Philadelphia’s great trail system — and its biking population — are expanding exponentially.
It’s no wonder that Greater Philly has been a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community for several years running: an ever-growing network of forested scenic trails, flat pathways, and protected bike lanes connect everything from the famed Rocky Steps to the Delaware Valley to the Jersey Shore. The Circuit Trails, which include the lovely, 25-mile Schuylkill River Trail, will eventually add up to 800 miles of buzzy urban routes and rolling, rural road biking.
Within a 90-minute drive, several state parks and natural areas — including Fair Hill Mountain, Harmony Hill, and Blue Marsh Lake — serve up some surprisingly challenging terrain for mountain bikers. The inaugural, closed-road 20-mile Philly Bike Ride will cruise past Independence Hall and Penn’s Landing in fall 2022, and thousands participate in the American Cancer Society Bike-a-Thon and the French and Pickering Creek Iron Tour every year.
Whether you’re looking for challenging trails, meandering roads, or a casual downtown cruise, you’ll find a great ride in the city of brotherly love!