Explore Philadelphia Parks, Trails, and Green Spaces
With its 166 miles of open-space pathways, hiking trails, and bike routes, Philadelphia offers plenty of ways for people to get outside and explore the city’s neighborhoods, take in the…
With its 166 miles of open-space pathways, hiking trails, and bike routes, Philadelphia offers plenty of ways for people to get outside and explore the city's neighborhoods, take in the views, and experience natural beauty.
According to a Visit Philadelphia fact sheet, the city has invested $500 million into 72 parks, recreation centers, and libraries as part of its broad, ongoing city rebuilding program. Philadelphia's efforts to improve and maintain its extensive parks and trails system have led to the city's recognition as the "most walkable in America" by USA TODAY in its 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, and 2025).
Some highlights of Philadelphia's current projects to enhance outdoor spaces include the following:
- Open projects include the FDR Park renovation in South Philly to curb flooding and enhance wetlands.
- The Rail Park high-line will link neighborhoods from Northern Liberties to Brewerytown.
- The Robert A. Borski Jr. Park preserves a 10-acre lawn and meadow along the Riverfront North Greenway that connects with existing trailheads.
Below are some interesting facts and figures about Philadelphia's great outdoors:
- Fairmount Park spans 9,200 acres, roughly 10 times the size of Central Park in New York City.
- Schuylkill Banks draws about 33,000 visitors weekly, with the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk extending the riverfront trail.
- When completed, the Circuit Trails will exceed 850 miles of interconnected multi-use trails.
