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Magarge Dam – Devil's Pool loop from Saint Martins
27.7km
03:29
610m
610m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 30, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan jogging around Elkins Park, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many parks and trails, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want the good stuff, not endless guesswork.
That's where komoot comes in. Our community has explored, mapped, and reviewed these routes, saving you the hassle. This guide is your curated shortlist of the best jogging routes Elkins Park has to offer, hand-picked to ensure your legs get the workout they deserve.
Jogging around Elkins Park means immersing yourself in a landscape defined by woodlands, streams, and diverse parklands. You'll find everything from gentle paths to more demanding routes with varied elevations, especially as you venture into the larger trail systems like Wissahickon Valley Park and the Pennypack Trail.
If you only do one route, we'd start with the Wissahickon Creek Viewpoint – Wissahickon Creek Waterfall loop from Highland. At 14.2 miles (22.9 km) with 1,286 feet (392 m) of elevation gain, it's a challenging route that offers a real payoff in scenic beauty. For something a bit shorter but still rewarding, the Kitchen's Lane bridge – Falls Bridge loop from Carpenter is a moderate 8.8 miles (14.1 km) that’s perfect for a solid mid-week run. Ready to lace up? Over 900 runners have already used komoot to discover these trails.
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magarge Dam – Devil's Pool loop from Saint Martins | 27.7 km | 610 m | Hard |
| Wissahickon Creek Viewpoint – Wissahickon Creek Waterfall loop from Highland | 22.9 km | 390 m | Hard |
| Wissahickon Creek Waterfall – Thomas Mill Covered Bridge loop from Chestnut Hill East | 24.1 km | 320 m | Hard |
| Pennypack Trail – Pennypack Spur Trail loop from Fox Chase | 19.1 km | 170 m | Hard |
| Kitchen's Lane bridge – Falls Bridge loop from Carpenter | 14.1 km | 140 m | Moderate |
| Lover's Leap – Kelpius Cave loop from Chelten Avenue | 9.84 km | 180 m | Hard |
| Wissahickon Creek Viewpoint – Wissahickon Creek Waterfall loop from Wissahickon Valley Park | 16.1 km | 150 m | Hard |
| Running loop from Jenkintown | 4.67 km | 50 m | Easy |
| Pennypack Trail — South – Pennypack Trail loop from Bustleton | 11.8 km | 60 m | Moderate |
| Running loop from Cheltenham | 5.45 km | 50 m | Moderate |
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27.7km
03:29
610m
610m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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22.9km
02:48
390m
390m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
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24.1km
02:41
320m
320m
Embark on the Wissahickon Creek Waterfall – Thomas Mill Covered Bridge loop, a difficult 15.0-mile (24.1 km) jogging route that immerses you in the lush, secluded beauty of Wissahickon Valley Park. You'll navigate a mix of wide, gravel paths and rugged, root-filled trails, all while enjoying views of the tranquil Wissahickon Creek. The route, which includes 1050 feet (320 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes, culminates at the iconic Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, where a small, dam-created waterfall adds to the charm. It's an ideal choice if you're seeking a challenging run with a true sense of escape within Philadelphia.
Starting from the Chestnut Hill East area, this loop offers a varied workout. While sections of the trail are relatively flat, be ready for significant elevation changes and
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19.1km
02:12
170m
170m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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14.1km
01:31
140m
140m
This Kitchen's Lane bridge – Falls Bridge loop offers a unique blend of Philadelphia's urban riverfront and wild woodlands. You'll jog along the paved Schuylkill River Trail, enjoying views of the Schuylkill River and the historic Falls Bridge, before diving into the lush, natural setting of Wissahickon Valley Park. The terrain shifts from smooth pavement to crushed gravel on Forbidden Drive, and then to rugged singletrack with rocks and roots, providing a diverse experience over its 8.8 miles (14.1 km).
Planning your visit means preparing for varied surfaces and a moderate challenge, especially within Wissahickon Valley Park. The route covers 466 feet (142 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 1 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Weekends are particularly pleasant for the Schuylkill River Trail section, as parts of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive are often closed to cars, making it a popular choice for Philadelphia running.
This loop is notable for connecting two distinct Philadelphia landscapes, offering a rich variety of scenery and historical significance. You'll pass historic structures and remnants of old mills, particularly around the Kitchen's Lane Bridge area, and experience the dense woodlands near Carpenter's Woods. It's a fantastic option if you're looking for a dynamic workout that showcases the city's natural and historical gems.
