Lace Up Your Sneakers and Hit These Walking Trails in Philadelphia

February 23, 2023
| 10:36 AM

Make this fall season an active one by putting on your flannel and taking a stroll through one of these five walking trails in Philadelphia! As the air becomes colder and the fall foliage begins to prosper, it easily becomes our favorite time of year to hit the trails with friends and pets! Although fall is great time to cozy-up, we encourage Philadelphians to experience the beauty of the changing leaves and amazing landscape that the city has to offer.

1. Schuykill River Trail

📷 Caroline Margle

With seven trailheads, the Schuykill River Trail is the perfect place to have a variety of fall foliage views for your daily walks or runs. Our favorite area of the trail is the Schuykill Banks to East Falls that runs next to Kelly Drive and leads pedestrians to see the incredible Boathouse Row. The smooth pavement allows users to rollerblade, skateboard or bike their way through the winding trail making it enjoyable for everyone!

Monday – Sunday | Sunrise – Sunset

📍 East Falls Trailhead Location 4552 Kelly Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19129

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2. Wissahickon Valley Park

📷 Unsplash

With over 50 miles of trails and 1,800 acres, Wissahickon Valley Park has a huge variety of easy to moderate hiking trails. Forbidden Drive, one of the major trails, was named the Pennsylvania trail of the year in 2018 and runs along the scenic Wissahickon Creek making you feel far from city life. After checking out Forbidden Drive, try the other six trails that vary in terrain and views! If you plan on biking, be sure to read each trail description prior to arrival since some trails are exclusively for hikers.

Monday – Sunday | 6 am – 6 pm

📍 Location Valley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128

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3. Pennypack Park

📷 Unsplash

If you’re looking for a trail with a variety of landscapes, we have just the spot for you! Stretching from Montgomery County to the Delaware River, Pennypack Park is more than 1,600 acres of meadows and wetlands where fall foliage thrives. There are both paved and unpaved trails which pass spots to fish and a picnic area where a food truck parks on the weekends. This park is also great for some historical sites such as Death Gulch and the oldest surviving road bridge in the nation.

Monday – Sunday| Sunrise – Sunset

📍 Location 8500 Pine Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19111

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4. Bartram's Garden

📷 Unsplash

Stroll along the Schuykill River through the nation’s oldest continuously operating botanic garden, Bartram’s Garden. The 50-acre land explodes with color in the fall season and is the perfect mix of historical landmarks and vibrant landscape. A portion of the trail is a restored concrete facotory that was converted into Bartram’s Meadow and leads to a view of the Philadelphia skyline. Hit the trails and check out this hidden historic gem!

Monday – Sunday | Sunrise – Sunset

📍 Location 5400 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19143

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5. Fairmount Park

📷 iStock

Our idea of a perfect fall day consists of a walk through the tree-lined path of Philadelphia’s famous Fairmount Park. With over 2,000 acres of trails, open fields and shedding trees, Fairmount Park is the perfect location for those looking for a relaxing walk or bike ride. Since there is an abundance of open space along the path, you have the opportunity to stop for a picnic or recreational activities with friends or pets! The park is divided by the Schuykill River and has sights of historic mansions, Concourse Lake, the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden and more!

Monday – Sunday| Sunrise – Sunset

📍 Location Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19119

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Include us in your walking experience!

Share your walking trails in Philadelphia adventures with us by tagging us in photos on Instagram @StufftodoinPhilly! And be sure to be respectful of the trials by disposing of waste properly and picking up after pets!

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