Editing Kelly Drive

{{Infobox Park
| name = Kelly Drive
| image =
| image_caption = Kelly Drive along the Schuylkill River with Boathouse Row
| 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 = https://myphillypark.org
}}

'''Kelly Drive''' is a scenic roadway and multi-use recreational trail running approximately 4 miles along the east bank of the [[Schuylkill River]] through [[Fairmount Park|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.<ref name="kelly">{{cite web |url=https://myphillypark.org |title=Kelly Drive |publisher=Fairmount Park Conservancy |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

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 ==

* [[Boathouse Row]]
* [[Schuylkill River Trail]]
* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Martin Luther King Jr. Drive]]
* [[Schuylkill River]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://myphillypark.org Fairmount Park Conservancy]
* [https://schuylkillbanks.org Schuylkill River Development Corporation]

{{#seo:
|title=Kelly Drive Philadelphia - Scenic River Road & Trail Along Boathouse Row
|description=Guide to Kelly Drive, Philadelphia's scenic roadway and trail along the Schuylkill River. Boathouse Row views, running trail, cycling route, and East Fairmount Park.
|keywords=Kelly Drive Philadelphia, Schuylkill River Trail, Boathouse Row, Philadelphia running trails, East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia cycling, John B. Kelly
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Fairmount Park]]
[[Category:Schuylkill River]]
[[Category:Trails]]
[[Category:Recreation]]