Kelly Drive
| Kelly Drive | |
|---|---|
| Type | Scenic drive / Multi-use trail |
| Location | East Fairmount Park (Schuylkill River) |
| Coordinates | 39.9750,-75.1850 |
| Area | Linear (approximately 4 miles) |
| Established | 1860 (as East River Drive); renamed 1985 |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / Fairmount Park |
| Features | Scenic roadway, multi-use trail, river views, Boathouse Row |
| Hours | Drive always open; trail dawn to dusk |
| Transit | SEPTA bus 32; drive or bike recommended |
| Website | Official Site |
Kelly Drive is a scenic roadway and multi-use recreational trail running approximately 4 miles along the east bank of the Schuylkill River through East Fairmount Park. Named for Olympic rower and Philadelphia icon John B. Kelly Sr., the drive passes Boathouse Row, multiple historic mansions, and offers one of the most beautiful stretches of urban parkland in America.[1]
Kelly Drive is Philadelphia's premier recreational corridor, used by runners, cyclists, rowers, and drivers enjoying the scenery.
History
East River Drive
Originally called East River Drive:
- Built in the mid-1800s
- Part of Fairmount Park's scenic roadway system
- Complemented West River Drive (now MLK Drive) across river
- Carriage route became automobile road
Renaming
Renamed Kelly Drive in 1985 to honor:
- John B. Kelly Sr. (1889-1960)
- Olympic gold medalist rower (1920, 1924)
- Philadelphia businessman and political figure
- Father of Grace Kelly (Princess of Monaco)
- Legendary Schuylkill River rowing champion
The Kelly Family
The Kelly family's rowing legacy:
- John B. Kelly Sr. — Olympic champion
- John B. Kelly Jr. ("Kell") — Olympic rower, city councilman
- Family synonymous with Philadelphia rowing
- Statue of John B. Kelly Sr. on the drive
Features
The Scenic Drive
Roadway characteristics:
- Curving road along riverbank
- Tree-lined throughout
- Views of Schuylkill River and opposite bank
- Historic boathouses visible
- Speed limit encourages scenic enjoyment
Multi-Use Trail
Recreational path:
- Paved trail parallels roadway
- Part of Schuylkill River Trail
- Running, cycling, walking, rollerblading
- Connects to regional trail network
- One of Philadelphia's most popular exercise routes
Boathouse Row
Boathouse Row lines the drive:
- 15 historic rowing boathouses
- Iconic illumination at night
- Heart of Philadelphia rowing
- National Historic Landmark
River Views
- Schuylkill River throughout
- Rowers on the water
- West Fairmount Park across river
- Seasonal foliage
Public Art
Notable sculptures along the drive:
- John B. Kelly Sr. statue
- Ellen Phillips Samuel Memorial sculptures
- Various works along the route
Recreation
Running
Premier running route:
- Flat, paved trail
- Mile markers
- Beautiful scenery
- Popular for training
- Major race routes
Cycling
- Part of regional bike network
- Commuter route
- Recreational riding
- Connects to Manayunk and beyond
Rowing
- Access to Boathouse Row clubs
- Spectating from shore
- Major regatta viewing
Driving
- Scenic Sunday drives
- Tourist route
- Rush hour traffic can be heavy
Visiting
Access Points
Multiple entry points:
- Philadelphia Museum of Art (southern end)
- Boathouse Row
- East Falls (northern end)
- Various parking areas along route
Getting There
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Bus 32 runs along Kelly Drive
- Walk from Art Museum
By Car:
- Drive enters from Art Museum area
- Limited parking pulloffs
- Ends at East Falls
By Bicycle:
- Access from Schuylkill River Trail
- Schuylkill Banks connection
Tips
- Early morning is best for running (less crowded)
- Watch for cyclists on the trail
- Sunset views are spectacular
- Night views of Boathouse Row illumination
- Weekend mornings see many runners
Events
- Philadelphia Marathon route
- Dad Vail Regatta viewing
- Various running races
- Cycling events
- Rowing regattas
Nearby
- Philadelphia Museum of Art — Southern terminus
- Boathouse Row — Along the drive
- Fairmount Water Works — Southern end
- Lemon Hill — Above the drive
- Strawberry Mansion — Northern section
- East Falls — Northern terminus
See Also
References
- ↑ "Kelly Drive". Fairmount Park Conservancy. Retrieved December 30, 2025