Pennypack on the Delaware
| Pennypack on the Delaware | |
|---|---|
| Type | Waterfront park / Nature area |
| Location | Holmesburg / Northeast Philadelphia |
| Coordinates | 40.0450,-74.9780 |
| Area | 65 acres |
| Established | 1987 |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | Delaware River access, walking trails, fishing, nature area |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Transit | SEPTA bus 84; drive recommended |
| Website | Official Site |
Pennypack on the Delaware is a 65-acre waterfront park at the mouth of Pennypack Creek where it meets the Delaware River in the Holmesburg section of Northeast Philadelphia. This park provides rare public Delaware River access in Philadelphia and connects the extensive Pennypack Park trail system to the waterfront.[1]
The park offers some of the only public Delaware River beach access in Philadelphia.
History
[edit | edit source]Pennypack Creek Mouth
[edit | edit source]The confluence of creek and river:
- Historic fishing and navigation point
- Lenape gathering area
- Colonial-era boat landing
- Industrial use through 19th-20th centuries
Park Development
[edit | edit source]1987: Park established:
- Part of Delaware waterfront reclamation
- Connected to Pennypack trail system
- Nature area preserved
- Public river access created
Features
[edit | edit source]Delaware River Access
[edit | edit source]Waterfront amenities:
- Small beach area
- River views
- Boat launching (non-motorized)
- Fishing access
- Scenic overlooks
Trails
[edit | edit source]Walking and hiking:
- Connection to Pennypack Park trails
- Waterfront path
- Nature trails
- Creek-side walking
Nature Area
[edit | edit source]- Wetland habitat
- Bird watching
- Native vegetation
- Wildlife corridor between creek and river
Fishing
[edit | edit source]- Delaware River fishing
- Pennypack Creek fishing
- No license required on free fishing days
- Catch-and-release encouraged
Using the Park
[edit | edit source]Trail Access
[edit | edit source]- Entry point to Pennypack Park system
- Walk or bike to Valley Green via creek trail
- 9+ miles of connected trails
Water Recreation
[edit | edit source]- Kayak and canoe launching
- Fishing
- Wading (use caution—currents)
- Bird and boat watching
Wildlife
[edit | edit source]Common sightings:
- Great blue herons
- Various ducks and waterfowl
- Bald eagles (occasional)
- Fish species
- Turtles
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Dawn to dusk
- Year-round access
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: State Road at Pennypack Creek, Holmesburg
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Bus 84
- Long walk from Holmesburg Junction station
By Car:
- Small parking area
- From State Road
Tips
[edit | edit source]- The beach area is small—arrive early on hot days
- Delaware River has currents—supervise children near water
- Excellent bird watching, especially during migration
- Bring binoculars
- Combine with Pennypack Park hike
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Pennypack Park — Connected trail system
- Holmesburg — Surrounding neighborhood
- Glen Foerd — Nearby estate
- Northeast Philadelphia — Area
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Pennypack on the Delaware". Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 30, 2025