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Carpenter's Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 59 Google reviews · Running trail in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Carpenter's Woods' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Wooded trails featuring salamanders, birds, and plenty of dogs.
What runners say about Carpenter's Woods
“Just a couple of blocks, but a few steps in and you've left your problems behind as descend into the beautiful foliage known as Carpenter's Woods”
“It’s a true urban old-growth forest, offering a peaceful retreat from city life and a glimpse into the region’s natural heritage.”
Nice spot for a quick walk. Nothing too exciting here but with the trees filling out for spring time- it makes for a nice canopy from the sun while you walk this quick trail. I did see pple walking dogs- off leash. That doesn’t bother me, I love dogs! but if it bothers you just be prepared.
So peaceful! I usually go here to get away from all the noise of the city and for a quick hike. Hiking trails are easy and well defined. Unfortunately there are some dog owners who keep dogs off their leash and they can't control them. That's the only issue with these woods. Beware of that if you're visiting with kids.
Carpenters Woods is a fairly nice completely wooded walking area, with a few different trails that all kind of connect to each other in the middle. Lots of people walk their dogs here.
Nice alterative to the valley green part of the busier Wissahickon valley Park. You can connect to that (larger) part by carefully crossing Wissahickon avenue... There's no actual connecting trail. It's almost always easier to find parking in the neighborhood on the North side, even when valley green is packed.
Trail conditions & character
“Unfortunately there are some dog owners who keep dogs off their leash and they can't control them.”
“Carpenters Woods is a fairly nice completely wooded walking area, with a few different trails that all kind of connect to each other in the middle.”
“There is a "drop" (a sudden steep hill) in this park, so don't walk here at night, you won't see it and would fall.”
“It’s a true urban old-growth forest, offering a peaceful retreat from city life and a glimpse into the region’s natural heritage.”
Plan your run at Carpenter's Woods
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefocw.org
- Phone+1 929-239-8158
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Philadelphia
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Wissahickon Valley Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 6,926 reviews
Vast park with over 50 miles of trails for hikers, bikers & equestrians, plus a trout-stocked creek.
Wissahickon Creek Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 151 reviews
Kid-friendly park offering 2 hiking trails along a creek with fishing spots.
Cliveden Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 201 reviews
Shaded greenspace with swings, slides and a jungle gym for kids.
Pastorius Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 150 reviews
Large park featuring a lake and a stage for outdoor summer concerts, plus a loop trail.