Descriptions of Swarthmore Walks and Trails

Each walk and trail is described below. These descriptions are intended to help you choose a trail you'd like to walk. Once you have chosen a trail you can get the information you need to follow it with a smartphone on this page, or you can get the information you need to follow it with a printed handout on this page.


If you will be using a smartphone and the AllTrails app to find and follow trails, note that each trail’s description includes a recommendation as to which map layer to use for that trail. Using map layers is described under the heading “Using Map Layers” about half-way down this page. Note that choosing a map layer is not necessary, it is just something that can be helpful if it is not clear exactly where the route goes.

Campus Art In The Gardens
1.2 miles long, 46 feet elevation change
With a focus on sculptures, this walk with inclines and stairs passes by and through enchanting garden spaces.  With many opportunities to sit and view the pieces, don’t miss the Scott Arboretum’s backyard pond and gardens, the Calder stabile, the Bertoia sculpture, and List Gallery.  Find the inscription on Leavitt’s ornamental gate that tells us to “Enjoy Playing in the Dirt.”

Themes: Art, Horticulture; Amenities: Campus Views, Gardens, Benches, Interpretive Panels, Emergency Phones; Surface: Mostly Paved, Grass; Slope: Flat, Stairs, Inclines, 46 ft elevation gain; Hazards: Wet Grass, Ponding; Emergencies:  Use a campus emergency phone (E) or call Public Safety (610) 328-8333; Difficulty Rating: No Sweat -  I exercise for fun, not to win contests.  I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses.  Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme; Recommended Map Layer: OSM.

Crum Creek Meadow
1.0 miles long, 33 feet elevation change
Reached by an extended gravel road incline, this meadow trail follows the Crum Creek and passes through woods.  Enjoy reconnecting with nature by walking through the open spaces with meadow plants and a special holly tree plant collection. While there are no benches, you can sit on the “Crumhenge” stones in the meadow.

Themes: Exercise, Nature, Horticulture, Kid Friendly; Amenities: Creek Views, Woods; Surface: Gravel, Dirt; Slope: Flat Sections, Inclines; Hazards: Ponding, Mud; Emergencies:  Use a campus emergency phone (E) or call Public Safety (610) 328-8333; Difficulty Rating: No sweat -  I exercise for fun, not to win contests.  I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses.  Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme; Recommended Map Layer: OSM.

Crum Ridge and Campus, Long
1.5 miles long, 115 feet elevation change
A challenging rollercoaster trail that goes up and down some steep slopes through the Crum Woods before gliding through the flat walkways on the campus.  The view of Crum Creek and the viaduct is particularly stunning just north of the SEPTA tracks.

Themes: Excercise, Nature; Amenities: Creek views, woods, benches; Surfaces: Paved, gravel, dirt; Slope: Flat sections, timber steps, steep sections; Hazards: Ponding, mud, tripping hazards (roots, rocks, timber steps); Emergencies: Use a campus emergency phone (E) or call Public Safety (610) 328-8333; Difficulty Rating: Challenging - I love pushing myself, and I can keep a steady pace on rugged and steep terrain.  At the end of the day I want to feel like I’ve had a real workout.  I’m sure-footed, so I can handle lots of roots and rocks on the trail; Recommended Map Layer: OSM.

Crum Ridge and Campus, Short
0.7 miles long, 52 foot elevation change
A 50-50 trail awaits!  Half of the paths use the steeper, Crum Woods dirt trails that provide views to Crum Creek below. The campus half route uses walkways that are not only flat and paved, but also provides opportunities to sit on benches.  There are a couple of Crum Woods entrance options, one of which leads through the Arboretum’s Rhododendron Collection. 

Themes: Excercise, Nature; Amenities: Creek view, woods; Surface: Gravel, dirt; Slope: Flat sections, timber steps, steep sections; Hazards: Ponding, mud, tripping hazards (roots, rocks, timber steps); Emergencies:  Call Public Safety (610) 328-8333; Difficulty Rating: Spirited - I enjoy getting my heart going on walks.  Nothing beats the thrill of taking on a rewarding climb on varied terrain with inclines, and with some rocks and roots in the pathway.  Let’s keep moving – occasional stops only, please; Recommended Map Layer: OSM.

Crum Woods North
0.8 miles long, 98 foot elevation change
With a nice bridge over a brook, and a pleasant flat section with a tree-limb teepee next to Crum Creek, this trail has some nice features.  However, the paths from the water tower or Elm Avenue to the Crum Creek path below is fairly steep and somewhat challenging.  There is an option to go in and out on just the relatively flat section via the Plush Mill Road entrance, but crossing the road is a hazard.  Either way, don’t miss the daffodils in the spring!  

