Schuylkill River Trail Named Best Urban Trail in the Nation
Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk | Photograph by Laura Kicey
America has spoken: Philly’s mighty Schuylkill River Trail has been named the Best Urban Trail in America in USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice poll.
It was a formidable field, including San Antonio’s famed River Walk and Mission Trail, but the gleaming paths of the Schuylkill River Trail took the top spot over 19 other scenic trails. “We are thrilled that the Schuylkill River Trail has taken the number one spot,” said Joseph Syrnick, president and CEO of Schuylkill River Development Corporation (SRDC), in a press release. “Certainly, we have seen the trail become more and more popular, and this honor validates the hard work and investment made by many entities.”
The 20 contestants were chosen by a panel of experts and eventually whittled down to 10 by readers’ votes. Here’s the final ranking:
- Schuylkill River Trail – Philadelphia
- MKT Nature and Fitness Trail – Columbia, Md.
- Swamp Rabbit Trail – Greenville, S.C.
- Buffalo Bayou Park – Houston
- Indianapolis Cultural Trail – Indianapolis
- American River Bike Trail – Sacramento
- Atlanta BeltLine – Atlanta
- River Walk and Mission Trail – San Antonio
- Lakefront Trail – Chicago
- Rose Kennedy Greenway – Boston
Manayunk Canal Towpath // Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
The Schuylkill River Trail is the Circuit’s longest trail and the region’s most heavily used multi-use, recreation and commuter trail. It’s also in the process of an expansion, according to the press release–over 60 miles, including a 26-mile stretch to from Philly to Phoenixville. “The Schuylkill River Trail is an iconic part of the Circuit that we look forward to watching expand,” said Sarah Clark-Stuart, the chair of the Circuit Coalition. “When complete, pedestrians and cyclists will have greater access to trails for recreation and transportation in addition to a gateway to open green space and the river.”
Tonight, when you’re going for your evening run across the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk, biking home past the Art Musuem or even taking a stroll around Valley Forge National Historic Park Park, take a little more pride in knowing that you’re on the Best Urban Trail in the entire nation.
- Best Urban Trail [USA Today]