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9.84km
01:11
180m
180m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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16.1km
01:46
150m
150m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
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4.67km
00:29
50m
50m
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get your steps in, this running loop from Jenkintown offers a pleasant experience. The route takes you through varied terrain, often featuring lush greenery and woodlands, similar to the scenic creek valleys found throughout the region. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors without committing to a long or strenuous outing.
This easy jogging route covers 2.9 miles (4.7 km) with a modest 176 feet (54 metres) of elevation gain, making it achievable in about 29 minutes. It's a perfect option for a beginner-friendly running loop in Jenkintown or for those seeking a consistent, low-impact workout. Parking details aren't specified for this exact loop, but many Jenkintown running trails are easily accessible, so plan for typical urban park access.
The Jenkintown area is known for its diverse network of trails, catering to various fitness levels. While this specific loop is on the easier side, the broader region, including areas like Wissahickon Creek, offers everything from flat, paved paths to challenging routes with significant elevation gains and uneven terrain. This particular loop provides a taste of the area's natural beauty in a manageable package.
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11.8km
01:15
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.45km
00:34
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Falls Bridge is a 556-foot steel bridge that crosses the Schuylkill River through Fairmount Park. It was built in 1894.
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Wissahickon Creek flows over an old man-made stone shelf to create a wide waterfall that you can walk out towards on slabs of stone that rise up from the riverbed.
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One of many trails that run next to Pennypack Creek, the Pennypack Spur Trail is a popular blue biking trail. It runs in both directions and is moderately challenging.
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The Pennypack Environmental Center is a sanctuary for birds, bugs and local plants. It is on the banks of the Pennypack Creek and has several trails that pass through it.
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The trail offers a shaded, paved path enveloped by verdant landscapes in all directions. Following the Penny Pack Creek, it winds alongside the water, enhancing its enchanting allure throughout the entire route.
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Lincoln Drive Trail runs parallel to Lincoln Drive with the Wissahickon Creek on the other side. This is a really pretty piece of paved trails with multiple bridges across the water.
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Wissahickon Valley Creek is a short but beautiful river and its 23 mile length gives a stunning variety of topography. For the last few miles of its length it runs through a gorge which has been incorporated into a lush 1,800-acre park.
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Elkins Park offers a good selection of running routes, with over 20 trails available for exploration. These routes cater to various fitness levels, ranging from moderate to difficult.
The running trails in and around Elkins Park feature diverse terrain, including woodlands, streams, and varied park landscapes. You'll find a mix of green spaces and natural features, with some paths offering paved surfaces and others requiring more sure-footedness through natural trails.
While the komoot guide primarily lists moderate to difficult routes, the region itself offers options for beginners. For instance, Lorimer Park features an easy 4.0-mile loop that is well-suited for a more relaxed jogging experience. Many trails also have sections that are less challenging.
Yes, for those seeking longer runs, Elkins Park is close to extensive trail systems. A notable option is the Wissahickon Creek Viewpoint – Wissahickon Creek Waterfall loop from Highland, which spans 14.2 miles (22.9 km) and offers varied terrain with significant elevation gain.
The running routes in Elkins Park are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 5.0 stars from over 2 reviews. More than 900 runners have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the diverse terrain and scenic beauty of the woodlands and waterways.
Yes, many of the running routes in the Elkins Park area are designed as loops, providing a convenient way to start and end your run at the same point. Examples include the Wissahickon Creek loop from Historic Rittenhouse Town and the Lincoln Drive Trail loop from Northwest Philadelphia.
Yes, while many trails offer natural surfaces, the region also includes paved sections suitable for running. The varied terrain ensures that joggers can find paths that match their preference, from natural trails to more accessible paved surfaces.
Many parks and trails in the Elkins Park area, such as Pennypack Park and Lorimer Park, are generally dog-friendly, though leash laws and specific regulations may apply. It's always a good idea to check local park rules before heading out with your canine companion.
Yes, several routes offer points of interest. For example, you might encounter the Teedyuscung Statue or the scenic Devil's Pool. The Kelpius Cave (Hermit's Cave) loop from Tulpehocken also leads past a unique historical site.
Elkins Park benefits from its proximity to Philadelphia's public transportation network. Many trailheads, especially those closer to urban centers or train stations, can be accessed via SEPTA regional rail or bus services, making it convenient to reach running spots without a car.
Yes, parks like High School Park and Richard Wall Park offer serene environments with winding paths and expansive open spaces that are suitable for leisurely jogs with the family. These parks often feature well-maintained trails and a refreshing ambiance.
Elkins Park offers enjoyable jogging conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery with changing foliage. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late evening runs are ideal, while winter jogging is possible, especially on well-maintained or paved paths, though some natural trails might be affected by snow or ice.


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