Fairmount, Philadelphia: The Outdoors Hidden in Plain Sight

City life is a vibe. Looking down on the city as you drive over the Ben Franklin bridge gives you a certain feeling. The concrete jungle is near and urban life is waiting. In the city anything is possible. For me, the best vibe isn’t necessarily found on the streets and sidewalks, but in Fairmount Park - America’s largest urban park system.

Most folks don’t associate the great outdoors with city living. However, Philadelphia is essentially a city within a park.  Fairmount Park presents outdoor opportunities that other cities can only dream of.  The juxtaposition and experience of being isolated and one with mother nature smack dab in the middle of one of the nation’s largest urban areas is a unique vibe.

For nature loving city folk, Fairmount is one of the go-to neighborhoods. The Schuylkill River splits the park into two halves. West Fairmount Park and East Fairmount Park. Here are a few of my favorite spots:

Schuylkill River TraiL

Sure, you probably “know of” Fairmount Park. Perhaps you’ve taken a bike ride on the Schuylkill River Trail or a walk along Kelly Drive. Maybe you’ve seen a concert at the Mann or the fireworks on the Parkway. But have you ever really gotten off the beaten path? Have you ever checked out what the park truly has to offer? When you dig a little deeper, you find amazing things. As a nature loving, longtime resident of the Fairmount neighborhood, I am fortunate to have quick and easy access to this amazing park. I have found myself blown away by the adventure and splendor of the park. 

Photo source: Instagram @thecircuittrails

BELMONT PLATEAU

Belmont Plateau, located in West Fairmount Park, has been the place for West Philadelphians to see and be seen for years. Will Smith made it famous back in the day. The Plateau is indeed an event. The skyline view of the city is unparalleled. However, the Plateau also serves as the hub of the Belmont Plateau Trail system. In the wooded areas surrounding the Plateau are miles of single track and fire road trails that wind up and down the hills of West Fairmount Park. Mountain biking, dog walking, hiking, trail running...this is the place for it all. Park at the top or bottom of the Plateau and venture out.

Autumn at Belmont Plateau I Photo Source: Visit Philly

Across the Schuylkill River, East Fairmount Park is the land of the Boxer Trail, historic Mansions, tennis courts and expansive fields. Boxer Trail runs parallel to the busy Kelly Drive and provides a wonderful alternative for those looking to get off the beaten path with their workout.  In this part of the park, we have beautiful fields that provide ample outdoor space to any kind of outdoor activity. Dog runs, flag football, frisbee, tennis, baseball, softball, golf, kite flying, sun bathing, picnicking...all in play. Park at the Mount Pleasant Mansion for perfect access.

Kelly Pool

Beside the Please Touch Museum in West Fairmount Park, we have the Kelly Pool. Kelly Pool is the city’s flagship public swimming pool - an Olympic sized pool with a storied past where all are welcome. In the summer months it serves as the training facility for Philadelphia’s lap swimmers and triathletes. However, it has plenty of surrounding grass that provides the best place for a leisurely pool hang and swim session. Kelly Pool is a can’t miss Philly summer experience.

The recent Idris Elba Netflix film, Concrete Cowboy, has raised awareness about Philly’s old school urban cowboy culture. Horse raising and riding is alive and well at the Chamounix Equestrian Center, located in the upper part of West Fairmount Park. Learn how to care for and ride horses. The horse center is the perfect place to get an up-close experience with these beautiful creatures. Beside the horse barn is Treetop Quest, the city’s aerial adventure park. Fill your adrenaline rush by maneuvering from tree-to-tree on zip lines and rope walks.

THE DELL MUSIC CENTER

Located in East Fairmount Park near the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood is the Dell Music Center. The Dell East is the lesser known of the two outdoor music venues with the Mann Music Center being the most popular. However, the Dell is an amazing place to see a band or artist as it has been newly renovated. It makes for the perfect night of music under the stars.

THE JAPANESE HOUSE

Another super cool hidden gem is the Philadelphia Horticultural Center, home of the Japanese House and the best place to catch a glimpse of the springtime Cherry blossoms. Take a quiet walk around the grounds and see the best of what nature has to offer in Philadelphia. A perfect spot for a picnic lunch. Occasionally you can catch a beer at the roving Parks on Tap Beer Garden that utilizes the grounds.

Photo source: Instagram @oskhernandez

The Discovery Center

Located on the edge of the Brewerytown in East Fairmount Park is the trifecta of fun. The Discovery Center provides access to a lake that features amazing bird watching, kayaking, and water-based activities. The Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is the go-to spot for young children as it offers an amazing wooden slide that has delighted kids for generations. Sedgley Woods is one of the oldest and trickiest disc golf courses in the nation that tests the disc golfing skills of both the new and seasoned players.

Photo source: Instagram @myphillypark

THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS

These are just a few of the offerings of Fairmount Park. There are plenty more out there. You just have to get out of the car and off the beaten path. Fairmount Park is somewhat underutilized as it seems like I have the place all to myself sometimes. You can sometimes go miles and what seems like hours without seeing another soul. Even though I appreciate the peace and solitude the park provides, I welcome other nature enthusiasts to share its wonders. Urban life is that much more enjoyable when you can recharge with a regular and easy visit to Philadelphia’s great outdoors. Please reach out if you’d like to learn more about the park system and the nearby neighborhoods that provide a haven for fellow nature lovers.

Photo source: Instagram @billy_penn

 

Interested in learning more? https://myphillypark.org/

Meet trent snyder!

Thinking about moving? Contact our DFT Agent, Trent Snyder for expert advice!

View our listings in the Fairmount neighborhood!