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. It'll eventually stretch over 10 miles from Allegheny Avenue in the north to the Navy Yard in the south. The trail gives pedestrians, cyclists, and runners safe, off-road access to the river, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and attractions along the Delaware waterfront.[1]
It's transforming how Philadelphia relates to its Delaware River waterfront.
Overview
Vision
What's the point? Connect over 10 miles of waterfront and give people safe pedestrian and bike access. The goal is linking waterfront parks and attractions, supporting economic development, and creating unbroken river access for everyone.
Current Status
As of 2024, you can walk on several completed sections. There's the Northern Delaware Greenway above Girard, Penn Treaty Park connections, Central Delaware segments, and the Washington Avenue Green connection. Construction and planning work continues.
Trail Sections
Northern Segment
Port Richmond to Girard Avenue:
This stretch transforms an industrial waterfront. You'll find connections to Pulaski Park, neighborhood trail access, and solid river views along the way.
Central Segment
Girard Avenue to Washington Avenue:
This is where things get dense with attractions. You've got Penn Treaty Park connections, Race Street Pier access, Penn's Landing integration, Cherry Street Pier links, and Spruce Street Harbor Park all in this section.
Southern Segment
Washington Avenue to Navy Yard:
Industrial heritage defines this area. The IKEA district sits here, and the Navy Yard terminus is planned. This is the longest continuous section once it's finished.
Features
Trail Design
The trail itself is modern and well-built. It's paved, 10 to 12 feet wide, and completely separated from vehicle traffic. Mile markers keep you oriented, with lighting in key areas and emergency access points scattered throughout.
Waterfront Access
You get overlooks and viewpoints. There are river access points, pier connections, and park entries everywhere you look.
Public Art
Art's embedded into the trail design. Historic interpretation helps explain what you're seeing, while murals, sculptures, and community art projects make it visually interesting.
Fitness Stations
Exercise equipment dots the route. Workout stations align with mile markers for runners who want to track their distance.
Using the Trail
Walking and Running
The surface is continuous and flat. Multiple entry and exit points mean you're never far from getting on or off, and rest areas with benches are spaced throughout. Water fountains show up seasonally.
Cycling
It's an excellent cycling surface. The trail connects to the regional trail network, and you can reach the Schuylkill River Trail via street routes. Bike repair stations help when something breaks.
Access Points
Where do you get on? Try Allegheny Avenue at the north end, Girard Avenue, Spring Garden Street, Race Street Pier, Chestnut Street at Penn's Landing, Washington Avenue, or Oregon Avenue in the south.
Connections
Parks and Attractions
The trail ties everything together. Penn Treaty Park, Race Street Pier, Cherry Street Pier, Penn's Landing, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Washington Avenue Green are all connected.
Neighborhoods
From north to south, it serves Port Richmond, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Old City, Society Hill, Queen Village, and South Philadelphia.
Visiting
Hours
Open from dawn to dusk. Some sections stay open longer, and the well-lit sections are safer if you go after dark.
Getting There
You've got options. SEPTA bus routes run along Delaware Avenue, or walk from various Market-Frankford Line stations. Bike here from anywhere in the city.
For parking, street parking near access points is tight. There's parking at Penn's Landing, and garages in Old City and Society Hill offer more reliable spots.
Tips
Most of the trail is flat and accessible. North sections look industrial but rewarding. Central sections have more shops and services. Check the DRWC website for which sections are currently open, and consider combining your trail visit with nearby waterfront attractions.
Future Development
Planned Extensions
They're closing northern gaps. A southern extension to the Navy Yard is coming, with improved connections between segments and additional amenities and parks planned.
Vision
The complete trail will be something special. Ten continuous miles of waterfront access, running the full north-south length and serving as a major economic development catalyst. It'll connect into the regional trail network too.
Nearby
- Penn's Landing — Central waterfront location
- Penn Treaty Park — North end
- Race Street Pier — Center City waterfront
- Delaware River — The whole point
See Also
References
- ↑ "Delaware River Trail". Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. Retrieved December 30, 2025