Two states, an iconic bridge, river paths, and tons of history — all in one run! The Delaware River is adjacent to Philadelphia’s historic district and separates Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It’s connected by the Ben Franklin Bridge, a 1926 suspension bridge & city landmark featuring a popular walking/biking path with skyline views. We’ve mapped two separate routes: one incorporating the 2.5 miles of paths on the Philadelphia side, and another featuring the 1.5 miles (each way) over the Bridge, and ~1 mile of riverfront paths in Camden on the New Jersey side. The routes can be combined for a longer run. NOTE: Shorten the run by using the RiverLink Ferry between Camden and Penn’s Landing, which runs in season.
Philadelphia Side: (5.5 miles out and back, 168 foot gain). There are riverfront paths paralleling Christopher Columbus Blvd. for ~2.5 miles between Pier 24, south to Pier 68. The nicest section, with great water and bridge views is the 0.5 mile pier from Penn’s Landing to the Spirit of Philadelphia. The other sections, have occasional water views and can be a bit gritty.
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Ben Franklin Bridge and New Jersey Side. (6.6 miles out and back, 168 foot gain). Access the Bridge from N. 4th St., near Franklin Square. It’s ~1.5 miles over the bridge. Egress to Camden on N. 3rd St., and make your way down to the water using Pearl St. There’s ~1.2 miles of waterfront running on the Ulysses Wiggins Waterfront Park Promenade, incorporating the Camden Waterfront, parks, and Aquarium. Note there are two climbs on the bridge.
Two states, an iconic bridge, river paths, and tons of history — all in one run! The Delaware River is adjacent to Philadelphia’s historic district and separates Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It’s connected by the Ben Franklin Bridge, a 1926 suspension bridge & city landmark featuring a popular walking/biking path with skyline views. We’ve mapped two separate routes: one incorporating the 2.5 miles of paths on the Philadelphia side, and another featuring the 1.5 miles (each way) over the Bridge, and ~1 mile of riverfront paths in Camden on the New Jersey side. The routes can be combined for a longer run. NOTE: Shorten the run by using the RiverLink Ferry between Camden and Penn’s Landing, which runs in season.
Philadelphia Side: (5.5 miles out and back, 168 foot gain). There are riverfront paths paralleling Christopher Columbus Blvd. for ~2.5 miles between Pier 24, south to Pier 68. The nicest section, with great water and bridge views is the 0.5 mile pier from Penn’s Landing to the Spirit of Philadelphia. The other sections, have occasional water views and can be a bit gritty.
Wikimedia Commons
Ben Franklin Bridge and New Jersey Side. (6.6 miles out and back, 168 foot gain). Access the Bridge from N. 4th St., near Franklin Square. It’s ~1.5 miles over the bridge. Egress to Camden on N. 3rd St., and make your way down to the water using Pearl St. There’s ~1.2 miles of waterfront running on the Ulysses Wiggins Waterfront Park Promenade, incorporating the Camden Waterfront, parks, and Aquarium. Note there are two climbs on the bridge.
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Essentials
Philadelphia Side: 5.6 miles out and back; NJ side: 6.6 miles including Ben Franklin Bridge.
Some hills going over bridge
Philadelphia side: Penn's Landing; Bridge access off N. 4th St., near Franklin Sq.
A 10k 'runseeing' tour of Philadelphia's scenic, cultural, and historic highlights in the heart of downtown, west of Broad St: Avenue of the Arts, Schuylkill River, Fairmount Park, and more, starting from City Hall. Good add-on options. Includes the Rocky Steps & Statue!
One of the largest urban green spaces in the country. Many options, including paved multi-use trails, an Arboretum, trail running options, and a famous cross-country course.
The anchor of running in Philadelphia, with 60+ miles of paths along the river. The heart of the Philadelphia portion is the paved path between downtown and Manayunk. Choose a section or do our 8.2 mile loop option. Good one-way options involving train!
See Old Philadelphia's important visitor sights and museums and run the area's historic streets on this 5k 'runseeing' tour. Includes the historic Society Hill neighborhood. For a longer run, add the Delaware River paths.
Just across from Philadelphia Old City, Camden NJ has some nice running options. There's 1 mile along the Delaware River (part of our 'two-state run"), and several miles of mutli-use paths along the Cooper River, with some nice loop options.
Very pretty campus for running. Tree-lined pedestrian paths graced by buildings boasting a range of architectural styles. One can put together a 3-4 mile route incorporating Locust Walk, Woodland Walk, and other sections.
It’s impossible to replicate the actual “Rocky Run”, but here’s the route the organizers of the annual Rocky Run Road Race use to replicate the ‘iconic’ parts of this ‘iconic’ run.
Olmsted-designed FDR Park has numerous trails, a golf course, and other recreational options. A lap of the park is about 3 miles. Includes a tour of Philadelphia Navy Yard, for views of the boats and some of the ‘grittier’ side of Philadelphia.
An 1,800 acre park north of Fairmount Park in the northwest section of Philadelphia. 50+ miles of trails, many of them wooded. The flat run along ‘Forbidden Drive’ (a road closed to cars) parallels a creek.
Long linear park path in eastern Philadeplphia follows Pennypack Creek through historic Pennypack Park -- a former gristmill -- for 9 miles. Mainly wooded, with some creek views. An upper section continues for another 7 miles to the Bristol County line.
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Essentials
Philadelphia Side: 5.6 miles out and back; NJ side: 6.6 miles including Ben Franklin Bridge.
Some hills going over bridge
Philadelphia side: Penn's Landing; Bridge access off N. 4th St., near Franklin Sq.
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