Forbidden Drive
| Forbidden Drive | |
|---|---|
| Type | Multi-use trail / Historic carriage road |
| Location | Wissahickon Valley Park |
| Coordinates | 40.0530,-75.2120 |
| Area | Linear (5.5 miles) |
| Established | 1920s (auto prohibition); original road 1850s |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / Friends of the Wissahickon |
| Features | Gravel carriage road, creek views, historic sites, equestrian use |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Transit | Multiple access points; SEPTA bus/Regional Rail |
| Website | Official Site |
Forbidden Drive is a 5.5-mile gravel carriage road running along Wissahickon Creek through Wissahickon Valley Park. It got its name from the 1920s when automobiles were banned, a decision that preserved its quiet character and made it one of America's earliest car-free recreation roads. The drive serves as the main route through one of Philadelphia's most treasured natural areas, where walkers, joggers, cyclists, and equestrians come year-round.[1]
You can escape into nature without leaving the city. Minutes from Center City, you're walking through a wooded valley surrounded by creek views and history.
History
Original Road
The road's history runs deeper than the park itself. Built in the 1850s as an access route along the creek, it connected mills and residences throughout the Wissahickon transportation network. Carriages traveled this path for decades before the automobile era arrived to complicate things.
Fairmount Park Acquisition
In 1868, the Wissahickon Valley was acquired for Fairmount Park. The park's creation preserved both the watershed and the natural beauty that made this area special. The road stayed in use, but it wouldn't remain unchanged for long. Traffic from the automobile age started causing real problems.
The "Forbidden" Designation
By the 1920s, something had to give. Cars were damaging the road surface and harming the environment. Safety became a concern too. Walkers, horses, and cyclists shared the path with vehicles, and it was getting dangerous. Philadelphia made a bold choice: ban automobiles entirely. That decision gave the drive its name. Few places in America had the foresight to do this so early.
Features
The Road
At 5.5 miles one way, this is no short stroll. The gravel carriage road is wide enough for multiple users and relatively flat as it follows the creek grade. In places, you can still see the original stone surface underneath the modern gravel. The Friends of the Wissahickon keeps it maintained, though some sections stay muddier than others.
Wissahickon Creek
The creek runs parallel to the drive the whole way. Water rushes over rocks, creating a constant backdrop of sound. You'll find unofficial swimming holes scattered along the route and plenty of spots where fishermen cast their lines. The beauty of it doesn't change much season to season, though autumn turns everything spectacular.
Valley Green Inn
At the drive's heart sits the Valley Green Inn, a historic 1850 inn that now operates as a restaurant and tavern. It's got restrooms, which matters when you're halfway through an 11-mile round trip. People gather here to rest, eat, and feed the ducks that crowd the water.
Historic Sites
Several important places line the drive. Rittenhouse Town marks the site of America's first paper mill. Historic stone bridges cross the creek, remnants of Philadelphia's industrial past. You'll pass former mill sites, stone markers, and monuments that tell the valley's story. The Fingerspan Bridge adds another layer of history to your walk.
Natural Features
Towering forest canopy provides shade even on hot days. Rock outcroppings jut out from hillsides. Seasonal wildflowers bloom in spring and early summer. Deer show up regularly, along with herons, hawks, and other wildlife. Come in autumn, and the foliage transforms everything into shades of gold and red.
Using Forbidden Drive
Walking and Hiking
Walking here is easy. The terrain's flat enough for almost anyone. You can tackle the full length as an 11-mile round trip, or pick shorter out-and-back options. Multiple side trails branch off and create varied loops if you want more challenge. Dogs are welcome if you keep them on a leash.
Running
Runners love this place. The soft gravel surface is easier on joints than pavement. You can run any distance you want and find shade in the summer months. It's usable year-round, which matters in a place with real seasons.
Cycling
Gravel or hybrid bikes work best here. Mountain bikes handle the side trails better if you want to explore. The path stays relatively flat, but watch for walkers and horses sharing the space.
Horseback Riding
Equestrian use is permitted, continuing a tradition that goes back over 150 years. Northwestern Stable provides access for riders. The historic carriage road purpose isn't forgotten here; horses still belong.
Fishing
Trout fishing is popular in the Wissahickon Creek. You'll need a Pennsylvania license. Some sections are stocked, and fly fishing draws dedicated anglers.
Access Points
Northwestern Avenue
This northern terminus has parking available and access to the upper valley section.
Valley Green Road
Here's the most popular access point. Valley Green Inn sits right here, drawing crowds especially on weekends. Parking is available but fills quickly. You'll find restrooms at the inn and can grab food if you need it.
Lincoln Drive
Multiple access points branch off from Lincoln Drive along the southern reaches. Various parking lots serve these entry points.
Rittenhouse Town
This historic site connects to the drive and has its own parking. You can explore the paper mill history and then walk the trail.
Visiting
Hours
Dawn to dusk, year-round. That's it. Simple and straightforward.
Getting There
By Public Transit:
SEPTA Regional Rail serves several stations including the Chestnut Hill West line. Bus routes 9 and 27 reach various access points. You can walk in from Mount Airy or Chestnut Hill neighborhoods too.
By Car:
Valley Green has parking but arrives early on nice weekends—it fills by 9 AM. Northwestern Avenue offers another option. Various lots along Lincoln Drive provide additional parking.
Tips
Valley Green fills up fast. If you're arriving Saturday or Sunday morning with good weather, aim to get there early. The full distance is serious business. Plan for at least three to four hours if you're doing the whole thing. Bring water because facilities are limited. The trail gets muddy after rain, so timing matters. Side trails offer real variety but they're tougher than the main drive. Take a break at the inn. It's perfect for halfway rest stops.
Nearby
- Wissahickon Valley Park — The surrounding park
- Valley Green Inn — Right on the drive
- Rittenhouse Town — Historic paper mill site
- Chestnut Hill — Adjacent neighborhood
- Mount Airy — Adjacent neighborhood
See Also
References
- ↑ "Forbidden Drive". Friends of the Wissahickon. Retrieved December 30, 2025