Welcome!
For how small Boxer's Trail is (3.9-mi), it packs a punch. Used famously by Joe Frazier during his reign as boxing's champion, this trail is special in many ways. In the 1800s, citizens of the newly-formed United States of America's Capital City rode their horses along this path. Now, the quiet Boxer's Trail is a part-gravel part-asphalt walking, running and biking trail that meanders through East Fairmount Park before coming atop a rock outcropping for a panoramic view of the Schuylkill River, West Fairmount Park, and the Belmont Plateau.
With Boxer's Trail's location within the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of Philadelphia, it has served as a recreation outlet for many a Philadelphia resident throughout it's long and significant history. Recently, Fairmount Park and Fairmount Park Conservancy have completed extensive renovations which have made it an even more attractive outdoor recreation spot. These renovations include a wider gravel base for the trail as well as trail offshoots into the surrounding woods.
An annual 5k Race takes place on Boxer's Trail sponsored by Philadelphia Parks & Rec, The Discovery Center, Woodford Mansion, Friends of Laurel Hill, Fairmount Park Conservancy, and Strawberry mansion Community Development Corporation. Proceeds benefit the Mander Playground.
Fun Facts:
The Nearby East Park Reservoir was largely abandoned by the city for nearly 65 years. It has recently opened as a wildlife habitat and outdoor adventure course. This partnership between Audubon PA and Philadelphia Outward Bound School is overseeing efforts to preserve this accidental oasis while making it accessible to the public.
The Sedgley Woods Disc Golf course is located near the trailhead.
Several historical buildings can be accessed from the Boxer's Trail, including the Woodford Mansion (1758), Ormiston Mansion (1798), and Rockland Mansion (1810).
The ruins of another building, referred to as The Cliffs, is also nearby. The Cliffs was built in 1753 and was once used by Benjamin Franklin's daughter, before the building fell victim to vandalism and arson in the 1980s.
Fairmount Park Conservancy manages Boxer's trail. Trail Managers can be contacted at info@myphillypark.org.
More information can be found at myphillypark.org.
Strawberry Mansion (North Terminus): Access the trail by parking lots on Greenland Drive between Kelly Drive and Ridge Avenue. Access this Eastbound from Strawberry Mansion Bridge or Westbound from West Dauphin Street.
East Fairmount Park Entrance (South Terminus): Northbound on N 33rd Street, make a left at Reservoir Drive into East Fairmount Park. Parking is available on both sides of the road at the Driving Range and Discovery Center.
