The Delaware River Trail (DRT) is changing the game on how you experience your Philadelphia Waterfront. Gone are the days when you were cut off from the water. Thanks to the completion of the trail (officially completed in April 2022), we are increasing accessibility and ushering in an era where foodies, vacationers, staycationers, photographers, workout enthusiasts (or not), families and friends, artists, creators, makers and the like, can safely come together and relish in all the Waterfront has to offer by walking, biking, jogging, skating, skateboarding, you name it!
It’s crazy to think that a decade ago this was simply a detailed vision in the Master Plan for the Central Delaware based on the valuable feedback we received from you. Now, that vision has become 3.3 miles of continuous multimodal trail spanning from Pier 70 in South Philadelphia to Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown, unifying the Waterfront through a connected trail system (the trail is also part of the East Coast Greenway and the Circuit).
What makes the DRT so exciting is that it's your trail, Philly. You have made it your own through group bicycle rides, afternoon jogs, weekday commutes, and weekend jaunts to markets and eateries. And if you haven’t ventured down to the Waterfront by trail, trust us, FOMO will certainly set in, because this trailblazing path has something for everyone to get excited about!
Do you love the great outdoors?
The trail is the perfect place to enjoy nature and take in picturesque views along the Waterfront. As you journey along the scenic DRT, you’ll pass hundreds of newly planted trees and shrubs, which create an inviting environment and provide safe buffers between different modes of traffic. If you want to keep moving from dawn to dusk, solar light poles illuminate the trail to guide you on your journey. Perhaps you want to pause to enjoy your surroundings, the trail has a Dutch-style, two-tiered bike rack that accommodates 18 bikes, as well as large sculptural wood benches, and colorful canopy benches where you can do just that.
Take the trail to access amazing eateries along the Waterfront. No matter your taste, the Waterfront has something you’re sure to love. From classic Philly flavors to sweet treats to Mexican fare, the trail will get you there. If you love dining indoors or al fresco is more your style, add these eateries to your must-try list: French Toast Bites (locations at Cherry Street Pier and Spruce Street Harbor Park), the Cherry Street Garden, La Peg, Chart House, Morgan’s Pier, Craft Hall, Rope & Anchor, Moshulu, Waterfront Gourmet, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, and Liberty Point.
If art delights you, follow the Delaware River Trail. On the trail is the amazing site-specific public art piece Weaver’s Knot: Sheet Bend by Studio Ball Nogues sandwiched between Cherry Street Pier and Race Street Pier. From live performances to installations, to shopping, and connecting with local creators the trail will lead you to Philly’s premier creative hub - Cherry Street Pier. Meet the artists-in-residence, stroll the Gallery, swing by for an artisan market, festival, film screening, and more. At the adjacent Race Street Pier, whose design is a masterpiece in itself, explore Tracey Emin’s A Moment Without You, a work that features five diminutive cast-bronze songbirds perched atop monumental 13-foot poles.
Looking for fun for everyone?
If you’re searching for a local adventure that will surprise and delight your family, roommates, or the squad, you’ll find it along the Delaware River Trail. From skating to boardwalk games and rides at Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and Winterfest; lounging in a hammock at Spruce Street Harbor Park; fishing at Pier 68; special events at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing or amazing exhibitions at Cherry Street Pier; to soaking in the views at Washington Avenue Pier and Penn Treaty Park, there is no shortage of activities for you to explore 7-days-a-week. Learn about all our upcoming events with many more to be announced.
If you thought that the Delaware River Trail couldn’t get any better, oh just wait! We are actively working to extend the trail north to Allegheny Avenue and south to Oregon Avenue, consistent with the vision established in the Master Plan. The completion of the trail also marks the first phase of the new Park at Penn’s Landing, an 11.5-acre civic space stretching between Chestnut Street, Walnut Street, Front Street, and the Delaware River that will include a variety of activities and innovative features. See amazing renderings and learn about this amazing new park that you’ll be able to access by trail in the not too distant future.
