Schuylkill River Trail
| Schuylkill River Trail | |
|---|---|
| Type | Multi-use trail |
| Location | Along Schuylkill River |
| Coordinates | 39.9650,-75.1850 |
| Area | 75+ miles (total); 30+ miles in Philadelphia area |
| Established | Various sections; ongoing |
| Operated by | Schuylkill River Development Corporation / Multiple agencies |
| Features | Paved path, river views, Boathouse Row, connections |
| Transit | Various access points near SEPTA stations |
| Website | Official Site |
The Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) is a multi-use recreational trail stretching over 75 miles from Philadelphia to Pottsville, following the Schuylkill River through southeastern Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia sections offer some of the region's most scenic and popular paths for walking, running, and cycling.[1]
Within Philadelphia, the trail runs along both sides of the river, passing Boathouse Row, connecting to Fairmount Park, and providing car-free commuting routes through the city.
Philadelphia Sections
Kelly Drive
The eastern bank trail runs along Kelly Drive:
- Distance: Approximately 4 miles from Art Museum to East Falls
- Surface: Paved, well-maintained
- Highlights: Boathouse Row, Fairmount Park, river views
- Character: Very popular; can be crowded on weekends
Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
The western bank runs along MLK Drive:
- Distance: Approximately 4 miles
- Surface: Paved
- Highlights: Less crowded than Kelly Drive, park access
- Note: Some sections along the road; others fully separated
Schuylkill Banks
The Schuylkill Banks section runs through Center City:
- Distance: Approximately 2 miles
- Location: From South Street to Fairmount Avenue
- Highlights: Urban river experience, boardwalk section, close to downtown
- Character: Very popular with commuters and joggers
Manayunk Section
Trail extends northwest to Manayunk:
- Follows the old towpath
- Connection to Wissahickon Valley Park
- Access to Manayunk's shops and restaurants
Trail Features
Boathouse Row
The trail passes iconic Boathouse Row:
- 15 historic boathouses
- Beautiful at night when illuminated
- Active rowing community
- Philadelphia landmark
Bartram's Garden Connection
Via Grays Ferry Crescent:
- Connects to Bartram's Garden
- Extends trail network south
- River access
Lloyd Hall
Lloyd Hall serves as a trail hub:
- Bicycle rentals
- Restrooms
- Café
- Recreation programs
Trail Connections
The SRT connects to numerous other trails:
| Connection | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Wissahickon Valley Park | Manayunk | Forbidden Drive access |
| Pennypack Trail | Via connections | Northeast Philadelphia |
| Chester Valley Trail | West of city | Suburban trails |
| Circuit Trail Network | Regional | 800-mile planned network |
Recreation
Activities
- Running and walking — Primary use
- Cycling — Commuting and recreation
- Rollerblading — Smooth paved sections
- Bird watching — River and park wildlife
- Photography — Scenic river views
Events
The trail hosts numerous events:
- Running races
- Cycling events
- Charity walks
- Community programs
Rowing
The river alongside the trail is a major rowing venue:
- Historic boathouse clubs
- Collegiate rowing programs
- Scenic rowing course
- Major regattas
Access Points
Center City/Schuylkill Banks
- South Street Bridge
- Walnut Street Bridge
- Locust Street access
- JFK Boulevard
Kelly Drive
- Lloyd Hall (parking, amenities)
- Falls Bridge
- Strawberry Mansion Bridge
- East Falls
MLK Drive
- Art Museum area
- Please Touch Museum
- Belmont Plateau access
Visiting
Getting There
By Public Transit:
- 30th Street Station (walk to Schuylkill Banks)
- Spring Garden Station (near Art Museum end)
- Suburban Station (walk to river)
- Various bus routes
By Car:
- Parking at Lloyd Hall
- Limited parking along Kelly Drive
- Art Museum parking
By Bicycle:
- Multiple access points
- Indego bike share stations along the route
Tips
- The trail is busiest on weekend mornings
- Kelly Drive side is more popular than MLK Drive
- Watch for fast cyclists—stay right
- Restrooms at Lloyd Hall and scattered locations
- Combine with Fairmount Park exploration
See Also
References
- ↑ "Schuylkill River Trail". Schuylkill River Development Corporation. Retrieved December 30, 2025