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East Fairmount Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 5,359 Google reviews · Running trail in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from East Fairmount Park's 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.
Large riverside park with picnic tables, baseball fields and sculptures, plus views of Boat House Row.
What runners say about East Fairmount Park
“Peaceful, clean, and serene trails along the river.”
“The sheer grandeur of the Philadelphia Museum of Art itself dominates the landscape, its massive, beautiful facade hinting at the treasures held within.”
“Great paths for walking, running, or biking as well as plenty of places to explore along the way.”
“Peaceful, clean, and serene trails along the river.”
Great place to run, jog, and/or walk. I love the Kelly Drive to jog. Park for the most is very clean. Plenty parking up and down the Kelly Drive or just park near Lemon Hill and walk down. Parking also behind the Art Museum but it's 2 hour parking.
Beautiful park! Lovely view of the river. Awesome glance at a hot air balloon somewhere across the river. They even have a water bottle filling station. I also got a wonderful glimpse of the abandoned (soon to be saved and turned into a Greenway?) Elevated trainway. I loved Boathouse Row.
Took a walk around the reservoir and discovery center. Really nicely put together, and seeing a juvenile red tailed hawk topped it off. I'd definitely go back for a bit of nature in the city
I spent here my weekend day. Had Walking along river. Saw a lot of canoes, biking people and just running men. A lot of positive emotions and I got energy. So excited and beautiful area.
Trail conditions & character
“Once you reach the top, you are immediately treated to breathtaking, unobstructed views of the city skyline and the winding Schuylkill River.”
“The experience begins with the famous "Rocky Steps," an invigorating climb that culminates in the rewarding sight of the statue of Rocky Balboa.”
“Plenty parking up and down the Kelly Drive or just park near Lemon Hill and walk down.”
“Peaceful, clean, and serene trails along the river.”
“They even have a water bottle filling station.”
Plan your run at East Fairmount Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- Websitephila.gov
- Phone+1 215-683-3600
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–12 am |
| Tuesday | 6 am–12 am |
| Wednesday | 6 am–12 am |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–12 am |
| Saturday | 6 am–12 am |
| Sunday | 6 am–12 am |
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.
Fairmount Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,514 reviews
Historic, big park with walking trails, sports fields, gardens, public art & a reservoir.
Schuylkill River Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 5 reviews
Stairs to Lower Trail
4 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews