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, named for the 1920s prohibition of automobile traffic that preserved its peaceful character. The road serves as the main artery through one of Philadelphia's most treasured natural areas, popular with walkers, joggers, cyclists, and equestrians year-round.[1]
Forbidden Drive offers an escape into nature without leaving the city—a wooded valley trail minutes from Center City.
History
Original Road
The road predates the park:
- 1850s: Built as access road along creek
- Served mills and residences
- Carriage traffic
- Part of Wissahickon transportation network
Fairmount Park Acquisition
- 1868: Wissahickon Valley acquired for Fairmount Park
- Preserved watershed and natural beauty
- Road continued in use
- Automobile era brought traffic
The "Forbidden" Designation
1920s: Automobiles banned:
- Traffic damaging road and environment
- Safety concerns for other users
- Decision to preserve peaceful character
- Name "Forbidden Drive" emerged
- One of America's earliest car-free recreation roads
Features
The Road
Gravel carriage road:
- 5.5 miles one way (11 miles round trip)
- Relatively flat following creek grade
- Wide enough for multiple users
- Original stone surface in places
- Maintained by Friends of the Wissahickon
Wissahickon Creek
The creek parallels the drive:
- Rushing water over rocks
- Swimming holes (unofficial)
- Fishing spots
- Scenic beauty throughout
Valley Green Inn
Valley Green Inn at the drive's heart:
- Historic 1850 inn
- Restaurant and tavern
- Restrooms
- Gathering spot
- Feed the ducks
Historic Sites
Along the drive:
- Rittenhouse Town — America's first paper mill site
- Historic stone bridges
- Former mill sites
- Stone markers and monuments
- Fingerspan Bridge
Natural Features
- Towering forest canopy
- Rock outcroppings
- Seasonal wildflowers
- Wildlife (deer, herons, hawks)
- Dramatic autumn foliage
Using Forbidden Drive
Walking and Hiking
- Flat, easy walking
- Full length: ~11 miles round trip
- Shorter out-and-back options
- Connects to side trails for varied loops
- Dog-friendly (leash required)
Running
- Popular training route
- Soft gravel surface
- Varied distances possible
- Shade in summer
- Year-round use
Cycling
- Gravel/hybrid bikes recommended
- Mountain bikes for side trails
- Relatively flat
- Watch for pedestrians and horses
Horseback Riding
- Equestrian use permitted
- Stable access from Northwestern Stable
- Share trail with other users
- Historic carriage road tradition continues
Fishing
- Trout fishing in Wissahickon Creek
- PA license required
- Stocked sections
- Fly fishing popular
Access Points
Northwestern Avenue
Northern terminus:
- Parking available
- Access to upper valley
Valley Green Road
Central access (at Valley Green Inn):
- Most popular access point
- Parking (fills quickly)
- Restrooms at inn
- Restaurant
Lincoln Drive
Southern access points:
- Multiple access from Lincoln Drive
- Parking at various lots
Rittenhouse Town
Historic site access:
- Connects to Rittenhouse Town
- Parking available
- Historic interpretation
Visiting
Hours
- Dawn to dusk
- Year-round access
Getting There
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Regional Rail (Chestnut Hill West) to various stations
- SEPTA Bus 9, 27 to access points
- Walk in from Mount Airy, Chestnut Hill
By Car:
- Parking at Valley Green (limited, arrives early)
- Parking at Northwestern Avenue
- Various lots along Lincoln Drive
Tips
- Valley Green parking fills by 9 AM on nice weekends
- The full length is a serious walk—plan accordingly
- Bring water—limited facilities
- Muddy after rain
- Side trails offer variety but are more challenging
- The inn is a great rest stop
Nearby
- Wissahickon Valley Park — Surrounding park
- Valley Green Inn — On the drive
- Rittenhouse Town — Historic site
- Chestnut Hill — Nearby neighborhood
- Mount Airy — Nearby neighborhood
See Also
References
- ↑ "Forbidden Drive". Friends of the Wissahickon. Retrieved December 30, 2025