Martin Luther King Jr. Drive – Boathouse Row loop from 9th-10th & Locust
Martin Luther King Jr. Drive – Boathouse Row loop from 9th-10th & Locust
2.9
(7)
60
riders
Martin Luther King Jr. Drive – Boathouse Row loop from 9th-10th & Locust
05:20
111km
1,060m
Road cycling
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Tips
Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route
After 9.67 km for 187 m
After 22.1 km for 301 m
After 108 km for 61 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
1.26 km
Reading Terminal Market
Highlight • Restaurant
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7.82 km
Strawberry Mansion Bridge
Viewpoint
9.74 km
Falls Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
11.1 km
Grant Street Dam
Highlight • Structure
23.3 km
Wissahickon Creek
Highlight • River
Tip by
33.5 km
Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
41.3 km
Gwynedd Preserve
Nature Reserve
81.6 km
Five Points
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
103 km
Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
107 km
Boathouse Row
Highlight (Segment) • Structure
Tip by
108 km
Central Marble Fountain
Lake
111 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
39.5 km
34.8 km
25.1 km
10.0 km
1.32 km
434 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
95.2 km
14.9 km
455 m
434 m
294 m
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Elevation
Highest point (140 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Wednesday 22 July
30°C
22°C
54 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a serious road cycling challenge in Philadelphia that blends urban views with natural beauty, the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive – Boathouse Row loop from 9th-10th & Locust is definitely worth your time. This difficult 69.0-mile (111.1 km) route packs in 3051 feet (930 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 5 hours and 5 minutes to complete. It's an advanced road cycling route, perfect for experienced riders seeking a long, rewarding day on two wheels, especially if you're keen to explore scenic road bike routes near 9th and Locust Philadelphia.
What to expect on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive – Boathouse Row loop from 9th-10th & Locust
This extensive road cycling route offers a dynamic journey through Philadelphia's iconic landscapes. You'll pedal past the historic Boathouse Row, with its charming Victorian boathouses lining the Schuylkill River, and enjoy views of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Fairmount Park. While the core MLK Drive loop is largely flat, this extended route from 9th-10th & Locust significantly increases the distance and elevation, making it a demanding ride that will test your endurance. Expect mostly well-paved surfaces, though some sections of the MLK Drive Trail parallel to the road might have bumps from tree roots, adding a bit of character to your ride.
Planning your visit
The best time to cycle the MLK Drive Boathouse Row loop is typically from April through October, especially on weekends and holidays when Martin Luther King Jr. Drive is closed to vehicular traffic between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. This creates a safer, car-free environment for cyclists. While the route can be accessed from 9th-10th & Locust, you might consider parking near Boathouse Row Philadelphia cycling if you prefer to shorten the initial approach. Always check for seasonal considerations regarding Martin Luther King Jr. Drive closures before you head out to ensure the best experience.
Trail details
- Distance: 69.0 miles (111.1 km)
- Elevation gain: 3051 feet (930 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 5 hours and 5 minutes
Comments
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