What to Expect on Schuylkill Banks During Pope Weekend

As the Schuylkill Banks trail and greenway runs adjacent to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the site of the papal events on Saturday, 9/26 and Sunday, 9/27, the trail will be partially closed to all users.

Trail Closure
Schuylkill Banks will remain open from South Street to Chestnut Street. The Chestnut Street Ramp will be the northernmost exit from the Banks. The trail will be closed to all users from Chestnut Street to Brewery Hill Drive (just north of Girard Avenue) beginning on Thursday, September 24 at 10pm and ending Monday, September 28. We are waiting for confirmation of approximate re-opening times, and will share more detailed information here if and when it becomes available.

A map of citywide bicycle closures and access points is available here.

Restroom Closure
The composting restroom on the trail south of Walnut Street will be closed for maintenance on Saturday, 9/26 and Sunday, 9/27, reopening on Monday, 9/28. Restrooms will be open in Markward Playground in Schuylkill River Park and ample port-o-potties will be available in various nearby locations.

Post-Pope Clean-up
SRDC will be hosting a post-Pope-weekend cleanup to pick up litter on the trail on Tuesday, 9/29 beginning at 1pm. If you are interested in volunteering, please meet us on the trail under the Walnut Street Bridge; no RSVP required. SRDC will provide gloves and trash bags. We hope to see you there!

Trails to Explore this Weekend
This weekend is a great time to explore trails that will be unaffected by closures, including the Schuylkill Banks Grays Ferry Crescent, areas of the Schuylkill River Trail north of East Falls, and other trails in the Circuit regional trail network.

Thank you for your understanding!