Benjamin Rush State Park is a 275-acre park in Northeast Philadelphia, known for connected trails through forest and meadow. It offers hiking, biking and other outdoor activities, with paved accessible routes as well as unpaved paths; the park is about a 10-minute drive from a hotel in Northeast Philadelphia.
- Location: 15001 Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19154
- Trail options: A 3.09-mile loop system, plus 3 miles of paved, ADA-accessible trails
- Typical hours: Open every day from 8:00 A.M. to sunset
- Entry: Pennsylvania state parks have no entrance fee
Finding Benjamin Rush State Park
Benjamin Rush State Park sits in Northeast Philadelphia and is the only state park within the city limits. Its address is 15001 Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19154.
The park was created in 1975 on 275 acres no longer needed by the Philadelphia State Hospital. Its name honors Dr. Benjamin Rush, who was born in nearby Byberry Township.
If you’re driving from Pennsylvania Turnpike Exit 351, head south on U.S. Route 1 (Lincoln Highway) for approximately 1.5 miles, then turn left onto Southampton Road.
Turn left onto the shared road for the Delaware Valley Veterans Home and the park; the entrance is on your left. The park is 2 miles south of the exit. For wider local transport options, getting around Philadelphia from the Northeast involves planning beyond the park approach.
What can you do at Benjamin Rush State Park?
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) identifies hiking, biking, archery-only hunting, radio-controlled flying, wildlife watching and winter recreation as park activities. You can pair a trail outing with wildlife watching or spend time in one of its dedicated recreation areas.
Gravel multi-use trails pass through wooded areas and meadows, run alongside a community garden and connect with the Fairmount Park System and local neighborhoods. Gardeners can rent plots for flowers and vegetables; contact the Benjamin Rush Garden Association to ask about the garden.
A radio-controlled model-aircraft area is also part of the park. Archery deer hunting is permit-only during deer hunting season. If you visit during hunting season, wear blaze orange.
Trail and facility access
Benjamin Rush State Park has connected loop trails for hiking and biking, along with paved, ADA-accessible routes. The Benjamin Rush Trail System covers 3.09 miles and is rated easiest; its loops have no blazes, and trailhead amenities include benches.
For a paved route, 3 miles of trails are ADA accessible from ADA parking near the restroom. These loops connect to Ben Rush Road at multiple points.
The park has 3.5 miles of trails for biking. Bicycles and e-bikes are allowed on park roads and trails designated for biking or mountain biking, but not on hiking-only trails or routes marked closed to bikes.
In winter, park trails are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park has 3.5 miles of mostly level trails for cross-country skiing. Benjamin Rush State Park has no reservable facilities.
Hours, rules and seasonal notes
The park is open every day of the year from 8:00 A.M. to sunset. Closing times can vary, so check park bulletin boards for the specific time on the day you visit.
There is no entrance fee at Pennsylvania state parks. Benjamin Rush follows a carry-in/carry-out trash policy and has no trash collection or recycling facilities, so take your rubbish and recyclables home with you.
Facility seasons and hours can vary. Before you go, check the official site and contact Neshaminy State Park, the office responsible for Benjamin Rush State Park, at 215-639-4538.
Getting to the park from Northeast Philadelphia
Driving is a practical way to reach the park from Northeast Philadelphia: it is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, or about a 50-minute walk.
Pennypack Park, another Northeast Philadelphia destination, has its own trails and access options.
FAQs
Is Benjamin Rush State Park free?
Yes. Pennsylvania state parks do not charge an entrance fee.
Are the trails suitable for biking?
Biking is permitted on trails designated for biking or mountain biking and on state park roads. Bikes are not allowed on hiking-only trails or routes marked closed to bikes.
Can you visit the park in winter?
Yes. The trails are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and the park has mostly level routes for cross-country skiing.