Last weekend, my husband and I drove up to Philadelphia to visit a friend of his who was in town. Since it’s about a three-hour drive from DC, we decided to make a weekend of it, booking a hotel, strolling through the city, grabbing lunch, and enjoying an afternoon drink at Walnut Garden. The weather was beautiful, and Philly was buzzing with early summer energy. There was also an amazing art fair in Rittenhouse Square, which we could’ve spent a whole afternoon at. 

On Sunday morning, before we headed back home, I set out for my long run. I love getting to know a city by running through it; there’s something magical about seeing a place wake up from street level. You catch glimpses of local life that you might otherwise miss as a visitor, see views that aren’t as accessible from the city centre, and Philly didn’t disappoint.

Before any run in a new city, I usually check Strava heat maps to get a feel for popular routes. I briefly considered heading to the iconic Rocky Steps at the Museum of Art (they’re on the agenda for our next visit!), but for this run, I wanted something scenic and simple. So I set out toward the Schuylkill River and joined the river trail heading north.

It quickly became clear that Philadelphia is a runner’s city. I started at Schuylkill River Park, where a small farmers market was just setting up, and ran down toward the river. (Side note: if you have a dog, this park has an amazing dog park!) From there, I followed the trail north, with the city slowly giving way to a more peaceful, green stretch.

The route was packed with interest. I passed 30th Street Station across the river, cruised under a series of beautiful bridges, and reached the Fairmount Water Works, a spot I once visited for a gorgeous wedding. From there, I looped around the back of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and followed the trail to Boathouse Row, which I’ve always wanted to see up close. The historic and colourful boathouses were even more charming in person, with crews out rowing and the water sparkling in the morning sun.

Luckily, there were bathrooms and water fountains near the boathouses, essential for summer long runs. I stopped for a drink and then continued north past tree-lined paths and quiet stretches of trail, eventually reaching Laurel Hill Cemetery. There, I stopped to soak in one of the most beautiful views of the run (see the pic below) before turning around to head back to the hotel.

What I loved most about this route, aside from the stunning views, was how accessible and welcoming it felt. The trail is well-paved and easy to follow, with signage, shaded sections, and enough amenities to make it manageable for longer runs. While it’s busiest near the city center, the path thins out the farther north you go. About three miles in, I found myself running in near solitude, surrounded by greenery and birdsong.

It’s worth noting that cyclists also use the path and some of them are quite fast, so it’s important to stay aware and keep to the right. That said, I found the atmosphere friendly and relaxed, with walkers, joggers, and runners of all paces out enjoying the trail.

Next time we’re in town, I’m planning to run south to explore more of the path and finally visit the Rocky Steps. Philadelphia’s river trail really impressed me; it’s such a gem for runners and a perfect way to connect with the city. I will be running the marathon in Philadelphia in the fall, so I’m looking forward to seeing more!

Have you run in Philadelphia? I’d love to hear your favourite routes or tips for exploring the city on foot!