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| {{Infobox LocalBusiness | | {{Infobox Park |
| | name = Wissahickon Valley Park | | | name = Wissahickon Valley Park |
| | image =
| | | type = Urban wilderness park |
| | image_caption = Wissahickon Creek and Forbidden Drive
| | | location = Northwest Philadelphia |
| | type = Urban park | | | area = 1,800 acres |
| | address = Various access points (Northwest Philadelphia) | | | established = 1868 |
| | neighborhood = Roxborough, Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, Germantown | | | operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / Friends of the Wissahickon |
| | coordinates = 40.0478,-75.2136 | | | features = Forbidden Drive, hiking trails, Valley Green Inn, historic bridges |
| | phone = (215) 247-0417 | |
| | website = https://fow.org | | | website = https://fow.org |
| | established = 1868
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| | founder = Fairmount Park Commission
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| | owner = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
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| | employees =
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| | hours = Dawn to dusk
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| | products = Hiking, biking, nature
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| | status = Active
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| }} | | }} |
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| '''Wissahickon Valley Park''' is a 2,042-acre urban wilderness park in Northwest [[Philadelphia]], protecting a dramatic wooded gorge along Wissahickon Creek. Designated a '''National Natural Landmark''', the park contains approximately 50 miles of trails, including the famous '''Forbidden Drive''', a 5.35-mile gravel path closed to motor vehicles that draws over one million visitors annually. The park offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery in any American city, with forested hillsides, rocky outcrops, and the rushing creek creating a landscape that feels far removed from urban Philadelphia.<ref name="visitphilly">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/wissahickon-valley-park/ |title=Wissahickon Valley Park |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref> | | '''Wissahickon Valley Park''' is a 1,800-acre urban wilderness stretching seven miles along '''Wissahickon Creek''' in Northwest [[Philadelphia]]. Often called Philadelphia's "hidden gem," the park preserves a dramatic forested gorge with rocky cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dense woodland. |
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| The Fairmount Park Commission acquired the Wissahickon Valley in 1868 to protect Philadelphia's water supply. Historic structures including the Valley Green Inn (a 19th-century roadhouse) and the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge (the last covered bridge in Philadelphia) remain as reminders of the valley's pre-park history. | | The park is part of the larger [[Fairmount Park]] system but maintains its own distinct character as one of the most ecologically significant natural areas within any American city. |
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| | == History == |
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| | The Lenape people called the creek "Wisamickan," meaning "catfish creek." By the early 19th century, over 50 mills operated along the creek. In 1868, the city began acquiring land to protect the valley from development. |
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| == Forbidden Drive == | | == Forbidden Drive == |
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| '''Forbidden Drive''' got its name from a successful 1920 protest that "forbade" automobiles from driving through the park. | | '''Forbidden Drive''' is the park's main thoroughfare—a '''5.5-mile gravel road''' running along the creek. The name comes from an 1869 ordinance that "forbade" commercial traffic. |
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| '''The History:''' | | * '''Surface:''' Packed gravel |
| Before 1920, the road along Wissahickon Creek was known as the '''Wissahickon Turnpike''' and was open to vehicles. When the Fairmount Park Commission proposed allowing automobile traffic in the park, local residents organized a dramatic protest.
| | * '''Distance:''' 5.5 miles one-way |
| | * '''Open to:''' Pedestrians, cyclists, horses (no motor vehicles) |
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| On a single day, '''1,000 protesters on horseback''' and '''12,000 spectators on foot''' demonstrated against allowing cars on the turnpike. The protest succeeded—the road was permanently closed to motor vehicles and became known as "Forbidden Drive" because cars were forbidden.<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wissahickon_Valley_Park |title=Wissahickon Valley Park |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>
| | === Highlights === |
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| Each year, the '''Wissahickon Day Parade''' commemorates the anniversary of this successful protest.
| | * '''Valley Green Inn''' — Historic restaurant |
| | * '''Devil's Pool''' — Popular swimming hole |
| | * '''Thomas Mill Covered Bridge''' |
| | * '''Historic stone structures''' |
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| == Trails == | | == Trails == |
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| === Length and Features ===
| | Over '''50 miles of hiking trails''': |
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| Forbidden Drive is '''5.35 miles''' long, running from Northwestern Avenue at the park's southern end (near the Schuylkill River) to the upper park entrance near Bells Mill Road. The path averages 25 feet wide with a maximum obstacle height of 3 inches, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
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| Forbidden Drive was named the '''2018 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year''' and attracts over one million visitors annually.
