Philadelphia’s Rail Park is an exciting project developing across Center City, which will connect several neighborhoods and provide access to Fairmount Park and other cultural attractions. The 3-mile rail-trail, being advanced by a non-profit group called Friends of the Rail Park, will follow the former Reading and Pennsylvania Railroad, a passenger and freight line dating back to the 1890s. The project will include the elevated Reading Viaduct, which will offer beautiful views of downtown.
In 2018, the project's first phase opened to the public, stretching a quarter mile along Callowhill Street from the intersection of North Broad and Noble streets to between 12th and 11th Streets. The new trail, located in the Callowhill neighborhood, offers pleasant landscaping, seating, and artwork. At 13th and Noble streets, a story wall—designed by Cloud Gehshan—captures the history of the Callowhill Industrial District, highlighting Philadelphia’s reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse. Visitors will also find an interpretive panel about the area's railroad past.
Rail Park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Its west end has a wheelchair-accessible entrance; the eastern end has a staircase.
To reach the trail via public transportation, Race-Vine Station (300 North Broad St.) on SEPTA's Broad Street Line is located just a few blocks south of the western end of the Rail Park's Phase 1 segment.
Loved the raised garden beds, was able to feel like walking thru a fall park, with all the bright colors and leaves. Park was clean, plenty of people walking thru, a lot walking their dogs. Wish there where more swings, only 4 so first come. Area history was interesting.
Though it's only a quarter mile right now- the space is lovely and worth checking out if you are in the area!
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