The Route 52 Bikeway
A 16 mile out-and-back route for cyclists
A harder bike route less than 10 minutes from Kennett Square. Bike on a 6-8' wide shoulder on Kennett Pike (Route 52) between Greenville in Delaware and Route 1 in Pennsylvania for a moderately stressful and relatively low effort ride. This 15.8 mile round trip route route (flat equivalent of 17.4 miles) has a total elevation gain of 970 feet, with only a few moderate grades. Though the grades are considered easy, the route is considered harder because it requires biking on a wide shoulder beside a state highway with a posted speed of 45 MPH speed.
This route passes beside open fields, barns, and other old structures. Heading north, you pass by the Delaware Museum of Natural History after about 2 miles, and then Winterthur shortly thereafter. 1.5 miles more brings you to Centerville, offering a cafe and a tavern. And 2 miles after that, you pass through Fairville.
​
The East Coast Greenway is 2.5 miles south of your starting point, accessed by the bridge crossing the Brandywine at Bancroft Mills.
Click here, or on the map on the right, for a trail map where you can track your progress. Click here (or on "More options" on the map below and to the right) for directions to parking at Powder Mill Square, where you can find restrooms in a number of coffee shops, restaurants, and a supermarket across the street..