Authored By: The Circuit Trails

Summertime is perfect for outdoor adventures, and as temperatures rise, it can be difficult to stay cool. Luckily, there are ​​plenty of trails #OnTheCircuit that can offer relief from the sun while still allowing you to enjoy nature. From waterfront breezes to shaded paths, the Circuit has you covered! Below are some trails and activities that can be key to keeping cool, even in the heat of the summer.

Delaware River Trail

From North to South, the Delaware River trail runs 3.3 miles from Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown to Pier 70 in South Philadelphia, complete with several waterfront attractions. Starting with Cherry Street Pier, this repurposed space hosts special market days where you can browse locally-made goods, as well as a permanent gallery open 7 days a week.

Cherry Street Pier also has concessions with multicultural food options and a full bar. Every Tuesday through Friday 4-6 p.m. is happy hour on the waterfront, including food and drink specials. See all the vendors and their operating hours here.

About a 12-minute walk south from the Pier, you’ll find Penns Landing, home to the Independence Bluecross RiverRink, which has roller skating in the summer and ice skating in the winter. You’re also able to get a ferry to the Camden Waterfront in New Jersey, where you can explore another circuit trail on the Ulysses Wiggins Waterfront Park Promenade. 

Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Follow the trail from Penns Landing to the boardwalk at Spruce Street Harbor park, where vendors offer everything from dumplings to ice cream to craft beers. The park also includes a shaded area with large hammocks, a perfect place to relax. You can now find a recently added mobile ax throwing station as well! Participants will pay $10 to throw 10 times in a caged-off area. 

Schuylkill River Trail

Philadelphia’s iconic Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) is a great place to enjoy a waterfront breeze with more than 70 miles of trail running alongside the river. Start at Schuylkill Banks for scenic views on the boardwalk over the Schuylkill River or head to Bartram’s Mile, a short section of the trail that is a destination for many community events. Walk through the shaded areas of Bartram’s Garden or take advantage of free boating every Saturday through August.

Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC

D&L Trail and  D&R Trail

The Delaware and Lehigh (D&L) Trail’s 63-mile canal towpath in Pennsylvania from Bristol to Easton provides a flat, shaded route ideal for biking, walking and running that follows the Delaware River. You may even spot wildlife like turtles, fish, geese and other birds in the canal along the way!

On the New Jersey side of the river is the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park (D&R) Trail. Located in central New Jersey, part of the trail hugs the other side of the Delaware River and spans about 77 miles. The D&R is known for picturesque landscapes, historic bridges and diverse wildlife. 

The D&L and the D&R  connect across bridges at several points, so you can check out both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey sides.

Saed Hindash file photo | For lehighvalleylive.com

Cooper River Trail

Located in Pennsauken, New Jersey, this river trail is part of Cooper River Park, a city green space that features playgrounds, pavilions and picnic areas. You can fish, sail, kayak and even catch free concerts this summer. The park is home to Camden County Boathouse; so you’ll likely see some rowers out on the river! 

Cooper River Boathouse. Photo credit: Camden County.

Merchantville Trail

This short, 1.5-mile asphalt path located in the town of Merchantville, New Jersey, features large trees providing cooling shade. This trail also boasts several locations to seek refuge inside. The Station is a coffee shop that offers pastries, sandwiches and beverages, and if you’re 21 or over, stop into Eclipse Brewery or The Blue Monkey Tavern for a refreshing drink.

Wissahickon Valley Park Trail

Wissahickon Valley transports you away from the hustle and bustle of the city with its dense foliage, natural waterfalls and rocky hiking trails. Relax by a stream or stroll under the shade of Forbidden Drive, a flat, 7-mile trail of crushed stone. If you get hungry, visit Valley Green Inn, located on the trail, or Brunos, located just off the trail for a break from the outdoors. 

Photograph by Jon Lovette via Getty Images

Brandywine Trail

This trail, located in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, has stops along the path like the M. John Johnson Nature Center and Harmony Hill Nature Area–offering respite from the sun. The trail follows its namesake river south along a corridor once utilized by the West Chester Street Trolley. After your trail adventure, it’s a 5-minute drive into Kennett Square, where you can grab a bite or a drink at the iconic Victory Brewing Company. 

PHOTOGRAPH BY JIM GRAHAM

John Heinz Refuge

John Heinz Refuge preserves the expansive Tinicum Marsh, Pennsylvania’s largest remaining freshwater tidal wetland. Nestled near Philadelphia Airport, the refuge offers tranquility with more than 10 miles of trails looping through diverse habitats like marshes, meadows and riparian forests. The trails, featuring paved and gravel surfaces, are perfect for cooling walks, jogs or bike rides amidst scenic landscapes. Wildlife thrives here, including more than 300 bird species residing in the area, while Darby Creek invites kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts to explore its waters.

Photo by Barrett Doherty

There’s so much to go, do and discover #OnTheCircuit! If you’re searching for even more destinations to explore on a hot summer day, you can find a Circuit Trail near you here. 

While you’re out there, be sure to snap pictures and videos of the sights you see on the trails and share them using the hashtag #OnTheCircuit and tagging us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) Instagram and TikTok.