On your own (DIY) – Walk Around Philadelphia

If you want to do this on your own:

Set out to explore…

You can absolutely walk the perimeter on your own — many people do.

We simply invite you to sign up as a DIY participant so you can receive maps, packing tips, invitations to events, access to discussion forums, and a way to stay connected to the wider Walk community.

DIY walkers who complete the full loop also become eligible for the Circumnavigator pin at our annual Year-end Celebration & Circumnavigator Awards

DIY registration

-> Packing list
-> Guidelines & Safety

Be careful

Walk with care

We ask perimeter-walkers setting out on their own to follow our core practice:

Stay as close as possible to the border as possible (within reason)
Prioritize safety & obey the law
Treat everyone and everything that you encounter with curiosity & respect

-> Guidelines & Safety

Be safe

Extra Safety notes

We recommend a minimum group size of four for folks heading out on their own.

If setting out solo:

tell someone your route & schedule
share live location with a trusted contact
carry a backup battery
keep emergency contact & medical info on a card in your pocket

Your safety matters. Go around obstacles. Take your time.

Mark the way

Help blaze the trail

DIY walkers are welcome to pick up a Walk Around Philadelphia sticker-pack at our events. Many participants use these as gentle trail blazes — placed sparingly, respectfully, — to help future walkers find their way and feel part of a shared journey.

-> See upcoming events

Keep us posted

Stay connected

Even when walking independently, you’re part of the growing Walk Around Philadelphia community.

DIY registration gives you:

event invitations (virtual & in-person)
planning & reflection sessions
access to forums & fellow walkers
opportunities to share stories & photos

-> Join the forums
-> Share your walk moment

make it possible for others

Paying it forward

If you have the means to complete the Walk independently, please consider supporting accessibility efforts so others can participate too — through donations, volunteering, or sponsoring stipends.

-> Donate
-> Volunteer

Different every time

One pass is only the beginning

Many walkers choose to revisit segments of the perimeter after having completed their first circumnavigation — in another season, the opposite direction, with new companions, or alongside our facilitated groups. Each journey reveals something different.

And whether you walk solo or with friends, we encourage you to also walk with new neighbors sometime — cross-pollination is part of the magic.

-> Join our walks

Let’s build it together

Be part of the long-term vision

Your DIY journey strengthens a shared project — helping us build toward a future where people across the region connect through walking the city’s edge and the perimeter experience is truly accessible to all.

-> History & Roadmap

Ready to start your adventure?

DIY Registration