East Falls Loop

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The East Falls Loop is a popular ride among locals and ideal for weekends when MLK Jr. Drive is closed to automobiles. The route is mostly flat and takes approximately an hour for the average cyclist. Please note that Kelly Drive and MLK Jr. Drive are popular locations for regattas and other events, so they may be crowded or closed on certain days.

Directions

  • From the north end of Schuylkill Banks, stay on the trail and walk/run/roll under the MLK Jr. Drive and Spring Garden Street Bridges, continue on the trail past the Fairmount Water Works and Lloyd Hall.
  • Turn left at Lloyd Hall to stay on the Schuylkill River Trail.
  • Continue along the Kelly Drive portion of the Schuylkill River Trail approximately four miles until you reach the East Falls Bridge.
  • Cross the East Falls Bridge – being careful of traffic – and turn left onto MLK Jr. Drive (or the MLK Jr. Drive portion of the trail).
  • Take MLK Jr. Drive approximately four miles until it takes you back across the Schuylkill River to Schuylkill Banks.  The MLK Jr Drive Bridge is a narrow bridge - be aware of traffic, especially when the road is not closed to vehicle traffic.  NOTE: THIS BRIDGE IS CURRENTLY CLOSED AND WILL REOPEN IN 2025. DETAILS HERE. COMPLETING THE LOOP DURING THE CLOSURE REQUIRES TRAIL USER TO TAKE A DETOUR THROUGH MANTUA.

Length

This loop is eight miles from the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) and back to the museum. It is 11.2 miles from Locust Street, around the loop, and back to Locust Street. 

Both sides of the Schuylkill River from Locust Street to the East Falls Bridge

Directions