Recreation In Manayunk - MNYK

Positioned on the river and adjacent to historic recreational trails, with amenities to boot, Manayunk is a haven for outdoor activities. Whether your idea of recreation is a leisurely stroll or a challenging ride, Manayunk is your ultimate jumping off point.  What could be better than meeting up with your compatriots for a cup of joe before heading off for a day of being outdoors, or finishing up a satisfying day with a lovely meal at an outdoor café?   With the new gateway center at 4312 Main Street, visitors can also better understand their options using an interactive kiosk and trail maps.  Convenient parking lots throughout the district make it easy to park and unload your gear (or stow and stash it while you get some sustenance). 

By Land

The Schuylkill River Trail makes its way through Manayunk via surface roads and the Manayunk Canal Towpath. There are numerous access points to the trail along Main Street, including Canal Park, Lock Street, Rector Street and Green Lane.Eventually it will be possible to hike or bike the 140 miles from the headwaters of the river to Philadelphia, but for now walkers, runners and bicyclists can head out to Valley Forge via the trail, or down to Center City and back. 

Yet another option along this section of riverfront is to connect with hiking and mountain biking trails along the Wissahickon Creek.  Manayunk is just minutes from the Wissahickon Valley Park,an 1,800 acre section of Fairmount Park, a lovely wooded valley with picturesque walking paths and waterfalls. This section of the park offers opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and more.

Cross-river connections with the Cynwyd Heritage Trail are also in the works, which will connect Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township and expand already substantial recreational options.   Whether running, biking or walking, Manayunk is THE hub for the Philadelphia recreation experience.  

Two bike shops are at your fingertips: Cadence at 4323 Main Street and Human Zoom at 4159 Main Street.  Human Zoom even offers bike rentals.  Need running gear?  Bryn Mawr Running Company has a spot at Main and Cotton Streets, and even hosts Thursday night runs through Manayunk and its environs.

By Water

Those who prefer to be on the water, as opposed to beside it, will find various boating options from rowing to kayaking to dragonboating. Rowing along the Schuylkill has long been a Philadelphia tradition and regattas are a common sight below East Falls on the Schuylkill.  But perhaps less seen is the section of water above East Falls, which has won the hearts of paddling devotees. 

For those interested in the sport of dragonboating, the Manayunk Dragon Boat Team and Tsunami Dragons make Manayunk their training base.   For those into kayaking and canoeing, the Philadelphia Canoe Club calls this section of river home.  Meanwhile, kayak tours offered by Hidden River Outfitters have become a popular way to explore the scenic beauty of this urban stretch of river from a new perspective.  Just about every Sunday from June through September, tours leave twice a day from the dock in back of the Manayunk Brewery, and return for a nice meal overlooking the river.  Advance registration at www.manayunkkayaktours.com is required.

Visit www.destinationschuylkillriver.com for the latest information on trails, projects and recreation.