Map: Quiet places to take a walk in Fairmount Park

by Melissa Romero on April 2, 2020

Philly parks are here for you

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During the City of Philadelphia’s Stay-at-Home Order, parks and trails remain open for those who practice social distancing. If you feel the need to stretch your legs and seek solace in nature, consider these six spots in Fairmount Park that will allow you to avoid crowds and have some peace of mind during a walk, run, or bike ride.

Prefer to enjoy these sites virtually? Click each "VIEW SITE" link below to explore via Google Streetview.

View Site

Boxers’ Trail

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The Boxers’ Trail in East Fairmount Park, a popular training ground for famed boxers like Joe Frazier, connects to the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood and winds along paved paths and wooded trails. Boxers’ Trail allows users to experience a beautiful, and underutilized, portion of Fairmount Park and catch views of the Schuylkill River from above.

There are multiple entry points to Boxers' Trail, but one easy starting point is located right behind Mount Pleasant Mansion.

View Site

Cliff Meadows

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This beautiful meadow in East Fairmount Park hides behind the Sedgley Disc Golf Course. Take the grass path back through the course and into the meadow, where you’ll also find the ruins of the Cliffs, a former country house.

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MLK Drive

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MLK Drive (West Reservoir Drive), which hugs the west side of the Schuylkill River, is closed to vehicles until further notice from East Falls Bridge to Eakins Oval to allow more room for social distancing with trail users. Walk, run, or bike down this stretch of road and enjoy the cherry blossoms and magnolia trees in bloom.

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Strawberry Mansion Bridge

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The Strawberry Mansion Bridge is a steel arch bridge across the Schuylkill River near the Historic Strawberry Mansion. Located at Ford Drive and Strawberry Mansion Drive, the bridge serves as a link between East and West Fairmount Park, and is accessible for pedestrians, vehicles, and bicycles. Once you cross the bridge by foot or bike, you can immediately make your way down to MLK Drive.

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Fairmount Park Horticulture Center

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The Horticulture Center in West Fairmount Park sits on the site of the former Horticultural Hall and the 1876 Centennial Exposition building. While the Horticulture Center and Shofuso are currently closed, the grounds are open from 7am-5pm for your viewing pleasure. While walking the grounds you might pause at the “Pavilion in the Trees” sculpture by Martin Puryear, or admire the variety of trees and native plants along the grounds.

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Concourse Lake in West Fairmount Park

Concourse Lake

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Concourse Lake Native Plant Park in West Fairmount Park is a 14-acre native plant park that features 142 native trees of 24 various species and 503 shrubs of 24 different species. Take a stroll around this 14-acre park while taking in the beautiful fauna and foliage all around.

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