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Fairmount Water Works Trail & Boardwalk
4.4 ★★★★☆ 24 Google reviews · Running trail in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fairmount Water Works Trail & Boardwalk'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.
What runners say about Fairmount Water Works Trail & Boardwalk
“The Fairmount Water Works Trail & Boardwalk is a scenic addition to Philadelphia’s outdoor spaces, offering a unique vantage point over the Schuylkill River.”
The Fairmount Water Works Trail & Boardwalk is a scenic addition to Philadelphia’s outdoor spaces, offering a unique vantage point over the Schuylkill River. This boardwalk stretches over a previously inaccessible island between the historic Fairmount Water Works and Boathouse Row.
Discover this hidden gem for nature enthusiasts! While it's a great spot for picnics, fishing, and scenic walks or bike rides along the river, it's worth noting that the park's safety can be a concern.
Help! I have searched every appropriate site to find out the name of the wetland area and island the boardwalk goes to. Also, word of Beavers. Anyone aware? Thanks.
Trail conditions & character
“The Fairmount Water Works Trail & Boardwalk is a scenic addition to Philadelphia’s outdoor spaces, offering a unique vantage point over the Schuylkill River.”
“The Fairmount Water Works Trail & Boardwalk is a scenic addition to Philadelphia’s outdoor spaces, offering a unique vantage point over the Schuylkill River.”
Plan your run at Fairmount Water Works Trail & Boardwalk
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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.
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–10 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.
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