In her new book, “Where to Bike: Philadelphia,” Julie Lorch maps out 71 rides in the city and surrounding ‘burbs, from trips for pedal pros to kid-friendly paths.
When it comes to autumn, she suggests hitting the parks with these rides for the whole family. “These paved park trails have beautiful scenery for a fall bike ride,” she says. “Pennypack Park and Tyler State Park both offer lovely wooded areas to enjoy the foliage, and the Schuylkill Banks Park gives great views of rowers sweeping in and out of Boathouse Row.”
1. Schuylkill Banks Park
Center City/Art Museum
This mile-long bike path runs along the river between 25th and Locust streets and Boathouse Row. There are access points on Race and Locust streets as well as ramps on Market and Chestnut.
2. Pennypack Park
Northeast Philadelphia
The long, secluded bike path that follows Pennypack Creek runs from Shady Lane in Fox Chase to Frankford Ave. in Holmesburg. The trail is more than seven miles long, while Pennypack has nearly 1,400 acres to explore.
3. Tyler State Park
Bucks County
One of Lorch’s favorite trips, this hilly ride through the park comes complete with horses, cornfields and forests. Choose from loops between one and six miles.
