Poquessing Creek Trail Ruins Philadelphia
Prison farm ruins
Thanks to the relatively new Poquessing Creek Trail , you can now access these old farm ruins in far Northeast Philadelphia. This is a large site of stone and concrete building ruins covered in graffiti.
Originally this site belonged to the now-abandoned Holmesburg Prison as part of their prison farm - inmates worked at the farm to grow food for the prison population
Holmesburg Prison sold most of its farm land to the state to build the now infamous (and demolished) Philadelphia State Hospital at Byberry, but I have not been able to confirm if these specific ruins were a part of that sale. Either way, the ruins are very close to the old Byberry campus, which is now the site of a senior living community called The Arbours at Eagle Pointe.
In 2014 the city of Philadelphia finished paving the 1.5-mile path between Junod Playground and Poquessing Creek Park. You can park in either location and walk the paved trail to get to the site. When I visited, the path leading to the ruins was unofficially marked with graffiti on the trail.
Park on the street in front of Junod Playground. The trail starts behind the restrooms between the basketball and tennis courts. It is almost exactly one mile from Junod Playground to the ruins, which will be on your left. As you are walking the trail, make sure you are keeping an eye out for trail markers as you need to cross a street and a culdesac that bisect the trail.
About this spot
40.111586, -74.965197
USD
no-price
Find your way with 157 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Philadelphia
Laurel Hill Cemetery
I see dead people
"Laurel Hill Cemetery" in Philadelphia is equal parts public garden, sculpture park, historical campus and graveyard. It's a truly special spot...
by
Andrea
Szyper
Fabric Workshop and Museum
Contemporary art
The "Fabric Workshop and Museum" in Philadelphia is one of the best places to see contemporary art - it's a central overlooks gem!
by
Andrea
Szyper
Material Culture
Anthropology museum or shop?
"Material Culture" in Philadelphia isn't just a store. It is a world. A global journey. An aesthetic trek through history & cultures...
by
Andrea
Szyper
Duross & Langel
Good clean fun
"Duross & Langel" is a Philadelphia soap shop. Scented with fruit and herbs, I'm afraid they're works of art almost too beautiful to use in the shower...
by
Andrea
Szyper
Woodmere Art Museum
Home to Philadelphia artists
The "Woodmere Art Museum" and its mansion tell the story of Philadelphia and its artists from the 1800s to now. Don't miss its gift shop or back gallery!
by
Andrea
Szyper
Penn Museum of Anthropology
Mummies and more
The "Penn Museum of Anthropology" in Philadelphia would be a marquee attraction in a smaller town. Don't overlook this jewel and its collections, trust me.
by
Andrea
Szyper
Simeone Foundation
The cool car museum
The "Simeone Foundation" Philadelphia is one of the finest private collections of classic cars in the US. This out-of-the-way treasure is a must see...
by
Andrea
Szyper
Greene Street Consignment
Fashion-forward fun
"Greene Street Consignment" in Philadelphia makes it easy to find great pieces on their tidy, colorful shelves. My recommendation: check the clearance racks!
by
Andrea
Szyper
Tria
Beer, wine, and cheese Nirvana
"Tria" Philadelphia is my favorite sophisticated yet cozy bar to explore the divine trinity of wine, beer and cheese. Perhaps my favorite is Sunday School.
by
Andrea
Szyper
Hokka Hokka
Too pretty to eat
"Hokka Hokka" in Philadelphia is the sushi bar/restaurant my husband and I start so many of our dates. This balance of tasty and beauty is something else.
by
Andrea
Szyper
Night Kitchen
The best bakery in Chestnut Hill
How "Night Kitchen" get its cinnamon rolls to absorb so much butter is one of the great mysteries of Philadelphia. It's my favorite bakery in Chestnut Hill.
by
Andrea
Szyper
Solar Myth
Adventurous Jazz Bar
Besides the packed schedule of shows, they are also a daytime coffee shop that opens its bar at noon. They have a great (rotating) wine selection as well!
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Heading to Philadelphia?
157 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 157 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Philadelphia
Get to know our other Spotters from Philadelphia
As featured on:
