1.
Running loop from Ridley Park
15.3km
01:48
20m
20m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best running trails in Delaware County
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 2, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan jogging in Delaware County, 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. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, run, and reviewed countless routes here, and we've distilled that collective wisdom into a curated shortlist. We're here to save you the guesswork and point you straight to the best jogging experiences.
Jogging in Delaware County means immersing yourself in a landscape rich with woodlands, open meadows, and picturesque creek valleys like those around Ridley Creek and Crum Creek. The terrain offers a fantastic range, from easy, flat loops perfect for a quick run to more demanding trails with significant elevation changes. You'll find a mix of well-maintained park paths and more natural surfaces, ensuring there's something for every preference and fitness level.
For a popular, moderate run that truly captures the local character, we'd start with the Crumhenge loop from Swarthmore, a 4.5 miles (7.3 km) path through a lush, biodiverse forest. If you're looking for a serious challenge and want to earn those views, the White Trail – Ridley Creek overlook loop from Ridley Creek State Park is a difficult 13.7 miles (22 km) route that delivers. With more than 140 runners having explored Delaware County with komoot, you're in good company. Get out there and discover your next favorite route!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running loop from Ridley Park | 15.3 km | 20 m | Hard |
| Haverford College Nature Trail – Duck Pond loop from Stadium-Ithan Avenue | 15.7 km | 110 m | Hard |
| Running loop from Media | 5.17 km | 50 m | Moderate |
| Running loop from Swarthmore | 4.90 km | 50 m | Easy |
| White Trail – Ridley Creek overlook loop from Ridley Creek State Park | 22.0 km | 330 m | Hard |
| Running loop from Wayne | 4.65 km | 40 m | Easy |
| Tinicum Park loop from Ridley Park | 5.93 km | 10 m | Moderate |
| Crumhenge loop from Swarthmore | 7.32 km | 100 m | Moderate |
| Running loop from Haverford Township | 5.62 km | 30 m | Moderate |
| White Trail – Along Ridley Creek loop from Tyler Arboretum | 11.2 km | 150 m | Moderate |
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2.
Haverford College Nature Trail – Duck Pond loop from Stadium-Ithan Avenue
15.7km
01:39
110m
110m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
3.
Running loop from Media
5.17km
00:33
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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4.
Running loop from Swarthmore
4.90km
00:31
50m
50m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
5.
White Trail – Ridley Creek overlook loop from Ridley Creek State Park
22.0km
02:38
330m
330m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
6.
Running loop from Wayne
4.65km
00:29
40m
40m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
7.
Tinicum Park loop from Ridley Park
5.93km
00:40
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
8.
Crumhenge loop from Swarthmore
7.32km
00:49
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
9.
Running loop from Haverford Township
5.62km
00:35
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
10.
White Trail – Along Ridley Creek loop from Tyler Arboretum
11.2km
01:18
150m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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Tips from the Community
oliviakellis
January 26, 2025, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Impoundment
Eagle enthusiasts flock to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Impoundment for optimal eagle-watching opportunities. Traverse the impoundment loop counterclockwise, ensuring the impoundment is on your left, for the best view of these majestic birds and their nests. The observation platform and cross-dike road offer prime locations for eagle sightings.
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Zachary
January 25, 2025, Tinicum Park
This side of John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge tends to be quieter. There are some singletrack hiking trails and some packed gravel trails that are great on the bike. The I-95 Trail will take you northeast to the central loop of the park, or you can take the Fishing Point Trail out to the middle of Darby Creek.
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Tyler Sanders
February 3, 2024, Crumhenge
This area, similar to the world-famous Stonehenge, consists of a several-acre meadow with a circular arrangement of massive boulders. While mostly used for bonfires by local college students, it also offers a unique perspective from this viewpoint.
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oliviakellis
December 15, 2023, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Impoundment
Eagle enthusiasts flock to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Impoundment for optimal eagle-watching opportunities. Traverse the impoundment loop counterclockwise, ensuring the impoundment is on your left, for the best view of these majestic birds and their nests. The observation platform and cross-dike road offer prime locations for eagle sightings.
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The Duck Pond is a year-round feature that originated as a seasonal marshland, dammed in the winter for skating enjoyment and drained each summer for the farm animals to use as a pasture. You can enjoy the views of the water, the trees, and the ducks, as well as the historic skate house that was gifted in memory of a former student in 1941. The Duck Pond is a great place to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of the campus.