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| === Trail System Overview === | | {| class="wikitable" |
| | ! Trail !! Distance !! Difficulty |
| | |- |
| | | Forbidden Drive || 5.5 mi || Easy |
| | |- |
| | | Orange Trail || 5.2 mi || Moderate |
| | |- |
| | | Yellow Trail || 3.8 mi || Moderate-Hard |
| | |- |
| | | White Trail || 2.5 mi || Easy-Moderate |
| | |} |
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| Wissahickon Valley Park contains approximately '''50 miles of trails'''. The trails range from the flat, accessible Forbidden Drive to challenging single-track paths for experienced hikers and mountain bikers.<ref name="traillink">{{cite web |url=https://www.traillink.com/trail/wissahickon-valley-park-trail-system/ |title=Wissahickon Valley Park Trail System |publisher=TrailLink |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>
| | == Valley Green Inn == |
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| '''Major Trail Types:'''
| | Historic restaurant established in the 1850s with creek-side dining. |
| * '''Forbidden Drive:''' Flat gravel, 5.35 miles, open to all users
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| * '''Lincoln Drive Trail:''' 1.6 miles of asphalt and boardwalk, connects to Schuylkill River Trail
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| * '''Single-track trails:''' Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding (permit required)
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| === Trail Descriptions === | | == Natural Features == |
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| '''Forbidden Drive''' (5.35 miles) | | The valley cuts through '''Wissahickon schist''', distinctive silver-gray rock approximately 500 million years old. |
| * Surface: Crushed gravel
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| * Difficulty: Easy, flat
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| * Best for: Walking, jogging, casual biking, accessibility
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| * Highlights: Creek views, Valley Green Inn, covered bridge
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| '''Orange Trail''' (5.5+ miles) | | '''Wildlife:''' |
| * Surface: Dirt and rock single-track | | * Over 150 bird species |
| * Difficulty: Moderate to challenging | | * White-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons |
| * Best for: Hiking, mountain biking
| | * Trout and native fish |
| * Highlights: East side of park, elevation changes | |
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| '''Yellow Trail''' (nearly 8 miles)
| | == Activities == |
| * Surface: Dirt and rock
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| * Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
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| * Best for: Mountain biking, hiking
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| * Highlights: West side of park, technical sections
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| '''White Trail''' (4+ miles)
| | * Hiking (50+ miles of trails) |
| * Surface: Single-track | | * Mountain Biking |
| * Difficulty: Moderate | | * Horseback Riding |
| * Best for: Hiking | | * Fishing (PA license required) |
| * Highlights: Runs parallel to Orange Trail, rocky sections | | * Rock Climbing |
| | * Bird Watching |
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| '''Lincoln Drive Trail''' (1.6 miles)
| | == Getting There == |
| * Surface: Asphalt, elevated boardwalks
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| * Difficulty: Easy
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| * Best for: Walking, biking, connecting to Schuylkill River Trail
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| == Biking ==
| | * '''Valley Green Road''' — Parking at Valley Green Inn |
| | | * '''Northwestern Avenue''' — Southern trailhead |
| '''Yes''', biking is permitted, but rules vary by trail:
| | * '''Bells Mill Road''' — Northern trailhead |
| | | * '''SEPTA Regional Rail''' — Wissahickon Station |
| '''Forbidden Drive:'''
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| * Biking permitted
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| * No permit required
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| * Wide, flat gravel surface ideal for casual cycling
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| '''Single-Track Trails (Orange, Yellow, White, etc.):'''
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| * Mountain biking permitted with a '''free permit'''
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| * Permits available through Friends of the Wissahickon (fow.org)
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| * Some trails are one-way for bikes on certain days
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| * Helmets required | |
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| '''Important Notes:''' | |
| * E-bikes are not permitted on trails
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| * Cyclists must yield to pedestrians and horses
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| * Speed limits apply
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| == Dogs ==
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| '''Yes''', dogs are welcome in Wissahickon Valley Park, but must be '''leashed at all times'''. There is no off-leash area within the park.
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| '''Dog Rules:'''
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| * Dogs must be on a leash (6 feet maximum)
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| * Owners must clean up after their dogs
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| * Dogs are not permitted to enter the creek in most areas
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| * Bring water for your dog—the trails can be long
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| == Visiting the Park ==
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| === Admission ===
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| '''Yes''', Wissahickon Valley Park is completely free to visit. There is no entrance fee, and the park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
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| The park is part of [[Fairmount Park]] and managed by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation with support from the '''Friends of the Wissahickon''', a nonprofit organization that helps maintain and improve the park.
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| === Parking ===
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| The park has multiple access points with parking:
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| '''Major Parking Areas:'''
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| * '''Valley Green Inn''' (Valley Green Road) - Popular central access point
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| * '''Northwestern Avenue''' - Southern access to Forbidden Drive | |
| * '''Bells Mill Road''' - Northern access | |
| * '''Mt. Airy Avenue/Livezey Lane'''
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| * '''Wissahickon Environmental Center''' (Germantown)
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| '''Tips:'''
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| * Weekends and nice weather days fill up quickly
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| * Arrive early for the most popular lots (Valley Green)
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| * Some lots are small with limited capacity
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| * Street parking available in surrounding neighborhoods
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| === Accessibility ===
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| Forbidden Drive is '''one of the most accessible trails in Philadelphia''':
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| * Wide, flat gravel surface
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| * Maximum obstacle height of 3 inches | |
| * Suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility devices
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| * Level grade for the entire 5.35-mile length
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| * Accessible restrooms at Valley Green Inn
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| The single-track trails (Orange, Yellow, White, etc.) are '''not accessible''' due to rough terrain, elevation changes, and narrow paths.
