Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park

The Belmont Plateau, which is more often referred to as "the Plateau", is one of the 63 parks included in the Fairmount Park System. And it is regarded as the last section of Fairmount Park mini-series. The Plateau is situated at the west banks of Schuylkill River, very close to Belmont Mansion and Ridgeland. Ohio House and Horticulture Center of the Fairmount Park are also within walking distance.

Belmont Plateau at the Fairmount Park

http://www.fairmountpark.org/BelmontMansion.asp

Originally, this area was set aside by the government for citizen's entertainment in 18 century. Over the years, it has become a fantastic venue for a wide variety of outdoor activities, including football & baseball games and the historic Cross Country. Actually, it is one of the most renowned Cross County Courses in the United States. If you're interested in the history of Cross Country at the Belmont Plateau, you can visit the following page.

Cross Country at the Belmont Plateau

http://www.gopacsports.com/BelmontPlateau.html

Being about 243 feet above the level of Schuylkill River, the Belmont Plateau is considered as one of the destinations in Philadelphia boasting the nicest view of the Fairmount Park. It is also said that once you are at the top of this hill, you will be able to enjoy the best landscape view of the city skyline.

In addition to the breathtaking scenery, today the Belmont Plateau also features a number of activities offered by local hikers and mountain bikers. When you pay a visit to the Plateau, especially when on weekends, you will find there are so many interesting things for you and your family to enjoy.

Well, as we are on the topic of visiting the Belmont Plateau, don't forget that the address of the Belmont Plateau is: 2000 Belmont Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Visitors can find it right next to the intersection of Belmont Mansion Drive and Montgomery Drive.

Now, let's take a glance at its operation hours:

- Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

- Sunday: 1 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Note that the opening hours are subject to change anytime. For the latest information, you can contact a representative of the Belmont Plateau at (215)878-8844.

There are a lot of ways for visitors from different places to get to the Belmont Plateau. However, driving is always preferred by most people. If you happen to be one of these who love self-driving tours, then the following driving direction might be very helpful for you.

1) Visitors from North of Philadelphia

Proceed on Pennsylvania Turnpike and then take Exit 20 (Exit name is "Mid-County). Continue to get onto I-476. Head south on I-476 until it merges with I-76. Stay straight on I-76 and then take Exit 341 to Montgomery Drive. Follow Montgomery Drive and make a right turn at the second intersection. Keep straight until you see a parking lot on the right. Follow signs to walk to the entrance of the Belmont Plateau.

2) Visitors from South of Philadelphia

Head north on I-95 until it merges with I-76. Continue west on I-76 and then take Exit 341. Bear to the right onto Montgomery Drive and keep straight. When you are at the second junction, turn right. Go ahead until you see a parking lot on your right. Right at the parking lot, you can find signs leading you to the entrance of the Belmont Plateau.

3) Visitors from East of Philadelphia

Follow Schuylkill Expressway to City Line Avenue. Continue on City Line Avenue. At the fourth traffic light, bear to the left onto Belmont Avenue. Stay straight on Belmont Avenue. When you see Montgomery Drive, turn left. Proceed on Montgomery Drive for a while and make a left turn onto Belmont Mansion Drive. Keep straight for about 1/4 miles and turn right. You will arrive at a parking lot after several minutes. The Belmont Plateau would be within walking distance.

4) Visitors from West of Philadelphia

Continue on Pennsylvania Turnpike to take Exit 326. Then bear onto I-76. Keep straight until you see Exit 341. Take Exit 341 and then turn right onto Montgomery Drive. Follow Montgomery Drive to the second intersection. Make a right turn and keep proceeding. When you find a parking lot located on your right hand, the Belmont Plateau would be just steps away.

5) Visitors driving from I-95 North

Proceed toward south on I-95. When you see I-676, turn onto it and keep heading west. Merge onto I-76 and follow I-76 toward Central Philadelphia. Take Exit 341 to bear left onto Montgomery Drive. Continue on Montgomery Drive until you arrive at the second cross. Turn right and then keep going straight. Bear to the right to park in a nearby lot. Follow signs to get to the Belmont Plateau entrance.

6) Visitors proceeding on I-95 from South (including Philadelphia Airport)

Take Exit 22 (which used to be Exit 17). Turn onto I-676 and head west. Then change onto I-76 and still proceed toward west. Take Exit 341 and keep straight. When you see Montgomery Drive, bear to the left at the end of the ramp. Continue on Montgomery Drive. Make a right turn at the first intersection and your will be arrive at the upper level of the parking lot. If you choose to park your car at the lower level of the parking lot, turn right at the second intersection.

7) Visitors from New Jersey Turnpike

Keep straight on New Jersey Turnpike until you come across Exit 3. Follow signs to pass through the Walt Whitman Bridge. Then take I-76 west and exit I-76 via Exit 341. Turn left onto Montgomery Drive. Go ahead and turn right at the second junction. Continue straight and turn right at the parking lot. Follow the signs to reach the entrance of the Belmont Plateau.

Visitors from Pennsylvania Turnpike

Turn onto I-476 when you arrive at Exit 20 Mid-County. Keep going west on I-476 and then take Exit 16 Valley Forge. Bear onto I-76 and head east. Take Exit 341 and make a right turn at the end of the ramp to get onto Montgomery Drive. Turn right at the first intersection to park in the upper parking lot or at the second intersection to get into the lower lot.

More Driving Directions to Belmont Plateau

http://www.belmontmansion.org/directions_belmont_mansion.html