walking and running on the Schuylkill River Trail in Phiadelphia

Walking & Running

Schuylkill Banks is the best spot to join the Schuylkill River Trail, the Circuit Trails, and the East Coast Greenway. The Center City trail section runs nearly two miles along Schuylkill Banks in the heart of Philadelphia before connecting to Kelly Drive. You can take advantage of the beaten dirt path on each side of the trail to help protect your joints and avoid conflicts with bicycles. Trail blazes located in several locations along the trail on Schuylkill Banks and Kelly Drive indicate mileage and point out nearby destinations.

Looking to time your mile? The trail segment between the inside edge of the Locust Street turnaround and the inside edge of the MLK Jr. Drive turnaround is one mile.

Benches located along the trail and riverfront at many spots along Schuylkill Banks are ideal spots for people watching, taking in the scenery or enjoying Philadelphia wildlife including many species of fish and birds!

Looking for a new place to walk or run? Check out the Grays Ferry Crescent, Bartram's Mile, and Bartram's to 61st Street sections. Grays Ferry Crescent has 4,017 feet of trails. Access points to this segment are located on the 34th Street Bridge, Grays Ferry Avenue and 36th Street, and Wharton Street and Schuylkill Avenue. This section of trail will eventually connect to the Center City portion via the Christian to Crescent Connection. Bartram's Mile, on the west side of the Schuylkill, is also a great place to walk or run. Access points to this trail segment are located at 49th Street and Botanic Avenue, Bartram's Garden, and 56th Street and Bartram Drive. Bartram's to 61st Street is located just south of the 56th Street Plaza and offers unique views of the river and skyline.

Safety

For your own safety and the safety of other trail users, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

  • Be aware of your surroundings - earbuds, especially with high volume, are not recommended as they can make it difficult to hear called warnings from other trail users
  • If walking or running with others, be careful not to block the full width of the trail and please step to the side of the trail if you stop to talk or smell the roses
  • If accompanied a pet, please keep them on a short leash
  • When using the trail with young children, keep them away from the river's edge and prevent them from lingering on the trail where they may block traffic