The best running trails around Elkins Park

This challenging Wissahickon Creek loop from Saint Martins offers a fantastic jogging experience through varied terrain and lush scenery. You'll follow the tranquil creek, passing through quiet woods and over picturesque bridges, with the highlight being the dramatic landscape around Devil's Pool waterfall. The route combines well-kept paths with gravel, mud, and rocky sections, including some steep inclines if you venture onto trails like the Orange Trail.

Planning your visit to this 17.1-mile (27.5 km) route, which features 1515 feet (462 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 3 hours and 22 minutes, is straightforward. Parking is available near Saint Martins, but it's wise to arrive early, especially on busy days. The park is accessible year-round, but the vibrant autumn colors make for an especially scenic run.

This difficult jogging route is a testament to Wissahickon Valley Park's status as a significant natural landmark within Philadelphia. It provides a serene escape from the city, known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including red foxes and deer, and enjoy the historical charm of features like the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, the only covered bridge in a major US city.

Embark on the Wissahickon Creek Waterfall – Thomas Mill Covered Bridge loop, a difficult 15.0-mile (24.1 km) jogging route that immerses you in the lush, secluded beauty of Wissahickon Valley Park. You'll navigate a mix of wide, gravel paths and rugged, root-filled trails, all while enjoying views of the tranquil Wissahickon Creek. The route, which includes 1050 feet (320 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes, culminates at the iconic Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, where a small, dam-created waterfall adds to the charm. It's an ideal choice if you're seeking a challenging run with a true sense of escape within Philadelphia.

Starting from the Chestnut Hill East area, this loop offers a varied workout. While sections of the trail are relatively flat, be ready for significant elevation changes and

This Kitchen's Lane bridge – Falls Bridge loop offers a unique blend of Philadelphia's urban riverfront and wild woodlands. You'll jog along the paved Schuylkill River Trail, enjoying views of the Schuylkill River and the historic Falls Bridge, before diving into the lush, natural setting of Wissahickon Valley Park. The terrain shifts from smooth pavement to crushed gravel on Forbidden Drive, and then to rugged singletrack with rocks and roots, providing a diverse experience over its 8.8 miles (14.1 km).

Planning your visit means preparing for varied surfaces and a moderate challenge, especially within Wissahickon Valley Park. The route covers 466 feet (142 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 1 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Weekends are particularly pleasant for the Schuylkill River Trail section, as parts of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive are often closed to cars, making it a popular choice for Philadelphia running.

This loop is notable for connecting two distinct Philadelphia landscapes, offering a rich variety of scenery and historical significance. You'll pass historic structures and remnants of old mills, particularly around the Kitchen's Lane Bridge area, and experience the dense woodlands near Carpenter's Woods. It's a fantastic option if you're looking for a dynamic workout that showcases the city's natural and historical gems.