Looking to explore Fairmount Park on two wheels? Here are some great spots to visit by bike in Fairmount Park:

1.) Trails of the Centennial District

The Fairmount Park Bike Tour is located in The Centennial District in West Fairmount Park. The site is full of statues from the Centennial Exposition of 1876. History buffs will enjoy exploring some of these historic landmarks. Some of the statues include the twin “Winged Pegasus.

The twin statues sit at the entrance of Memorial Hall. They have welcomed visitors to Memorial Hall for over 150 years.

Bike riders can begin their tour at Smith Memorial Arch. Then ride past Memorial Hall (which is now home to the Please Touch Museum.) From there, they can ride around Concourse Lake where turtles are usually sunbathing. Next, they can ride to Catholic Total Abstinence Fountain.

Jonas said he hopes the fountain will be turned on for the Semiquincentennial Celebration in 2025. These paths are great for exploring.

2.) Strawberry Mansion Bridge

Take Greenland Drive Strawberry Mansion Drive from the east or Greenland Drive from the West to get to the Strawberry Mansion Bridge. The bridge has wide boardwalks on either side. They provide a separate riding space and great views of the Schuylkill. This is a great place to watch a regatta. You may see an occasional horse rider.

3.) Laurel Hill Cemetery

If you like riding hills, you’ll find them here. Laurel Hill was considered America’s first “rural cemetery” in 1836. The fictional Adrian was buried here in the “Balboa” installment of the Rocky franchise. The site is home to Civil War hero and early Fairmount Park Commissioner Gordon Mead. It is also home to Phillies legend Harry Kalas, the greatest baseball announcer of all time.

4.) Belmont Plateau

This is a great place to burn some calories. Enjoy riding the loops of Belmont Mansion Drive and Belmont Avenue. Riding up Belmont Mansion Drive is harder, but more scenic. If you want an easier ride, bike up Belmont Avenue heading north. Belmont Mansion Drive has the best skyline view of the City.

5.) Schuylkill River Trail (Kelly Drive) 

This 8-mile loop includes the trail on both sides of the river. It is connected by the Falls Bridge in Manayunk. This is the most iconic bike trail in the City. Unfortunately, it’s not connected at the south side due to roadwork at the Martin Luther King Drive Bridge. But bikers can still ride the west river trail. Also, MLK Drive is automobile-free on weekends.

The city of Philadelphia has over 223 trails. Going on a bike ride or walking in the park is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature. So, gear up and go on your next adventure!