Whether you’re looking to get into hiking, biking, walking or running your way around the city, here are some of the best trail options to check out in Philadelphia.
Schuylkill River
The Schuylkill River Trail system is a choose-your-own-adventure type of deal. The Kelly Drive/Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Loop offers a 9-mile paved stretch with views of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row. It’s on this route that travelers can also find an entrance to Laurel Hill Cemetery on the way to the Falls Bridge in East Falls. All you have to do is cross over the bridge to the opposite side of the river and head back towards the city to finish the second half of this loop.
The Manayunk Towpath on the Schuylkill River, on the other hand, parallels the Manayunk Canal and runs adjacent to Manayunk’s business district—which means there are plenty of opportunities to eat, drink and enjoy while here. As a release notes, the trail starts at Lock Street (off of Main Street) and continues for 2.2 miles to the Shawmont neighborhood. Locals can also access this segment of the Schuylkill River Trail from Center City by taking the first half of the Kelly Drive Loop past East Falls Bridge to Ridge Avenue, veer left onto Main Street and make another left on Lock Street.
The Philadelphia to Parker Ford section of this system is for those looking to make their adventure lengthy. This specific trail covers 30 miles and ends in Parker Ford in Chester County. Luckily, this route is fairly flat and tree-lined, it also puts cyclists right by Phoenixville to check out everything this charming part of the region has to offer.
Spruce Street
This one is for those looking to make their way through the city for a true Philly experience. Spruce Street happens to be the only urban trail map you need for this type of ride. Start at 25th and Spruce streets and make your way through different neighborhoods like Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square West and Society Hill on the way to Spruce Street Harbor Park (where you can load up on some Crab Fries and other treats to celebrate your trek.) A designated bike lane runs from east to west, starting at Christopher Columbus Boulevard and ending at 25th Street as well.
Cobbs Creek Trail
This pick is a fun one to check out as part of the larger East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile pedestrian and bicycle route that runs between Maine and Florida. The 4.2 mile stretch is paved with asphalt and takes locals right by the historic Mount Moriah Cemetery into Delaware County, and from Church Lane in Yeadon to Market Street in Upper Darby.
The Centennial 5k Route
This paved path is great for those training or looking to do a 5K for the day. The route runs through East Fairmount Park, with a starting point at the Please Touch Museum, and then continues on to take you past the scenic Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center. The loop then brings you to the Centennial District, where the 1876 Centennial Exposition was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Valley Park
There are plenty of reasons to head to Wissahickon Valley Park, but for those looking for a unique running/walking route, Forbidden Drive (named for the restriction on cars traveling on it in the 1920s) offers up a great option. This 5.5 gravel trail is mainly flat, and the best part? The Valley Green Inn, located centrally within the park, is open for lunch and dinner.
Rocky Run
This is a perfect route for Philadelphians who are fans of the iconic Philly figure. This route spans 30 miles, but there’s also a three-mile loop within the square mileage that starts at Ninth Street and Washington Avenue. It brings fans and athletes alike up close and personal to the heart of the Italian Market where Rocky ran and ends just like Rocky’s run: with a sprint up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Bartram’s Mile
This scenic stroll is part of the Schuylkill River Trail system with a starting point at 56th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard. This route takes Philadelphians through Bartram’s Garden—a 50-acre botanical public garden and National Historic Landmark with an 18th-century estate, a reclaimed meadow, natural tidal wetlands, a public dock for fishing and boating, and significant historic trees.
Boxer’s Trail
Philly loves its fighters. This trail takes Philadelphians on a bit of a different path with interesting spots seen along the way including the Smith Memorial Playground, and the historical structures around Strawberry Mansion. Additionally, the Fairmount Park Conservancy revitalized a gateway to the trail at Dauphin Street and Greenland Drive. The southern end on the other hand starts at Sedgley Woods Disc Golf Course at 33rd and Oxford streets. The trail is also accessible via the Kelly Drive Loop.
FDR Park and The Navy Yard Loop
This is a fun option and one many use to either walk, bike or jog. With an entrance beginning at the corner of South Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, this loop takes participants on a fun ride by passing tennis courts, ball fields, lakes and more nestled within the green space.
There are also a few options on this loop offering greener scenery, including the South Philly Meadow trails that repurposed disused golf course grounds as a recreation meadow (accessible from the park entrance at 20th Street and Pattison Avenue). Those interested in birding might also want to pack binoculars when working your way through here.
For even more mileage, head south on Broad Street after completing the FDR Park loop and take on another loop around The Navy Yard to total 5.5 miles. As a bonus, participants can also check out The Navy Yard’s rotating art exhibits while you’re there.
