Philadelphia’s most popular trail is 25 miles long and follows the Schuylkill River from Center City all the way to Oaks in Montgomery County, and connects with Valley Forge, which has additional trails. Whether you want a short ride or an all-day outing, there is a section of this trial to suit most needs.

Schuylkill River Trail is mostly flat, and practically all of it is paved. It consists of several Fairmount Park trails and the Manayunk Canal Tow Path, so terrain varies somewhat along the way, but is constantly improving and expanding to connect an even greater area.

Schuylkill River Trail can be accessed in Center City via stairs or ramps on Market, Chestnut, or Walnut Streets, or on the street level on Locust Street or just behind the Art Museum.

The busiest portion is the River Drive Recreational Loop, commonly referred to as just “the loop.” This 8.4-mile paved stretch begins and ends near the Art Museum, winds around both sides of the river, and crosses the East Falls Bridge. Exercise caution when walking or riding here, especially with children or on weekends, as it gets very crowded on nice days.

There are a few vendors selling water, soft pretzels, water ice, and candy nearby when the weather is pleasant. Lloyd Hall (1 Boathouse Row, 215/695-3936) has a café, bathrooms, and a rental facility for bicycles and inline skates. On sunny weekends, unofficial but entertaining disco roller-skating exhibitions take place out front.