Once underdeveloped and little-available to the public, today the footpaths and former railway lines that run along southeastern Pennsylvania’s Schuylkill (SKOO-gul) River have been regenerated as the Schuylkill River Trail. Open to pedestrians, cyclists, and dog walkers, the paved and crushed-stone trail originates in the countryside near the city, passes through historic towns like Phoenixville, Conshohocken, and Norristown, and even runs through a segment of Valley Forge National Historical Park. Once it reaches Philadelphia, the “Schuylkill Banks” section of the trail passes highlights like Fairmount Park and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and features a boardwalk, skate parks, playgrounds, and other recreational areas.
The Schuylkill River Trail is a hot spot for locals and visitors that’s easy to explore as part of a trip to Philadelphia or on an active day out in the region. It also features on bike tours of the City of Brotherly Love.
Cyclists should watch their speed, and pass any pedestrians on the left; cyclists and rollerbladers should also wear helmets.
Dogs must be leashed while walking on the trail, and dog owners are responsible for picking up pet waste.
The Schuylkill River Trail is part of several major area trail networks, including the region’s Circuit Trails system and the East Coast Greenway. It additionally crosses the Appalachian Trail.
All visitors to the Schuylkill River Trail should follow “leave no trace” principles and dispose of all their litter.
Given that it stretches for roughly 75 miles (121 kilometers), there are a number of trailheads and access points all along the Schuylkill River Trail, many of which are accompanied by dedicated parking lots. Many towns along the trail are served by SEPTA trains and buses, and the section that runs through Center City Philadelphia has a number of pedestrian access points. The trail itself can be explored on foot, by bike, or even by rollerblades.
The Schuylkill River Trail is open every day from sunrise to sunset, and is best to experience on good weather days. The trail can be very crowded on the weekends, so consider going in the early morning or evening, or on a weekday.
The Schuylkill River passes dozens of major landmarks. Highlights include ecological sites like the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Jenkins Arboretum; historical sights like the Daniel Boone Homestead and Valley Forge National Historical Park; and Philly icons like Boathouse Row, Eastern State Penitentiary, and much more.
