Philadelphia might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of mountain biking, but there are plenty of hidden gems for riders of all skill levels.
From rocky singletrack to smooth flow trails, the city and its surrounding areas offer a diverse range of terrains to explore. Whether you're a local looking for a new challenge or a visitor wanting to experience the city's outdoor offerings, there's a trail for you.
The best part about mountain biking in Philadelphia is the accessibility. Many of the trails are located within a short drive of the city center, making it easy to squeeze in a ride before or after work.
Plus, with the city's extensive network of bike lanes and trails, you can easily bike to some of the trailheads without needing a car.
Philadelphia's mountain biking scene is also constantly evolving. New trails are being built and old ones are being improved, thanks to the efforts of local trail organizations and volunteers.
This means there's always something new to discover and ride, even if you've been exploring the area for years. So, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider, it's time to grab your bike and hit the trails.
1. Wissahickon Valley Park
Wissahickon Valley Park offers over 50 miles of trails for bikers, hikers, and equestrians. The trails are well labeled and maintained, making it easy to navigate through the park.
The park's scenery is beautiful, with plenty of benches scattered throughout the trails for resting. The park has many different hiking mini routes, with uphill, downhill, and flat trails, suitable for all levels of physical fitness.
The park is also dog-friendly, with dogs allowed to play in the water. The park's paved trail runs mostly along the river, providing beautiful sounds and smells, although the trail can be busier than the dirt trails.
Wissahickon Valley Park is a fantastic outdoor space to hike, mountain bike, and walk your dog.
2. Andorra Meadow
Andorra Meadow is a beautiful mountain biking trail that offers a peaceful and serene experience away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
With easy trails and a bit of elevation, this scenic nature preserve is perfect for a relaxing ride. The meadow itself is a highlight, with tall and dense grasses in the fall and open space in the spring.
The foundation ruins provide an interesting historical touch to the area. It's less crowded than other parts of the Wissahickon, making it an ideal spot for mountain bikers seeking a quiet ride.
The birdhouses add to the charm of this hidden gem. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking for a fun biking adventure, Andorra Meadow is definitely worth a visit.
3. Pennypack Trail Parking
Pennypack Trail Parking offers an excellent mountain biking experience. With easy access to the trail, it's a great place to get outside and explore.
The trail system is well-maintained and offers a variety of paths for bikers of all skill levels.
In addition to biking, visitors can also enjoy hiking and fishing in the stocked trout stream.
While parking can be a bit tight, the park is a gem in the middle of the city and worth a visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Philly Pumptrack
Philly Pumptrack is a great destination for mountain biking enthusiasts of all skill levels.
The track features a beginner track and a big jump track, as well as a smooth and exciting paved track with plenty of twists and turns. Bikes are available to rent with collateral like ID or phone.
It's a great community spot and a fun, free and safe environment for kids of all ages.
The people who run the place are awesome and they always welcome volunteers to help maintain the track. Philly Pumptrack is definitely worth checking out for a fun day of mountain biking.
5. Schuylkill River Trail
The Schuylkill River Trail is a must-visit destination for mountain biking enthusiasts.
The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery, making it perfect for riders who want to immerse themselves in nature.
The trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it an ideal spot for both novice and experienced riders.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or a challenging workout, the Schuylkill River Trail has something to offer everyone. So, grab your bike and hit the trail for an unforgettable mountain biking experience.
6. Bartram's Mile Trail
Looking for a peaceful escape in the city with a twist of adventure and nature in it, then Bartram's Mile Trail is the perfect spot.
The trail is well-maintained, and the wooded area provides a serene environment for a great biking experience.
The trail is perfect for families and kids, and the abundance of wildlife and beautiful scenery makes it ideal for photography enthusiasts.
The park also offers a water garden, picnic spots, fishing, and a small audience-stage place. The garden is well-kept, and the staff is excellent. Bartram's Mile Trail is a great place to relax and unwind, and it's worth a visit.
7. Belmont Plateau
Belmont Plateau is a fantastic mountain biking trail for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
With marked 3k, 5k, and 8k courses that include nice hills, riders can work up a sweat while enjoying the beautiful views of the city skyline.
The trail is also great for hiking and dog-friendly walks. The park is known for its cleanliness, which is a rare find in busy tourist areas.
While there are some crowds during peak times, the wide-open spaces and endless possibilities make it worth a visit.
8. Bells Mill Road West Trailhead
Bells Mill Road West Trailhead is a great mountain biking trail for those who love a bit of a challenge.
The trail is rocky, so bikers need to take their time. The end of the trail offers a beautiful view and a shaded location to rest.
The trail is also popular with families walking their dogs and people fishing or taking photographs.
It's a peaceful and relaxing place to take a break from the city.
9. Manayunk Canal Path
The Manayunk Canal Path is a fantastic trail for mountain biking enthusiasts. The path offers scenic views of the river and surrounding neighborhoods, making it a perfect place for a leisurely ride.
While some may be deterred by the possibility of dead bodies in the water, the beauty of the area overshadows any potential concerns.
The park is well-maintained and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
If you're looking for a great biking trail with stunning views, the Manayunk Canal Path is definitely worth a visit.
10. Stone Spiral Arch Bridge
The Stone Spiral Arch Bridge is a hidden gem in the middle of the woods. It's a 10-minute hike away from the nearest parking spot, but the journey is worth it.
This historic landmark is a remnant of an old trolley line and is one of the most remarkable old railroad tunnels in the city.
The main path runs through the swirled-arch tunnel while the upper level provides passage across the creek.
The bridge is a great spot for mountain bikers looking for a unique trail to explore. It's definitely worth checking out for anyone who loves history and nature.
11. Lardner's Point Park
Lardner's Point Park is a beautiful mountain biking trail that overlooks the Delaware River.
The park offers spectacular views of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge and the city skyline during low tide. It's a great spot for a morning ride or a quiet retreat from the city.
The trail is well-maintained and there's plenty of parking available. The park also features clean restrooms and a natural-looking setting that's perfect for children and families.
Whether you're an experienced biker or just looking for a peaceful place to relax, Lardner's Point Park is definitely worth a visit.
12. Benjamin Rush State Park
Benjamin Rush State Park offers a variety of activities for nature enthusiasts. With well-maintained gravel trails, it's perfect for hiking, biking, and walking your dog.
The park also provides an area for radio-controlled aircraft and community gardening plots. Visitors can spot wildlife such as deer and birds while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Although there is not much shade, the park has clean bathrooms and plenty of parking.
However, visitors should be cautious of smash n'grab incidents in the parking areas and avoid leaving valuables in their cars. Benjamin Rush State Park is a great place to escape the city and enjoy the outdoors.
13. Tacony Creek Park
Tacony Creek Park offers a 3-mile long mountain biking trail that is great for runs and walks as well. The trail is mostly shaded and includes cool tunnels and bridges.
However, the park is poorly maintained, and some sections are narrow due to overgrowth and patches of loose sand.
There are also no lights or lamps to light up the path, making it dangerous to ride a bike through the park at night by yourself.
Despite these issues, the park is dog-friendly and offers an opportunity to explore nature in the city.