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Lisa
August 27, 2023, Picnic Area 16, Ridley Creek State Park
This picnic area includes tables, charcoal grills, and modern pavilions. Some of the picnic areas in Ridley Creek State Park can be reserved in advance, see here for more information: https://pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/ridley-creek-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=PA&parkId=880427#sr_a If a picnic area is not reserved, it is considered first-come, first-serve.
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Lisa
August 27, 2023, White Trail
This trail is well-marked and easy to walk, with a few hills to keep things interesting. There's a fair bit of shade along the trail too, mixed in with spots of sun.
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Lisa
August 27, 2023, Bridle Trail
This is part of the largest Bridle Trail loop in Ridley Creek State Park. There's also a smaller loop that effectively cuts this one in half. Hiking is allowed here, but you might find yourself sharing the trail with equestrian users.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available in Delaware County?
There are over 25 dedicated running routes in Delaware County, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels. You'll find 5 easy routes, 19 moderate routes, and 4 more challenging options to explore.
Are there any easy jogging routes suitable for beginners or a relaxed run?
Yes, Delaware County offers several easy jogging routes. A popular choice is the Haverford College Nature Trail loop from Ardmore, which is 2.4 miles (3.8 km) and takes about 25 minutes to complete. Another easy option is the Running loop from Swarthmore, spanning 3 miles (4.8 km).
What are some scenic spots or natural attractions I can see while jogging in Delaware County?
Delaware County's routes often pass through beautiful natural areas. You can explore the woodlands and meadows of Ridley Creek State Park, the diverse landscapes of Tyler Arboretum, or the lush Crum Woods. Specific highlights include the White Trail, Beaver Valley, and the Cadwalader Tract. The Chester Creek Trail also offers views of mills and waterfalls.
Are there any dog-friendly running trails in Delaware County?
Many parks and trails in Delaware County are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations regarding leashes and waste disposal. Areas like Ridley Creek State Park and Smedley Park are generally welcoming to dogs on their trails.
Are there any circular running routes available?
Yes, many of the running routes in Delaware County are loops. For example, the Smedley Park loop from Nether Providence Township is a moderate 5.6-mile (9.1 km) path, and the Crumhenge loop from Swarthmore is a 4.5-mile (7.3 km) trail through a biodiverse forest.
Which running routes offer good parking access?
Many popular jogging spots in Delaware County provide convenient parking. For instance, the Chester Creek Trail has access points with parking at Knowlton Road, Mt. Alverno Road, and Mount Road. Smedley Park also offers ample parking for visitors.
What do other runners enjoy most about jogging in Delaware County?
The running routes in Delaware County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars. Runners often praise the diverse terrain, from woodlands and meadows to creek-side paths, and the well-maintained trail networks that provide a pleasant outdoor experience.
Are there any trails suitable for jogging with a stroller?
For stroller-friendly jogging, look for trails with paved or crushed stone surfaces. The Radnor Trail, with its macadam and crushed stone sections, is a good option. The Chester Creek Trail is also generally level and suitable for strollers.
Are there any longer running routes for more experienced runners?
Yes, for those seeking a longer challenge, the Running loop from Ridley Park is a difficult 9.5-mile (15.2 km) route. Another option is the Haverford College Nature Trail – Duck Pond loop from Beechwood-Brookline, a moderate 7.5-mile (12.1 km) trail.
Can I find running routes near public transport in Delaware County?
Some parks and trails in Delaware County are accessible via public transport, particularly those closer to urban centers like Media or Swarthmore. It's advisable to check local SEPTA schedules and routes to plan your access to specific trailheads.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on the jogging routes in Delaware County?
Delaware County's jogging routes feature a rich variety of landscapes, including extensive woodlands, open meadows, and scenic creek-side paths. You'll encounter diverse natural environments, from the dense forests of Crum Woods to the wetlands of John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, offering a refreshing experience for every run.
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Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Check out more Running Trails & Routes throughout Delaware County below and find the perfect route in your destination.
Prospect ParkNorwoodEast LansdowneLimaColwynMarcus HookYeadonMediaRidley ParkAldanFolcroftClifton HeightsSt. DavidsHaverford CollegeVillage Green-Green RidgeLinwoodDrexel HillRutledgeSwarthmoreCollingdaleWoodlynGlenoldenBroomallEddystoneChesterFolsomChester Heights TownshipDarbySharon HillUplandRose ValleyMillbourneWayneParksideBrookhavenRidley Creek State ParkMortonTrainerVillanovaBoothwynLansdowneJohn Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
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