Editing Valley Green

{{Infobox Park
| name = Valley Green
| image =
| image_caption = Valley Green Inn along Wissahickon Creek
| type = Park area / Historic inn
| location = Wissahickon Valley Park
| coordinates = 40.0580,-75.2180
| area = Part of Wissahickon Valley Park
| established = Inn: 1850; Park area: 1868
| operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / Private (inn)
| features = Historic inn, creek views, Forbidden Drive access, duck feeding
| hours = Park: dawn to dusk; Inn: check hours
| transit = SEPTA bus; Regional Rail to Chestnut Hill
| website = https://www.valleygreeninn.com
}}

'''Valley Green''' refers to both a beloved area within [[Wissahickon Valley Park]] and the historic '''Valley Green Inn''' that has served visitors since 1850. Located at a scenic bend in [[Wissahickon Creek]] along [[Forbidden Drive]], Valley Green serves as the most popular destination in the Wissahickon, offering an idyllic combination of natural beauty, historic atmosphere, and refreshment.<ref name="valleygreen">{{cite web |url=https://www.valleygreeninn.com |title=Valley Green Inn |publisher=Valley Green Inn |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Valley Green is where generations of Philadelphians have come to feed the ducks, walk the trails, and escape the city.

== History ==

=== The Inn ===

'''Valley Green Inn''' dates to '''1850''':
* Built as hotel and tavern
* Served visitors to Wissahickon Valley
* Pre-dates park acquisition
* Continuously operated since opening
* Philadelphia's last remaining Wissahickon tavern

=== Park Acquisition ===

* '''1868:''' Wissahickon Valley became part of Fairmount Park
* Valley Green retained as concession
* Became heart of Wissahickon recreation
* Traditions continued

=== Generations of Visitors ===

Valley Green traditions include:
* Feeding the ducks (generations of families)
* Sunday drives (before cars banned)
* Sunday walks (current tradition)
* Holiday gatherings

== Features ==

=== Valley Green Inn ===

'''Historic tavern and restaurant:'''
* 1850 stone building
* Restaurant and bar
* Outdoor seating (seasonal)
* Traditional American fare
* Sunday brunch tradition

=== The Creek ===

'''Wissahickon Creek''' at Valley Green:
* Scenic creek bend
* Stone bridge
* Ducks and geese
* Wading (unofficial)
* Photography spot

=== Forbidden Drive Access ===

Valley Green is on [[Forbidden Drive]]:
* Central location on the trail
* Walk in either direction
* Rest stop for hikers and cyclists
* Trailhead for side trails

=== Duck Feeding ===

'''Beloved tradition:'''
* Ducks and geese congregate
* Bring appropriate food (no bread—harmful to birds)
* Generations of families
* Children's favorite activity

=== Restrooms ===

* Public restrooms available
* One of few facilities in Wissahickon

== Using Valley Green ==

=== Walking and Hiking ===

* Starting point for Forbidden Drive walks
* Access to side trails
* Various loop options
* Central rest stop

=== Dining ===

* Lunch or dinner at the inn
* Outdoor seating in season
* Casual atmosphere
* Reservations recommended for dinner

=== Photography ===

* Scenic creek views
* Historic inn building
* Wildlife
* Fall foliage

=== Wildlife Watching ===

* Ducks and geese
* Herons
* Turtles
* Fish in creek

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

'''Park Area:'''
* Dawn to dusk

'''Valley Green Inn:'''
* Check website for current hours
* Closed some Mondays
* Reservations recommended

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' Valley Green Road, Wissahickon Valley Park

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Regional Rail to Chestnut Hill East or West, then walk
* SEPTA Bus 27 to Springfield Avenue, then walk

'''By Car:'''
* Parking lot at Valley Green (fills early on weekends)
* Enter from Springfield Avenue
* Arrive early—parking is limited

=== Tips ===

* '''Parking fills by 9 AM on nice weekends'''—arrive early or walk in
* The inn can be crowded—reservations help
* Bring birdseed, not bread, for ducks
* The nearby trails are less crowded than the main area
* Winter is magical (and parking is available)

== Duck Feeding Note ==

'''Please don't feed bread:'''
* Bread is harmful to waterfowl
* Causes "angel wing" deformity
* Pollutes water
* Better options: corn, oats, duck feed
* Bring appropriate food or none

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Wissahickon Valley Park]]''' — Surrounding park
* '''[[Forbidden Drive]]''' — The trail
* '''[[Chestnut Hill]]''' — Nearby neighborhood
* '''[[Mount Airy]]''' — Nearby neighborhood
* '''[[Andorra Natural Area]]''' — Northwest section of park

== See Also ==

* [[Wissahickon Valley Park]]
* [[Forbidden Drive]]
* [[Wissahickon Creek]]
* [[Chestnut Hill]]
* [[Fairmount Park]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.valleygreeninn.com Valley Green Inn]
* [https://www.fow.org Friends of the Wissahickon]

{{#seo:
|title=Valley Green Philadelphia - Historic Wissahickon Inn & Creek Destination
|description=Guide to Valley Green in Wissahickon Valley Park. Historic 1850 inn, Forbidden Drive access, duck feeding tradition, and scenic Wissahickon Creek views.
|keywords=Valley Green Philadelphia, Valley Green Inn, Wissahickon Valley Park, Forbidden Drive, Wissahickon Creek, Philadelphia nature, duck feeding Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Wissahickon]]
[[Category:Fairmount Park]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Restaurants]]