Themes: Excercise, Nature; Amenities:   Creek view, woods; Surface: Gravel, dirt; Slope: Flat sections, timber steps, steep sections; Hazards: Ponding, mud, tripping hazards (roots, rocks, timber steps); Emergencies:  Call Public Safety (610) 328-8333; Difficulty Rating: Spirited - I enjoy getting my heart going on walks.  Nothing beats the thrill of taking on a rewarding climb on varied terrain with inclines, and with some rocks and roots in the pathway.  Let’s keep moving – occasional stops only, please; Recommended Map Layer: OSM.

Historic Northeast Walking Tour
1.7 miles long, 98 foot elevation gain
The homes in the northeast sector of Swarthmore reflect builders from several time periods: the West Hill Land Development Company in the 1880s on Elm and North Chester Roads; Riverview Estates in the 1920s on Ogden, Riverview, and Thayer; and William Witham in Swarthmore Hills during the 1950s.  The diverse architectural styles range from Victorian to Colonial Revival Styles. Interesting historical facts are told along the way. 

Themes: History, Architecture; Surface: Paved; Slope: Inclines, Flat Sections; Hazards:  Uneven Sidewalks, Street Crossings; Emergencies: Call 911; Difficulty Rating: No Sweat - I exercise for fun, not to win contests.  I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses.  Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme; Recommended Map Layer: Terrain

Historic Northwest Walking Tour
1.4 miles long, 56 foot elevation gain
Learn fascinating historical and architectural facts about many early buildings at Swarthmore College, as well as about the oldest house in Swarthmore, a National Historic Landmark.  Explore the late 19th century area homes built by West Hill Land Development Company, including a house that has a former 1880s water tower.  What could be better than sitting on the front porch of a College building and reading about its history and architects, while enjoying the wonderful view!

Themes: History, Architecture; Amenities:   Campus Views, Gardens, Benches, Emergency Phones; Surface: Paved; Slope:  Mostly Flat, Inclines; Hazards: Uneven sidewalks; Emergencies:  Use a campus emergency phone (E) or call Public Safety (610) 328-8333; Difficulty Rating: No Sweat - I exercise for fun, not to win contests.  I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses.  Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme; Recommended Map Layer: Terrain.

Historic South Walking Tour
2.0 miles long, 43 feet elevation change
After the building of the train station in 1876 and the incorporation of the town in 1893, Swarthmore attracted commuters and boomed with diverse development.  See many styles of architecture dating from before the turn of the 20th century and learn about the unique history of several of the Borough’s churches, schools, and residences.  Notice that there are no “Streets” in Swarthmore; with very few exceptions, the roads are “Avenues,” most of which in the central area are named after colleges.

Themes: History, Architecture; Amenities: Benches; Surface: Paved; Slope: Mostly Flat; Hazards:  Uneven Sidewalks, Street Crossings; Emergencies: Call 911; Difficulty Rating: No Sweat - I exercise for fun, not to win contests.  I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses.  Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme; Recommended Map Layer: terrain.

Leiper-Smedley Trail
0.7 miles long, 43 feet elevation change
This is a quick to-the-tracks-and-back trail that offers unique historical sites.  Brave the noise from the highway to overlook the Italian Water Garden ruins and read the Viaduct interpretive panel while enjoying views to the Crum Creek valley below.

Themes: Exercise, History; Amenities: Creek Views, Interpretive Panel; Surface: Paved; Slope: Mostly Flat, Inclines; Hazards: (none); Emergencies: Call 911; Difficulty Rating: No Sweat -  I exercise for fun, not to win contests. I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses. Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme; Recommended Map Layer: any layer is OK.

Little Crum Creek Storybook Walk
0.3 miles long, 13 feet elevation change
Changing several times a year, the Storybook Walk has 18 stops on a paved and grass path that illustrates a children’s book chosen by the Swarthmore Public Library.  An easy, fun walk for all ages with an opportunity for a picnic lunch near the creek!

Themes: Nature, Kid Friendly; Amenities: Creek Views, Woods, Benches, Picnic Tables, Interpretive Panel; Surfaces: Paved, Grass; Slope: Mostly flat; Hazards: Wet Grass, Ponding, Mud, Roots; Emergencies: Call 911; Difficulty Rating: Easy Stroll: I walk infrequently, though I’d like to do more.  I want to see new things, but not very far off the beaten (i.e. paved) path.  A few rises here or there might be OK, but no steep paths or sidewalks, please; Recommended Map Layer: terrain.

