Delaware River Trail

Delaware River Trail
Type	Multi-use trail / Waterfront park
Location	Delaware Waterfront (multiple neighborhoods)
Coordinates	39.9650,-75.1330 (central point)
Area	Linear trail (10+ miles planned)
Established	2015 (first sections)
Operated by	Delaware River Waterfront Corporation / Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
Features	Paved trail, waterfront access, public art, fitness stations
Hours	Dawn to dusk
Transit	Multiple SEPTA bus routes and stations along trail
Website	Official Site

The Delaware River Trail is a developing multi-use trail along Philadelphia's Delaware River waterfront, eventually planned to stretch over 10 miles from Allegheny Avenue in the north to the Navy Yard in the south. The trail provides pedestrians, cyclists, and runners with safe, off-road access to the river, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and attractions along the Delaware waterfront.

The trail is transforming Philadelphia's relationship with its Delaware River waterfront.

Overview

Vision

The Delaware River Trail aims to:

• Connect 10+ miles of waterfront
• Provide safe pedestrian and bike access
• Link waterfront parks and attractions
• Support economic development
• Create continuous river access

Current Status

As of 2024, completed sections include:

• Northern Delaware Greenway (above Girard)
• Penn Treaty Park connections
• Central Delaware segments
• Washington Avenue Green connection
• Ongoing construction and planning

Trail Sections

Northern Segment

Port Richmond to Girard Avenue:

• Industrial waterfront transformation
• Connection to Pulaski Park
• Neighborhood trail access
• River views

Central Segment

Girard Avenue to Washington Avenue:

• Penn Treaty Park connection
• Race Street Pier access
• Penn's Landing integration
• Cherry Street Pier link
• Spruce Street Harbor Park

Southern Segment

Washington Avenue to Navy Yard:

• Industrial heritage area
• IKEA area connections
• Navy Yard terminus (planned)
• Longest continuous section

Features

Trail Design

Modern multi-use trail:

• Paved surface (10-12 feet wide)
• Separated from vehicle traffic
• Mile markers
• Lighting in key areas
• Emergency access points

Waterfront Access

• Overlooks and viewpoints
• River access points
• Pier connections
• Park entries

Public Art

• Trail-integrated art installations
• Historic interpretation
• Murals and sculptures
• Community art projects

Fitness Stations

• Exercise equipment
• Workout stations
• Mile markers for running

Using the Trail

Walking and Running

• Continuous flat surface
• Multiple entry/exit points
• Rest areas and benches
• Water fountains (seasonal)

Cycling

• Excellent cycling surface
• Part of regional trail network
• Connection to Schuylkill River Trail (via street routes)
• Bike repair stations

Access Points

Major access points include:

• Allegheny Avenue (north terminus)
• Girard Avenue
• Spring Garden Street
• Race Street Pier
• Chestnut Street/Penn's Landing
• Washington Avenue
• Oregon Avenue

Connections

Parks and Attractions

The trail connects:

• Penn Treaty Park
• Race Street Pier
• Cherry Street Pier
• Penn's Landing
• Spruce Street Harbor Park
• Washington Avenue Green

Neighborhoods

Serving multiple areas:

• Port Richmond
• Fishtown
• Northern Liberties
• Old City
• Society Hill
• Queen Village
• South Philadelphia

Visiting

Hours

• Dawn to dusk
• Some sections have extended hours
• Well-lit sections safer after dark

Getting There

Multiple access points:

• SEPTA bus routes along Delaware Avenue
• Walk from various Market-Frankford Line stations
• Bike from anywhere in the city

Parking:

• Limited street parking near access points
• Parking at Penn's Landing
• Garage parking in Old City/Society Hill

Tips

• The trail is mostly flat and accessible
• North sections are more industrial but scenic
• Central sections have more amenities
• Check DRWC website for current open sections
• Combine with waterfront attractions

Future Development

Planned Extensions

• Complete northern gap closures
• Southern extension to Navy Yard
• Improved connections between segments
• Additional amenities and parks

Vision

The complete trail will provide:

• 10+ continuous miles
• Full north-south waterfront access
• Economic development catalyst
• Regional trail connection

Nearby

• Penn's Landing — Central waterfront
• Penn Treaty Park — North
• Race Street Pier — Center City
• Delaware River — Waterfront

See Also

• Penn's Landing
• Delaware River
• Schuylkill River Trail
• Philadelphia Waterfront

External Links

• Delaware River Trail - DRWC
• Delaware Waterfront Connections Map