Rocky Steps via Benjamin Frankin Parkway
Rocky Steps via Benjamin Frankin Parkway
4.5
(9930)
9,931
hikers
01:22
5.31km
20m
Hiking
Begin your easy urban hike along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, often called Philadelphia's "most artistic mile." This route covers 3.3 miles (5.3 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 72 feet (22 metres), taking about 1 hour and 21 minutes to complete. You will pass world-class museums and public art,…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
141 m
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.29 km
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.30 km
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
5.31 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.26 km
Surfaces
2.53 km
1.69 km
1.02 km
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Elevation
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Weather
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Monday 13 July
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19°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
Parking is available in several garages and lots near the Philadelphia Museum of Art and along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Metered street parking can also be found, but it's often limited. For detailed information on parking options, including garages and rates, you can check resources like visitphilly.com. Public transportation, including buses and the Phlash Downtown Loop, also serves the area well.
Yes, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the area around the Rocky Steps are generally dog-friendly. Many visitors enjoy walking their leashed dogs along the Parkway. Please ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for everyone.
The route is enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for walking, with blooming trees in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. Summer can be warm, so an early morning or late afternoon visit is recommended. Winter provides a unique, often less crowded, experience, though dress warmly.
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to walk along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway or to climb the Rocky Steps. Access to these iconic public spaces is free for everyone.
The initial portion along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is flat and paved, designed for easy pedestrian access. The main physical challenge comes from the 72 stone steps leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famously known as the Rocky Steps. While the steps require moderate exertion, the rest of the route is very accessible.
This route is packed with cultural and historical sights. You'll pass the LOVE Sculpture, Love Park, numerous world-class museums, and public art along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The highlight is reaching the Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps (Rocky Steps), where you'll also find the Rocky Statue.
The entire route, covering approximately 5.3 kilometers (3.3 miles), typically takes around 1 hour and 21 minutes to complete at a moderate walking pace. This duration allows time to enjoy the sights along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and climb the Rocky Steps.
Absolutely! This is an excellent family-friendly urban walk. The flat, paved sections of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway are easy for strollers, and children often enjoy the excitement of climbing the Rocky Steps and posing with the Rocky Statue. There are also many museums along the way that cater to families.
Yes, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a vibrant urban area. You'll find various cafes, food trucks, and restaurants in the vicinity of the museums and near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, offering options for refreshments and meals before or after your walk.
From the top of the Rocky Steps, you are treated to a magnificent panoramic view of the Philadelphia city skyline, Eakins Oval, and the entire Benjamin Franklin Parkway stretching out below. It's an iconic vista and a popular spot for photos.
This specific route is generally considered an out-and-back experience, starting near Love Park and proceeding along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Rocky Steps. While you can explore various paths in the surrounding Fairmount Park, the core experience described is linear.
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