Editing Forbidden Drive

{{Infobox Park
| name = Forbidden Drive
| image =
| image_caption = Forbidden Drive along Wissahickon Creek
| 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 = https://www.fow.org
}}

'''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.<ref name="forbidden">{{cite web |url=https://www.fow.org/visit/trails/forbidden-drive/ |title=Forbidden Drive |publisher=Friends of the Wissahickon |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

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 ==

* [[Wissahickon Valley Park]]
* [[Valley Green Inn]]
* [[Wissahickon Creek]]
* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Rittenhouse Town]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.fow.org Friends of the Wissahickon]
* [https://myphillypark.org Fairmount Park Conservancy]

{{#seo:
|title=Forbidden Drive Philadelphia - Wissahickon Valley's Car-Free Trail
|description=Guide to Forbidden Drive, the 5.5-mile car-free carriage road through Wissahickon Valley Park. Walking, running, cycling, horseback riding, and nature in Philadelphia.
|keywords=Forbidden Drive Philadelphia, Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia trails, Valley Green Inn, Wissahickon Creek, Philadelphia hiking, car-free Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Trails]]
[[Category:Wissahickon]]
[[Category:Fairmount Park]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Nature]]