Poquessing Creek Trail Ruins Philadelphia

Prison farm ruins

Holly from Philadelphia

"These old farm ruins outside Northern Philadelphia are covered in graffiti and belong to a now-abandoned prison..."

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.

Art & culture

Relaxing

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Philadelphia Spotter Holly

About me I'm a travel professional, writer and photographer. I grew up in the Philly area, moved as far away as I could when I was 18 (Hi, Alaska!), then went to college in Hawaii, and finally returned to Philly for good in 2011. I am happy to spend my life exploring the world, whether it's across an ocean or down the street. Why Philadelphia I knew I loved Philly when I came home from living across the country. I got on the Septa train at the airport and the man in front of me turned around and excitedly said, "You see the Iggles play last night?" Then wi...

About this spot

40.111586, -74.965197

USD

no-price

Oct 7, 2025

Our Philadelphia City Guide

Find your way with 157 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Philadelphia guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Philadelphia

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...

Art & culture

Coffee & tea

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.

Coffee & tea

Snacks

Andrea

Szyper

Nov 16, 2025

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.

Restaurants

Andrea

Szyper

Nov 16, 2025

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!

Art & culture

Bars

Coffee & tea

Music

Snacks

Bronwyn

Lepore

Nov 14, 2025

Mummers Concerts

So local

The only reason I know about the Mummers Concerts in Philadelphia is because I lived behind the small 'park' for over 10 years! Can't get more local...

Art & culture