parks: CPVP Information

Montgomery County, PA

P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404-0311
Courthouse Hours: 8:30a.m. to 4:15p.m.
Phone: 610-278-3000
Website: www.montcopa.org

Central Perkiomen Valley Park

Central Perkiomen Valley Park is scenically located on over 550 acres along the Perkiomen Creek, in Western Montgomery County. There are over 30 parcels consisting of woodlands, open grass areas and wetlands continuing from Collegeville to Perkiomenville. The park headquarters is located on Plank Road across from Ott's greenhouse. The office, ranger station, Mill House and other facilities are located on this 55 acre site.

The Old Mill House located on the Perkiomen Creek, was built at the turn-of-the-century as a summer retreat for Dr. and Mrs. Hiram Rittenhouse-Loux. The house has a large wrap around porch, completed in 1990. The upstairs was used as servants quarters. Prior to his purchase a three story frame mill known as "Flood Crest" stood at the site. The property sold in 1918 and had several owners before being sold to Montgomery County in 1976. It then became part of the Central Perkiomen Valley Park.

Today, there are a few properties that excel the Old Mill House in the tranquility of its locations and its quiet beauty. The Old Mill House features that rarity among houses today... gracefulness, captivating charm and modern conveniences, seldom found in turn-of-the-century summer retreats.

To complete this gracious setting, the park staff takes great pride in restoring and maintaining this piece of American history.

The Old Mill House is available for private party rentals (i.e. birthdays, family reunions, bridal/baby showers, even weddings). Call the park office for rental information and availability.

Central Perkiomen Valley Park offers:

  • Fishing
  • Boating / Canoeing / Kayaking
  • Playground
  • Nature Trails and Bird Watching
  • Biking / Hiking Trails
  • Pavilion and Picnic Areas
  • Playing Fields (Baseball, Soccer, T-Ball, etc.)
  • Volleyball, Horseshoes and Shuffleboard
  • Old Mill House rental for special events
  • Pet Trail for dogs on leashes
  • Horseback Riding (in designated areas)
  • Ice Skating (on pond only)
  • Cross Country Skiing

Fishing and Boating: Some of the many fish found in this area of the Perkiomen Creek are large and small mouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie(panfish), catfish, perch, carp etc. Boating (electric motors only), canoeing, kayaking are permitted and there are several launching areas with ample parking. State fishing and boating laws apply.

Nature Areas and Bird Watching: There is a wide variety of fauna (animal life) and flora (flowers and plants) throughout the park. Along the water you will see Herons, Kingfishers, Ospreys and in the woods and fields you will find woodpeckers, hawks, and many song birds. Some of the animals you will see are deer, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, turtles, snakes and the hard-to-spot red fox. Both the County and private groups have special nature programs and events at our park (see our kiosk for postings). Grab your comfortable shoes, backpacks, and binoculars and enjoy nature.

Horseback Riding: Equestrian activities are permitted in the designated areas, please contact the park for location of trail.

Hiking and Biking: There are many natural scenic trails for mountain biking and your hiking/walking pleasure. One trail winds along the Perkiomen Creek and through heavy woods. Another is the old Reading Rail Road right-of-way "Rails to Trails" program which is ideal for mountain bikers.

Picnic Areas and Playground: There are picnic tables and grills located throughout the headquarters area of the park. A large pavilion with a seating capacity for 100 and 65 under roof, is available by reservation. The pavilion is handicap accessible and has six electrical outlets, 14 tables and five grills. A children's playground with swings and seesaws is conveniently located near the pavilion and a large picnic grove.

Sports Activities: At Central Perkiomen Valley Park there is an all purpose athletic  playing field which is ideal for soccer, baseball, football, frisbee, etc. In addition, there are two regulation baseball fields complete with backstops and players' benches. Many local ball teams and schools use this facility. There are also horseshoes, volleyball, and shuffleboard. This equipment is available at the ranger station for rental with ID and a refundable deposit.

Park hours are 8:00 AM to Dusk (sunset).
No Alcoholic beverages permitted.