North Campus Highlights
1.1 miles long, 30 feet elevation change
Bring your friends and visitors to see these focal buildings and gardens!  Learn a bit of Swarthmore College history, stop to see an art gallery, and have something to eat along this easy, short route.  If you are lucky, you may pass the Swarthmore Friends Nursery School preschool children playing outside the Meetinghouse.

Themes: History, Horticulture; Amenities: Campus Views, Gardens, Benches, Emergency Phones; Surface: Paved, Grass; Elevation: Mostly Flat, Inclines; Hazards: Wet Grass, Uneven sidewalks; Emergencies: Use a campus emergency phone (E) or call Public Safety (610) 328-8333; Difficulty Rating: No sweat -  I exercise for fun, not to win contests.  I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses.  Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme; Recommended Map Layer: OSM.

Scott Arboretum North
1.2 miles long, 56 feet elevation change
The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College is home to many beautiful gardens, extraordinary trees, and outstanding plant collections. This northern tour of 16 areas, 11 of which have interpretive signs and brochures, offers a wide variety of gardens, courtyards, and specimen trees. The companion tour, Scott Arboretum South, of 9 different areas can be joined to this tour or seen separately. There is something for everyone with plenty of places to sit and soak up the beautiful scenery! 

Theme: Horticulture; Amenities: Campus Views, Gardens, Benches, Interpretive Panels, Kid Friendly, Emergency Phones; Surface: Paved, Grass; Slope: Mostly Flat; Hazards: Wet Grass: Emergencies:  Use a campus emergency phone (E) or call Public Safety (610) 328-8333: Difficulty Rating: No Sweat - I exercise for fun, not to win contests.  I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses.  Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme; Recommended Map Layer: OSM.

Scott Arboretum South
1.2 miles long, 69 fee elevation change
The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College is home to many beautiful gardens, extraordinary trees, and outstanding plant collections.  This southern tour of 12 different areas, 6 of which have interpretive signs and brochures, offers a wide variety of gardens, courtyards, and specimen trees.  The companion tour, Scott Arboretum North, of 13 different areas can be joined to this tour or seen separately.  There is something for everyone with plenty of places to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery! 

Theme: Horticulture; Amenities:   Campus Views, Gardens, Benches, Interpretive Panels, Kid Friendly, Emergency Phones; Surface: Paved, Grass; Slope: Mostly Flat; Hazards: Wet Grass; Emergencies:  Use a campus emergency phone (E) or call Public Safety (610) 328-8333; Difficulty Rating: No Sweat - I exercise for fun, not to win contests.  I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses.  Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme; Recommended Map Layer: OSM.

Town Center Highlights
0.7 miles long, 13 feet elevation change
Swarthmore is a very special community that is reflected in the many features in the heart of the Borough.  Learn about the community’s history, civic spirit, educational values, volunteerism, and passion for plants.  Since the 1893 incorporation of the Borough and the founding of the local Swarthmorean newspaper, many families have lived here for decades.  Notice that there are no “Streets” in Swarthmore; with very few exceptions, the roads are “Avenues,” most of which in the central area are named after colleges.

Theme: History, Architecture, Horticulture; Amenities: Gardens, Benches; Surface: Paved; Slope: Flat; Hazards: Uneven Sidewalks; Emergencies: Call 911; Difficulty Rating: Easy Stroll - I walk infrequently, though I’d like to do more.  I want to see new things, but not very far off the beaten (i.e. paved) path.  A few rises here or there might be OK, but no steep paths or sidewalks, please; Recommended Map Layer: OSM.

Town Center Public Gardens
0.4 miles long, 7 feet elevation change
An easy, flat walking loop within Swarthmore Town Center.  With many places to sit and places to eat, from a sandwich to a full meal, you can easily accomplish the tour in a brief time or take as long as you wish to enjoy the town center shops and garden spaces.  

Enjoyment of public life in Swarthmore is enhanced through the natural beauty provided by The Scott Arboretum, the Swarthmore Horticultural Society, and the Swarthmore Garden Club.  The Scott Arboretum encompasses the entire Swarthmore College campus and is covered in other trails.  The Swarthmore Horticultural Society (SHS) has developed twelve small gardens within the town center that are the main focus of this trail.  These gardens are designed and maintained by a large number of SHS volunteers; all plants, tools, and other material are entirely funded by private donations.  Walk the trail and appreciate how different the town character would be if it had no gardens.

