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River Common

4.4 ★★★★☆ 826 Google reviews · Running trail in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from River Common'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.

Open 24hScenicFlat & fastWaterTrailhead parking

Historic 0.5-mi.-long riverside park with a fishing pier, large amphitheater, fountain & gardens.

What runners say about River Common

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (826 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“The location is absolutely beautiful, right along the river, creating a peaceful atmosphere that helps you relax and connect with nature.”

This is a beautiful addition to the city. The views of the river, courthouse, and Market street bridge are spectacular. The biggest thing lacking in this are is outdoor spaces and trees so we are lucky to have this.

★★★★★ — Katherine , Mar 2020

Nice trail back here. There's a few benches. Someone's teepee tent. Take someone with you. Don't walk here alone. Be safe, enjoy the trails.

★★★★★ — Sunshine , Sep 2022

Cute little spot, with close parking. It was a quiet walk. Nice. We enjoyed ourselves. Great place to eat lunch and enjoy yourself.

★★★★☆ — Athena , Jul 2019

I always be walking all around there n it's nice n really no one is around maybe sometime I go there to work out

★★★★★ — John , Nov 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 826 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“The location is absolutely beautiful, right along the river, creating a peaceful atmosphere that helps you relax and connect with nature.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“There is plenty of parking available right in front, making it easily accessible while still being close to downtown.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“Nice sidewalks along the river ground level and elevated street level.”

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🚰 Water fountains

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Plan your run at River Common

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • 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

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find River Common

133 N River St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Get directions

Running trails near Wilkes-Barre

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Nesbitt Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 222 reviews

Kingston, PA

Scenic

Riverside park offering benches, a boat launch & 9-hole disc golf course, plus open space & fishing.

under a mile away

Kirby Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,986 reviews

Wilkes-Barre, PA

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Wooded 52-acre park with a pond, sports facilities & trails. plus picnic pavilions.

under a mile away

Barney Farms Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 52 reviews

Wilkes-Barre, PA

1.6 miles away

Hollenback Park

4.1 ★★★★☆ 79 reviews

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Dog-friendly

Park with a 9-hole golf course, baseball & softball fields, a playground & picnic areas.

1.7 miles away

Plains Township Municipal Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 241 reviews

Wilkes-Barre, PA

ShadedScenic

Sprawling park offering playgrounds, sports courts and a pavillion.

3.6 miles away

Seven Tubs Recreation Area - Pinchot Forest District

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,137 reviews

Wilkes-Barre, PA

LoopNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Mountainside nature area known for its cascading streams, bedrock tubs & variety of seasonal plants.

3.9 miles away

All running trails in Wilkes-Barre, PA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.