Manayunk Canal

William Keenan

28 Feb 2024

The canal in on the backside of buildings on the main drag. Not very scenic unless you like looking at peoples yards. Flat, so an easy walk. Parking was hard to find. Lots of restaurants on the main street.$

Elquis E

01 Jan 2023

For starters the Flat Rock RD address via GPS lead to a "No outlet" street. Therefore, could not access the Canal. Solution once on Leverington RD make a left. There are several access points on Main Street. Trails are paved, unpaved and boardwalk, all along the canal. Beware, some do not have fenced barrier. Interest,  quite a few murals with mosaic detail and bridges crossing over the canal. The water not inviting. But the geese were having fun, also  nice to find a heron. Worth Exploring!

tori okorodudu

18 May 2021

I love walking this path with my friends! The pictures I've taken are further down the path, but depending on which direction you take you will either reach abandoned train tracks that lead over the Schuylkill River (a very nice view! I've put the pictures here although they were taken in Fall) or another path that is surrounded by greenery that eventually leads to a dam that overlooks the river (I've also put those pictures here) There are many shops near this path on Main Street, but I wouldn't take too much food on the path with you unless you have a bag to carry it in because once you go deeper down the path there are not many trash cans. I don't often cross the train tracks, there is an old dilapidated sign there that says "No Trespassing" so if you're concerned about that type of thing you can go on the tracks, take a picture and then leave. If you have more of a sense of adventure you can go down the tracks and find a route that leads to another path on the other side of the river. I wouldn't recommend taking small children here The dam is harder to get to. When you get on the canal and face the water, you're going to want to turn right and continue walking down that path until you hear running water (or see it through the trees). From there you can cut through the woods and get to the dam. If you're walking the right way, you will eventually get to a bridge, don't cross it. Stay on the right side of the water and go under the bridge. Overall a nice walk, especially since it's getting warmer now. You can also bring some bread because there are geese and ducks in the water. Sometimes they're with their babies, its so cute!

Mark Miller

10 Dec 2023

Great connector between other gravely trails like forbidden drive, the boxers trail, and belmont plateau. Cyclists: it's narrow in spots, has some blind dogleg, and the wooden bridges can get slippery. Note that connecting with the upper forbidden drive requires going up one of several long moderate road climbs. All are well paved except for lower Port Royal.

Barb Hauck-Mah (barbhmphilly)

11 Oct 2019

The townpath trail from downtown up to the Flat Rock Dam is a scenic flat paved walk that offers nature, wildlife, art and a steady flow of bikers, walkers and runners. It's less than 2 miles each way and there were cool hidden gems, like the abandoned Sluice House and grassy islands where we spotted deer and later turtles.

Synwon J Yoon

05 Jun 2018

I am happy Manayunk Canal is my neighbor area. I wish there were more benches, but less bikers during busy hours. At least, bikers ride bike in slower speed for the safety of people, especially kids. Because the trail is not that wide so I was scared by bikers from my behind. This is why I rated 4 stars.