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Pennsylvania
Montgomery County

Elkins Park

The best running trails around Elkins Park

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.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Magarge Dam – Devil's Pool loop from Saint Martins
  2. 2

    Magarge Dam – Thomas Mill Covered Bridge loop from Chestnut Hill East
  3. 3

    Pennypack Trail – Pennypack Spur Trail loop from Lorimer Park

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Magarge Dam – Devil's Pool loop from Saint Martins

28.5 km

530 m

Hard

Magarge Dam – Thomas Mill Covered Bridge loop from Chestnut Hill East

24.0 km

320 m

Hard

Pennypack Trail – Pennypack Spur Trail loop from Lorimer Park

16.0 km

150 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 – Valley Green Inn loop from Wissahickon Valley Park

11.7 km

110 m

Moderate

Running loop from Jenkintown

4.66 km

50 m

Easy

Pennypack Trail loop from Bustleton

11.3 km

40 m

Moderate

Running loop from Cheltenham

5.45 km

50 m

Moderate

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1.

Magarge Dam – Devil's Pool loop from Saint Martins

28.5km

03:33

530m

530m

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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5.

Lover's Leap – Kelpius Cave loop from Chelten Avenue

9.84km

01:11

180m

180m

Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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7.

Running loop from Jenkintown

4.66km

00:29

50m

50m

Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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8.

Pennypack Trail loop from Bustleton

11.3km

01:10

40m

40m

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips from the Community

Leo
April 4, 2025, Falls Bridge

Very busy bridge during rush hours

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AverieOutside
January 23, 2025, Falls Bridge

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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Zachary
September 26, 2024, Magarge Dam

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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Alex
June 26, 2024, Pennypack Trail

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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Andrus
February 26, 2024, Lover's Leap

This rocky outcropping in Wissahickon Valley Park is said to have been the site of a Romeo & Juliet type ending for a Native American couple whose disputing tribes forbade them the marriage they desired.

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Matthew
February 12, 2024, Lincoln Drive Trail

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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Frequently Asked Questions

How many running routes are available in Elkins Park?

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.

What kind of terrain can I expect on running trails in Elkins Park?

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.

Are there running routes suitable for beginners in Elkins Park?

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.

Are there any long-distance running trails around Elkins Park?

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.

What do other runners say about the trails in Elkins Park?

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.

Are there loop running trails in Elkins Park?

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.

Are there paved running paths in Elkins Park?

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.

Can I bring my dog on the running trails in Elkins Park?

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.

Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions along the running routes?

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.

Are there running routes accessible by public transportation in Elkins Park?

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.

Are there family-friendly jogging paths in Elkins Park?

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.

What is the best time of year to jog in Elkins Park?

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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