Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk – Boathouse Row loop from 49th Street
Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk – Boathouse Row loop from 49th Street
4.9
(1493)
16,558
runners
Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk – Boathouse Row loop from 49th Street
01:25
13.7km
80m
Running
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 1, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
3.66 km
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
3.93 km
Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
6.19 km
Fairmount Water Works South Garden
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
6.22 km
Frederick Graff Memorial
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
6.38 km
Mercury Pavilion
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6.97 km
Boathouse Row
Highlight (Segment) • Structure
Tip by
7.28 km
Turtle Rock Light
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
13.7 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
13.1 km
258 m
209 m
153 m
Surfaces
7.47 km
5.36 km
548 m
236 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Monday 29 June
31°C
20°C
40 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a diverse and engaging urban jogging route that blends natural beauty with iconic cityscapes, the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk – Boathouse Row loop from 49th Street is an excellent choice. This moderate 8.5-mile (13.7 km) jogging route, with a gentle 267 feet (81 metres) of elevation gain, offers a dynamic urban escape that typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes to complete. It’s perfect for those seeking a comprehensive tour of Philadelphia’s riverside highlights, providing a rewarding experience for most fitness levels.
What to expect on Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk – Boathouse Row loop from 49th Street
This route offers a constantly evolving backdrop as you jog along the Schuylkill River. Starting from 49th Street, you’ll first explore Bartram’s Mile, winding through the lush greenery of America’s oldest botanical garden, Bartram’s Garden, before crossing to the east bank. The terrain is predominantly flat and paved, with some sections offering beaten dirt paths alongside, which can be a welcome change for your joints. A major highlight is the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk, a unique 2,000-foot concrete pathway extending directly over the river, providing panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline. Further north, you’ll pass the historic Boathouse Row, with its picturesque Victorian boathouses and active rowing scene, before looping back.
Planning your visit
The loop begins conveniently at the 49th Street and Botanic Avenue access point for Bartram’s Mile. Thanks to the Schuylkill Crossing swing bridge, a continuous off-road loop is now possible, connecting the west and east banks seamlessly. While the trail is generally accessible, it can get quite busy, especially on weekends, so consider an early start for a more serene experience. On weekends from April to October, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive is often closed to vehicular traffic, offering additional space for runners on the return leg.
Trail details
- Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7 km)
- Elevation gain: 267 feet (81 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 25 minutes
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