Tacony Creek Park

Tacony Creek Park
Type	Linear creek park / Greenway
Location	Northeast Philadelphia
Coordinates	40.0350,-75.1050
Area	300+ acres (linear corridor)
Established	1905 (initial acquisition)
Operated by	Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / TTF Watershed Partnership
Features	Creek trail, natural areas, wildlife, historic sites
Hours	Dawn to dusk
Transit	SEPTA bus routes; Regional Rail to various stations
Website	Official Site

Tacony Creek Park is a linear greenway following Tacony Creek through Northeast Philadelphia, preserving a natural stream valley corridor amid urban and suburban development. Stretching approximately 7 miles from Cheltenham Township to the creek's confluence with Frankford Creek, the park offers trails, wildlife habitat, and a connection to nature in one of Philadelphia's most densely populated areas.

The park represents one of Philadelphia's most important urban stream restoration and greenway projects.

History

Tacony Creek

The creek has shaped the landscape for millennia:

• Lenape fishing and travel route
• Colonial-era mill sites
• Industrial development along banks
• 20th-century pollution and neglect

Park Development

Parkland acquisition began in 1905:

• Early preservation of stream valley
• Expanded through 20th century
• Environmental restoration ongoing
• Trail development continues

Restoration

Major restoration efforts since the 1990s:

• Stream bank stabilization
• Invasive species removal
• Native plantings
• Trail improvements
• Water quality monitoring

Features

Tacony Creek Trail

The multi-use trail runs the park's length:

• Approximately 5 miles of paved trail
• Connects neighborhoods
• Suitable for walking, running, cycling
• Part of planned Circuit Trails network

Natural Areas

Ecological features:

• Riparian forest
• Wetland areas
• Native wildflower meadows
• Mature tree canopy

Wildlife

The corridor supports:

• White-tailed deer
• Great blue herons
• Red-tailed hawks
• Songbirds
• Fish (improving with water quality)

Historic Sites

Along the corridor:

• Juniata Golf Course
• Historic mill sites (ruins)
• Fisher Park
• Adams Avenue section

Using the Park

Trail Activities

• Walking and hiking
• Jogging and running
• Cycling
• Nature observation
• Dog walking

Nature Programs

The TTF Watershed Partnership offers:

• Guided nature walks
• Creek cleanups
• Educational programs
• Volunteer restoration work

Fishing

Limited fishing available:

• Stocked trout in some sections
• PA fishing license required
• Catch and release encouraged

Visiting

Access Points

Multiple entry points along the corridor:

• Rising Sun Avenue
• Adams Avenue
• Ramona Avenue
• Whitaker Avenue

Hours

• Dawn to dusk
• Trail accessible year-round

Getting There

By Public Transit:

• SEPTA Bus 18 to Rising Sun Avenue
• Various bus routes cross the park
• Regional Rail stations nearby

By Car:

• Street parking at access points
• No dedicated parking lots

By Bicycle:

• Trail connects to street network
• Part of Circuit Trails system

Tips

• The trail can flood after heavy rain
• Some sections are more developed than others
• Bring insect repellent in summer
• Check TTF website for guided programs
• Download trail maps before visiting

Challenges

Urban Pressures

The park faces ongoing challenges:

• Stormwater runoff and flooding
• Illegal dumping
• Invasive plant species
• Trail maintenance needs

Restoration Work

Community partners address issues through:

• Regular creek cleanups
• Native plant restoration
• Stormwater management projects
• Advocacy and education

Nearby

• Pennypack Park — Parallel greenway to the north
• Frankford — Southern terminus area
• Juniata Park — Adjacent neighborhood
• Northeast Philadelphia — Surrounding area

See Also

• Pennypack Park
• Northeast Philadelphia
• Wissahickon Valley Park
• Schuylkill River Trail

External Links

• TTF Watershed Partnership
• Circuit Trails