Outdoor exploration awaits, Philadelphia, and a brand-new pedestrian- and bike-only bridge has just opened to make traversing the Schuylkill River that much easier.

On Friday, October 30, the iconic Manayunk Bridge reopened to great fanfare after 30 years of disuse, creating a convenient crossing between Lower Merion Township and Main Street in Manayunk.

Moreover, the renovated bridge establishes a crucial link in the Circuit Trails, a 750-mile network of bicycle and pedestrian trails in the Greater Philadelphia region.

The bridge trail now equips bicyclists and pedestrians (only — no cars allowed!) with a safe and accessible pathway over the landmark bridge between the Cynwyd Heritage Trail in Lower Merion Township and the streets of Philly’s Manayunk neighborhood and the nearby Schuylkill River Trail.

By overhauling an existing, long-closed elevated railroad track, the Manayunk Bridge is yet another example of adaptive reuse and “rail-to-trail” conversion in Philadelphia. It’s vantage not only connects two communities, but also provides a destination for incredible views of the Schuylkill River Valley.

Note: The Manayunk Bridge is not currently open 24 hours a day. Through March 31, the bridge hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 1-October 31, the bridge will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Now, get out there and hit the trail.

MORE INFO:

Manayunk Bridge reopens today as a trail, a symbol of a changing economy [Plan Philly]

For Those Confused About the Manayunk Bridge Opening/Closing Times [Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia]