The Philly in a Photo Contest: Trails Edition runs from July 1 to September 1, 2026.

This summer, teenagers and young adults in Philadelphia are invited to enter the Philly in a Photo Contest: Trails Edition!

Two cyclists riding penny farthing bicycles on the Manayunk Canal Towpath.

The City is currently developing a new Trail Master Plan to guide the future of trail planning in Philadelphia. To help develop this new plan, city planners are listening to Philadelphians about how they use and experience Philly’s trails, including young people. One way they are doing this is through the Philly in a Photo Contest: Trails Edition.

Photos should respond to one of five prompts:

  • What’s your favorite activity on Philly’s trails?
  • What’s your go-to trail in Philly?
  • What’s your favorite place that trails can take you?
  • What’s the biggest surprise on Philly’s trails?
  • How do you use Philly’s trails with friends?

Philly youth aged 12 to 22 can enter a photo into the contest. Photography expertise is not required! First-time photographers are encouraged to enter.

A jogger and a cyclist on the Schuylkill River Trail.

Photos will be judged by age group. Judges include professional photographers, trail professionals and City leaders. Finalist photos will be displayed in a gallery setting, with an opening party to celebrate the finalists. Details about the celebration will be announced at a later date.

Submit your photo here!
The submission form to enter an image into the photo contest.
Not a teen or a photographer? Fill out a Citywide Trails Plan survey!
The survey for the Philadelphia Trails Plan Update.