Philadelphia, PA - When William Penn first envisioned Philadelphia in 1682, he dreamed of a "Greene Countrie Town," a place where lush parks and open spaces were integrated into the fabric of urban life. Today, that vision is more alive than ever, with over 166 miles of pathways, hiking trails, and bike routes weaving through the city and its countryside. These multi-use trails connect vibrant neighborhoods, offer spectacular skyline views, and provide a constant reminder of the region's natural beauty. Here is a complete guide to Philadelphia's essential trails for every adventurer.
The Schuylkill River Trail: The City's Lifeline
The Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) is the central artery of Philadelphia's trail network, offering a diverse journey along the river's banks.
-
Schuylkill Banks and Boardwalk: The most iconic stretch, the Schuylkill Banks runs from the South Street Bridge to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It includes the famous Boardwalk, which extends the path out over the river, offering fantastic skyline views. It's perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling.
-
Kelly Drive & MLK Drive Loop: This nearly nine-mile paved lap is a favorite for runners and cyclists. Starting behind the Art Museum, it winds past the historic Boathouse Row and Laurel Hill Cemetery before crossing the Falls Bridge to loop back down the opposite side of the river.
-
Manayunk Towpath: This charming gravel path parallels the Manayunk Canal, running adjacent to the neighborhood's historic Main Street. It's a perfect, flat trail for a leisurely walk or bike ride before exploring the town's shops and restaurants.
-
Bartram’s Mile: Winding through the beautiful Bartram’s Garden in Southwest Philly, this section of the SRT offers a serene experience through a botanical garden, reclaimed meadows, and natural tidal wetlands with a public dock for fishing.
Fairmount Park: An Urban Oasis
As one of the largest urban park systems in the country, Fairmount Park is a paradise for trail lovers.
-
Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Valley Park: This 5.5-mile gravel trail is the heart of the magnificent Wissahickon Valley. Following the creek, it's a remarkably wild and scenic escape within the city limits, perfect for walking, biking, and horseback riding.
-
Boxers’ Trail: Named for the legendary boxers like Joe Frazier who used it for training, this 3.8-mile trail winds through the woods and hills of East Fairmount Park, offering a mix of paved and gravel paths.
-
The Centennial 5k Route: This paved path in West Fairmount Park is a perfect 5K loop that weaves past historic landmarks from the 1876 Centennial Exposition, including the Please Touch Museum and the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center.
Exploring the Delaware River & The Northeast
-
Delaware River Trail: This developing trail system connects the parks and piers along the Delaware River. Key sections include the Port Richmond Trail and the trail through Washington Avenue Green, offering views of the river and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
-
Benjamin Franklin Bridge Pedestrian Walkway: For a truly unique workout with an unbeatable view, the one-and-a-half-mile walkway across the Ben Franklin Bridge offers a stunning perspective of the Philadelphia skyline and the Delaware River.
-
Pennypack Trail: In Northeast Philadelphia, the 9.5-mile Pennypack Trail follows the scenic Pennypack Creek through the vast woodlands and meadows of Pennypack Park.
Suburban & Regional Adventures
-
Valley Forge National Historical Park: Just outside the city, Valley Forge offers more than 30 miles of trails for running, biking, and hiking amidst the historic structures of the Continental Army's winter encampment.
-
Delaware Canal Towpath: For a long-distance adventure, this 60-mile linear park stretches from Bristol to Easton, passing through the charming town of New Hope. The flat, gravel path is perfect for cyclists and nature enthusiasts.
-
Perkiomen Trail: Known locally as the "Perky," this 20-mile trail in Montgomery County follows Perkiomen Creek along a former railroad bed, making it ideal for a day-long bike ride.
From the bustling riverfront paths of the Schuylkill to the rugged wilderness of the Wissahickon and the historic fields of Valley Forge, the Philadelphia region truly lives up to its "Greene Countrie Town" legacy. This extensive network of trails offers endless opportunities for residents and visitors alike to get outside, explore, and connect with the natural beauty that surrounds the city.
Sources:
- The Circuit Trails (circuittrails.org)
- Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
- Schuylkill River Greenways
- Friends of the Wissahickon
- Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC)
- National Park Service (for Valley Forge NHP)
- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