Theme: Horticulture; Amenities: Gardens, Benches; Surface: Paved; Slope: Mostly Flat; Hazards:  Uneven Sidewalks; Emergencies: Call 911; Difficulty Rating: Easy Stroll - I walk infrequently, though I’d like to do more.  I want to see new things, but not very far off the beaten (i.e. paved) path.  A few rises here or there might be OK, but no steep paths or sidewalks, please; Recommended Map Layer: Terrain.

Town To Crum Meadow And Woods
1.7 miles long, 49 feet elevation change
A trail with incredible variety!  Sections include open meadows and woods, paved sidewalks, gravel roads, dirt trails, a babbling brook, and town bustle.  See the holly collection while enjoying meadow plants and views of Crum Creek, then return to the town center for a meal or refreshments.  There are two possible trail entrance starting points in addition to an alternate route option (see Waypoint “Crum Woods Service Road Entrance”).

Theme: Exercise, Nature, Horticulture; Amenities: Creek Views, Woods, Gardens; Surface: Paved, Sidewalks, Gravel, Dirt; Slope: Flat Sections, Inclines, Timber Steps; Hazards: Roots and other tripping hazards, Ponding, Mud; Emergencies: Use a campus emergency phone (E on the map) or call the college Public Safety 610-328-8333; Difficulty Rating: Spirited.  I enjoy getting my heart going on walks.  Nothing beats the thrill of taking on a rewarding climb on varied terrain with inclines, and with some rocks and roots in the pathway.  Let’s keep moving –occasional stops only, please; Recommended Map Layer: OSM.

Wellness Campus Garden Walk
0.9 miles long, 16 feet elevation change
Enjoy some of the College’s great collections, gardens, and trees along this easy one-mile walk.  There will be many opportunities to sit and enjoy the views and plants.

Themes: Exercise, Horticulture; Amenities: Campus Views, Gardens, Benches, Interpretive Panels, Kid Friendly, Emergency Phones; Surface: Mostly Paved, Grass; Slope:  Mostly Flat, Inclines; Hazards: Uneven sidewalks, Wet Grass; Emergencies:  Use a campus emergency phone (E) or call Public Safety (610) 328-8333; Difficulty Rating: No Sweat - I exercise for fun, not to win contests.  I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses.  Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme; Recommended Map Layer: OSM.

Wellness Campus Incline
1.0 miles long, 39 feet elevation change
Get your cardio workout here by going up and down slopes and stairs!  Plenty of variety as you travel around the College’s central open spaces and walk through sunny and shaded sections such as the wonderful Dawn Redwood Allée.  This is an exercise route, so no waypoints are described.

Theme: Exercise; Amenities: Campus Views, Benches, Emergency Phones; Surface: Mostly Paved, Grass Section; Slope: Stairs, Inclines, Flat parts; Hazards: Wet Grass, Ponding; Emergencies:  Use a campus emergency phone (E) or call Public Safety (610) 328-8333; Difficulty Rating: Spirited - I enjoy getting my heart going on walks.  Nothing beats the thrill of taking on a rewarding climb on varied terrain with inclines, and with some rocks and roots in the pathway.  Let’s keep moving –occasional stops only, please; Recommended Map Layer: OSM.

Wellness Campus Signature Walk
0.9 miles long, 26 feet elevation change
With few stopping places, you can zip across campus on this easy, east to west walking loop.  But do pause to sit on Parrish Hall’s front porch and enjoy the expansive views down to the train station and Swarthmore Town Center.  This is an exercise route, so no waypoints are described.

Theme: Exercise; Amenities: Campus Views, Benches, Emergency Phones; Surface: Paved; Slope: Mostly Flat; Hazards: None; Emergencies:  Use a campus emergency phone (E) or call Public Safety (610) 328-8333; Difficulty Rating: No Sweat - I exercise for fun, not to win contests.  I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses.  Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme; Recommended Map Layer: OSM.

Wellness Campus Stroll
0.6 miles long, 20 feet elevation change
An easy, flat walking loop with great views down Magill Walk from Parrish Hall to the train station and Swarthmore Town Center.  With many places to sit and a place to eat, take as long as you wish to enjoy the campus and garden spaces.

Theme: Exercise, Kid Friendly; Amenities: Campus Views, Gardens, Benches, Interpretive Panels, Emergency Phones; Surface: Paved; Slope: Mostly flat; Hazards: None; Emergencies:  Use a campus emergency phone (E) or call Public Safety (610) 328-8333; Difficulty Rating:  Easy Stroll. I walk infrequently, though I’d like to do more.  I want to see new things, but not very far off the beaten (i.e. paved) path.  A few rises here or there might be OK, but no steep paths or sidewalks, please; Recommended Map Layer: OSM.