Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN PHILADELPHIA
Thinking of exploring Philly on two wheels? Great call. The City of Brotherly Love has a low-key amazing bike scene, with trails that roll past centuries-old landmarks, leafy parks, and vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you’re after chill riverside paths or more adventurous cross-city loops, this guide lays out the top bike touring routes in Philly for all skill levels. Perfect for vacationers bringing their bikes along, this article maps out where to ride, what to see, and tips for making the most of your cycling trip.
Ride the Schuylkill River Trail
Philly's signature bike path for scenic city rides
If you only have time for one bike ride in Philadelphia, make it the Schuylkill River Trail (SRT). This multi-use trail stretches for over 75 miles, but the Philly portion—from South Street up to Manayunk—is an iconic urban ride that hits all the right notes. You’ll cruise alongside the river, pass boathouses, bridges, and skyline views, and probably end up with a hundred photos in your camera roll.
Start near the Philadelphia Museum of Art (yes, the one with the Rocky steps) and ride north along Kelly Drive. The trail is mostly flat and well-paved, making it beginner-friendly and ideal for sightseeing. You’ll share the route with joggers and dog walkers, especially on weekends, but it’s wide enough to keep things chill.
Keep going and you’ll hit Manayunk, a cool neighborhood with cobblestone vibes and great food options. If you’re feeling strong, hop onto the Manayunk Towpath to extend your ride along the canal.
Length: ~10-12 miles one way (Philly portion)
Surface: Paved, flat
Scenery: River, skyline, parks
Best for: Sightseeing, relaxing rides
Stops: Art Museum, Boathouse Row, Manayunk
This route is Philly's answer to the perfect city ride: smooth, scenic, and packed with cool things to see and do along the way. Bring a picnic or grab a bite in Manayunk, and enjoy the city at bike speed.
Tour through Fairmount Park
Green space, hidden trails, and historic gems
Fairmount Park is a massive, lush urban park—bigger than Central Park—and a local favorite for both short rides and long explorations. Split into East and West sections by the Schuylkill River, the park offers a network of paved and gravel paths that take you past gardens, mansions, sculptures, and woods.
Kick off your tour near the Please Touch Museum or the Philadelphia Zoo, then head deeper into the park. You’ll find gentle rolling hills, quiet forest roads, and some dirt paths perfect for hybrid or gravel bikes. Stop at Shofuso Japanese House, Belmont Plateau (for skyline views), or the Horticulture Center if you like nature with your ride.
This is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of route. The variety of paths makes it ideal for intermediate riders who want some cardio mixed with chill sightseeing. Don’t forget to bring water and maybe a map—this place is big.
Length: Up to 20+ miles of connected paths
Surface: Mixed (paved, gravel, dirt)
Scenery: Forests, historic buildings, gardens
Best for: Intermediate riders, nature escapes
Stops: Belmont Plateau, Shofuso, Smith Memorial Arch
Fairmount Park is the green heart of Philly. Whether you're in the mood for a peaceful solo ride or a weekend group tour, this sprawling park delivers miles of variety, beauty, and historical curiosity.
Discover the city’s neighborhood trails
Urban routes that reveal Philly’s local flavor
While river trails get all the love, Philadelphia’s neighborhood bike routes are where the city really opens up. Start with the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a tree-lined stretch from City Hall to the Art Museum that’s as rideable as it is Instagrammable. Then veer off into neighborhoods like Fishtown, Northern Liberties, or South Philly for colorful murals, indie coffee shops, and real-deal cheesesteaks.
The Indego bike share system is handy if you don’t want to haul your own bike around, and Philly’s bike lanes are expanding fast. The 11th Street and Spruce/Pine Street bike lanes are some of the safest and most popular cross-town routes, connecting West Philly to Center City with ease.
And don’t miss the Delaware River Trail, especially around Penn’s Landing. It's newly upgraded and offers peaceful waterside cruising that links you to Cherry Street Pier and beyond.
Length: Varies (short hops to full-day tours)
Surface: Urban pavement, protected lanes
Scenery: Murals, parks, local businesses
Best for: Urban explorers, foodies
Stops: Fishtown, Italian Market, Penn’s Landing
Cycling through Philly neighborhoods is the best way to see what makes the city tick. It’s vibrant, gritty, creative—and way more fun than sitting in traffic or hopping tour buses.
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