Places to run in Philly - Kelly Drive

If you are looking for a scenic run along the water with active company, look no further than Kelly Drive.

Directly behind the Art Museum in Philadelphia, Kelly Drive is a favorite of local runners, walkers, and bikers. The 8.4 mile loop will take you down and across Falls Bridge and along the other side of the river. You will run past the gorgeous Boathouse Row and have a great view of it from across the river when you run on West River Drive. The water is at your side and is a beautiful backdrop throughout your run.

Kelly Drive from West River Drive

Getting there You can park in the lot next to Lloyd Hall and start in front of Lloyd Hall where you will see the path is marked.  Each quarter mile is marked on the path which makes it very convenient if you have a certain distance in mind.  From the start to Falls Bridge is approximately 3 miles. If you need to get in a long run, run the loop down West River Drive and turn around to run back at the overpass before the art museum for over 15 miles or do 2 loops to get in approximately 16 miles. 

Off the path You also have the option of continuing west of the Art Museum onto the Schuylkill River path once you make it to the end of the first loop before the overpass. This path continues to be spectacular but is not marked.

Water and facilities Near the stands along Kelly Drive is a water fountain, approximately a mile and a half from Lloyd Hall, and on the far side of the river along West River Drive, a water fountain is located close to 2 miles from Falls Bridge. Both water fountains are turned off for the winter but are flowing in the spring, summer, and fall months.  Bathrooms are available at Lloyd Hall and normally with all of the events down at the river, port-a-potties are easy to find.

The good and the bad  The path is not too forgiving and can cause sore knees and shin splints, but on a nice day it is a route that you will not want to pass up! Even better, when a regatta is taking place on the river, while you might have to dodge observers and bikers along the path, it will keep you entertained.  The best thing about the path is that there is always someone out for a run, or a bike ride, or a walk.  You do have to steer clear of bikers, but you can always count on good company!

Races The courses of The Philly marathon and Philly Distance Run both include parts of  Kelly Drive. If you are training for either race, Kelly Drive is a great place to run.