The Ultimate Guide to the Best Sledding Hills in Philadelphia

Whether you are looking for a death-defying plunge down concrete steps or a gentle slope with a skyline view, here are the best spots to sled in Philadelphia.

1. The Art Museum Steps

The "Rocky" Run

It is the most famous sledding spot in the city, but it comes with a warning label. When a heavy snowstorm hits (like the recent January storms), the 72-step ramp at the Philadelphia Museum of Art becomes a high-speed, friction-free ramp.

• The Vibe: High energy and chaotic. Expect crowds of onlookers cheering as sledders launch themselves from the Rocky Statue down toward the Parkway.
• The Risk: This is for thrill-seekers only. Because the "hill" is actually concrete stairs, you need a deep snowpack to avoid a bruised tailbone. The ride is fast, bumpy, and often ends in a crash landing near Eakins Oval.

2. Belmont Plateau

The Best View in the City

If you want your sledding run to be Instagram-perfect, Belmont Plateau in West Fairmount Park is the undisputed champion.

• The Vibe: Classic Philly winter fun. The main hill (Flagpole Hill) is excessively wide, meaning multiple groups can race side-by-side without colliding.
• The Draw: At the top of the hill, you get a panoramic, uninterrupted view of the Center City skyline. It is widely considered the most scenic spot in the city to catch air, and the slope offers a long, satisfying glide that doesn't require a steep hike back up.

3. Clark Park "Bowl"

The West Philly Community Hub

Located at 43rd and Baltimore, the "Bowl" at Clark Park is a geological quirk that makes for perfect, contained sledding.

• The Vibe: Family-friendly and communal. Because the park is shaped like a giant natural amphitheater (a former mill pond), sledders slide down from all sides toward the center.
• The Experience: It is less about speed and more about the party atmosphere. You will see toddlers on saucers, college students on cafeteria trays, and dogs chasing everyone. Just be careful of the "collision zone" in the flat center where everyone eventually meets.

4. Burholme Park

The Pride of the Northeast

Ask anyone from Northeast Philly where they go when it snows, and the answer is always Burholme Park.

• The Hill: Located behind the historic Ryerss Museum, this massive, wide hill offers serious velocity. It is steep enough to get your heart racing but open enough to be safe for most ages.
• The Scene: This spot gets packed. On a good snow day, it feels like half the Northeast is there. The energy is infectious, and the wide expanse means there is usually room for everyone, even when the crowds descend.

5. Tommy’s Hill (Thomas Mansion)

The Germantown/Mt. Airy Secret

Tucked away near Lincoln Drive and Wissahickon Avenue, Tommy’s Hill is a favorite for those in the Northwest who want a long ride without the Art Museum crowds.

• The Terrain: Located on the grounds of the historic Thomas Mansion, this hill offers a long, steady grade rather than a terrifying drop. It allows for a smooth, lengthy ride that feels like you are gliding through a private estate.
• The Warning: Watch out for the trees. Unlike the open fields of Belmont, this hill is framed by the Wissahickon woods, so steering is required.

Summary

Philadelphia offers a diverse range of sledding experiences that cater to different thrill levels. For the fearless, the Art Museum Steps offer a famous (and bumpy) concrete challenge. For scenery lovers, Belmont Plateau provides skyline views with a wide, safe slope. Clark Park in West Philly offers a unique "bowl" experience perfect for families, while Burholme Park serves as the high-energy hub for the Northeast. Finally, Tommy's Hill in Germantown offers a classic, tree-lined run for those looking to escape the Center City crowds.