Upper Schuylkill Valley Park — Attraction in Upper Providence Township

This is a fantastic place. My husband and I (both 60) visited and had a great time. I was surprised at how many animals there are here, and the variety of animals is nice. It is very well kept, clean, not smelly, and the animals all seem very well cared for. We spent well over 2 hours here, there are nice open areas to walk, but it's not huge, so it's great for a quick visit. The best part is that it is free. There are several donation boxes scattered around. We encountered one keeper and he was very informative and friendly. There are paved walkways, as well as gravel and grass. I have moderate mobility issues, but was able to traverse the park with no problems. There are slight inclines. The park borders along the Schuylkill River, and there is a trail you can walk along. There is also a large picnic area, with some grills that you can use. Many people picnicing and hanging out. You could really make a whole day here. We loved it and will definitely be back...

This was the best trail by far. Finding it was a little difficult,even with GPS. If on route 113 south,make sure when aproaching, there is a 1/2 mile sign, look left and for the red building. There is a sign for the visitor center. Otherwise it will be missed. 😮 Once there, take the wildlife trail to see the animals. Although, must say, they looked sad. Plenty of voultures flying around. Once done cross over to the river trail. It includes picnic tables with grills spread out with the view of the river. The trail starts unpaved and is along the river. But the transition to unpave trial is seemless, no rocks or fallen trees branches in the way, do look out for muddy areas. The river is calming for the nice long walk to the dam. Bikers look like they were enjoying the trail as well. Some avid fishers located strategically around the river, with some on the river in boats. It was so delightful, picturesque with mountain rocks good for...

To be honest, the park made my family and I quite sad and feel that it's just another unfortunate example of the feeling of entitlement within humanity today. We visited the park under the assumption that these animals had been rescued and were to be rehabilitated and released. Many of the animals are kept in solitude without a partner or mate in small aquariums and caged areas. Who do you think you are to deprive them of their freedom. They all seemed very much desperate to be left out and I could give some very sad examples of that. Perhaps Karma will play a role and maybe those robbing living beings of their freedom will one day find themselves in the same predicament. Maybe we should stop running around 'saving' things and leave them alone and have faith that maybe, just maybe, nature knows what...