zoo also contains 13 reptiles, including 3 different types of snakes. Elmwood Park’s mission is to foster appreciation for wildlife and their environment, which will help in their preservation.

Planning a move to or from Norristown, PA? O’Brien’s Moving provides professional moving services in Norristown to help make your local or long-distance move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re moving across town or relocating to a new area, our experienced team is ready to help with your Norristown move.

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