The best road cycling routes in Philadelphia County

Philadelphia County offers a diverse road cycling experience, blending urban green spaces, extensive riverfront paths, and historic areas. You'll find routes along the winding Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers, as well as through large urban parks like Fairmount Park and Wissahickon Valley Park. While many routes are generally flat, some areas include gentle hills, providing varied experiences for all skill levels.

There are over 140 road cycling routes available in Philadelphia County, catering to various preferences and skill levels. This includes 57 easy routes, 61 moderate routes, and 27 more challenging options.

Yes, Philadelphia County has many easy and beginner-friendly road cycling routes. A great option is the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive – Boathouse Row loop from 2nd Street, which is an 18.6-mile path known for its smooth surface and iconic views. The Schuylkill River Trail also offers many flat and accessible sections.

Many routes offer stunning views and pass by significant landmarks. Along the Schuylkill River Trail, you can enjoy picturesque city views, Boathouse Row, and Laurel Hill Cemetery. Fairmount Park offers areas like the View of Philadelphia Skyline from Belmont Plateau. The Delaware River Trail provides scenic views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. You might also pass by the Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps (Rocky Steps) and the Rocky Statue on some urban routes.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Philadelphia County offers routes with more significant elevation gain. For example, the Schuylkill River Trail – View from Sullivan's Bridge loop from Ivy Ridge is a difficult 92 km route with over 430 meters of elevation gain. While Wissahickon Valley Park is known for gravel, its upper trails can provide a more rugged experience for those on appropriate bikes.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling with mild temperatures. However, cycling is enjoyable throughout much of the year. From April through October, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive is closed to vehicular traffic on weekends and holidays, creating an expansive and safe space for cyclists, which is a popular time to ride.

Yes, many of the routes in Philadelphia County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular example is the Schuylkill River Trail Loop, a 75 km route that winds along the river, offering a comprehensive tour of the area.

The road cycling routes in Philadelphia County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists often praise the blend of urban scenery with tranquil riverfront paths, the accessibility of routes like the Schuylkill River Trail, and the unique experience of cycling through historic areas and large urban parks.

Yes, many routes, especially those closer to urban centers or popular trails, offer access to amenities. For instance, the Reading Terminal Market is a well-known spot for food and refreshments that can be incorporated into some rides, such as the Falls Bridge – Reading Terminal Market loop from Fairmount.

Philadelphia's extensive public transport network, including SEPTA regional rail and bus services, provides good access to many trailheads and starting points for road cycling routes. This makes it convenient to reach various parts of the Schuylkill River Trail, Fairmount Park, and other popular cycling areas without needing a car.

For families, routes with smooth, flat surfaces and minimal traffic are ideal. Sections of the Schuylkill River Trail are particularly well-suited, offering a safe and enjoyable experience. The Martin Luther King Jr. Drive – Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk loop from Wissahickon is another easy option that provides scenic views in a controlled environment, especially when MLK Jr. Drive is closed to cars on weekends.

Parking is available at various access points for major trails and parks throughout Philadelphia County. For instance, there are parking lots along the Schuylkill River Trail and within Fairmount Park. On weekends and holidays from April through October, when Martin Luther King Jr. Drive is closed to vehicles, it creates more space for cyclists, though specific parking availability near these areas can vary.