This past weekend brought the opening of the new Bartram’s Mile, a 1.1-mile running, walking and biking trail along the Schuylkill River with stellar skyline views.

Formerly an underutilized space along the river, Bartram’s Mile is now a verdant water-facing space for bikers, walkers, runners and bird watchers that provides an appropriate connection to Bartram’s Garden, a historical botanical garden and outdoor attraction located on the trail.

Residents and visitors in Southwest Philadelphia can also utilize the trail, which was two years in the making, to connect to the region’s impressive Circuit Trails system.

Location and Access Point

The 15-foot-wide multi-use path extends along the western bank of the Schuylkill River through the grounds of historic Bartram’s Garden, which was frequented by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other boldface names from history. The new trail starts at the 56th Street Plaza and continues for 1.1 miles to the Grays Ferry Swing Bridge.

The easiest way to enter this new path is at 56th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, which will bring trail guests right to the 56th Street Plaza, an area that offers prime skyline views. There’s plenty of parking available at this access point.

Note that the trail ends at the Schuylkill Crossing swing bridge, a future project which, when complete, will connect Bartram’s Trail to the Schuylkill Banks. Bartram’s Mile is a part of the Schuylkill River Trail, though it doesn’t yet connect with the popular Center City portion of the trail.

Trail Features

The 1.1-mile trail is home to a number of great amenities, including a shaded overhang and plenty of seating to soak up the views of the Philadelphia skyline at the 56th Street Plaza.

In addition to the 56th Street Plaza, trail guests will find public art installations, lighting, outlook areas, signage for walkers and bikers, additional seating and more.

And since the trail starts at Bartram’s Garden, guests can explore the botanical offerings at this free attraction while taking a stroll on the path.

This new addition to the Schuylkill River Trail arrives at a perfect time (spring!) for exploration along the river.