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| == The Creek ==
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| '''Swimming is not recommended''' in Wissahickon Creek. While people do wade and cool off in shallow areas, the creek presents several hazards:
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| * Water quality varies and may contain bacteria
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| * Strong currents after rain
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| * Rocky, uneven bottom
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| * Cold water temperatures
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| * No lifeguards
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| The creek is best enjoyed from the trails and bridges rather than in the water.
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| == Landmarks and Attractions ==
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| '''Valley Green Inn'''
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| The historic Valley Green Inn is the last remaining example of the many roadhouses and taverns that once lined the Wissahickon. Built in the 19th century, the inn serves food and drinks and is a popular destination for trail users. Located on Valley Green Road.
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| '''Thomas Mill Covered Bridge'''
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| The last remaining wooden covered bridge in Philadelphia, Thomas Mill Covered Bridge spans the Wissahickon Creek near Bells Mill Road. Built in 1855, the bridge is a picturesque landmark.
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| '''Wissahickon Environmental Center'''
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| Located on Northwestern Avenue, the Environmental Center offers nature programs, maps, and educational exhibits about the park's ecology and history.
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| '''Historic Sites'''
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| The valley once contained numerous mills and quarries dating from the 1680s through the 1880s. Stone remnants of these structures remain visible along the trails.
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| == See Also == | | == See Also == |
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| * [[Fairmount Park]] | | * [[Fairmount Park]] |
| * [[Schuylkill River Trail]]
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| * [[Parks in Philadelphia]]
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| * [[Roxborough]]
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| * [[Chestnut Hill]] | | * [[Chestnut Hill]] |
| | | * [[Manayunk]] |
| == References ==
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| <references />
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| == External Links ==
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| * [https://fow.org Friends of the Wissahickon] | |
| * [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/wissahickon-valley-park/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]
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| * [https://circuittrails.org/find-trails/wissahickon-valley-park-trail-forbidden-drive/ Circuit Trails - Forbidden Drive]
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| {{#seo: | | {{#seo: |
| |title=Wissahickon Valley Park - Forbidden Drive and Trail Guide | | |title=Wissahickon Valley Park Philadelphia - Trails, Forbidden Drive & Hiking Guide |
| |description=Complete guide to Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia's 2,000-acre urban wilderness. Forbidden Drive, hiking trails, parking, biking rules, and the Valley Green Inn. | | |description=Guide to Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia's 1,800-acre urban wilderness. Forbidden Drive trail, Valley Green Inn, hiking maps, and nature in Northwest Philadelphia. |
| |keywords=Wissahickon Valley Park, Forbidden Drive Philadelphia, Wissahickon Creek, hiking trails Philadelphia, Northwest Philadelphia park, National Natural Landmark Philadelphia, Valley Green Inn | | |keywords=Wissahickon Valley Park, Forbidden Drive Philadelphia, Wissahickon trails, Valley Green Inn, Philadelphia hiking, Wissahickon Creek, Devil's Pool |
| |type=Article | | |type=Article |
| }} | | }} |
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| [[Category:Parks]] | | [[Category:Parks]] |
| [[Category:Natural Environment]]
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| [[Category:Northwest Philadelphia]] | | [[Category:Northwest Philadelphia]] |
| [[Category:Trails]] | | [[Category:Hiking]] |
| [[Category:Attractions]]
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| Wissahickon Valley Park
|
| Type
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Urban wilderness park
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| Location
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Northwest Philadelphia
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| Area
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1,800 acres
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| Established
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1868
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| Operated by
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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / Friends of the Wissahickon
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| Features
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Forbidden Drive, hiking trails, Valley Green Inn, historic bridges
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| Website
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Official Site
|
Wissahickon Valley Park is a 1,800-acre urban wilderness stretching seven miles along Wissahickon Creek in Northwest Philadelphia. Often called Philadelphia's "hidden gem," the park preserves a dramatic forested gorge with rocky cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dense woodland.
The park is part of the larger Fairmount Park system but maintains its own distinct character as one of the most ecologically significant natural areas within any American city.
The Lenape people called the creek "Wisamickan," meaning "catfish creek." By the early 19th century, over 50 mills operated along the creek. In 1868, the city began acquiring land to protect the valley from development.
Forbidden Drive is the park's main thoroughfare—a 5.5-mile gravel road running along the creek. The name comes from an 1869 ordinance that "forbade" commercial traffic.
- Surface: Packed gravel
- Distance: 5.5 miles one-way
- Open to: Pedestrians, cyclists, horses (no motor vehicles)
- Valley Green Inn — Historic restaurant
- Devil's Pool — Popular swimming hole
- Thomas Mill Covered Bridge
- Historic stone structures
Over 50 miles of hiking trails:
| Trail |
Distance |
Difficulty
|
| Forbidden Drive |
5.5 mi |
Easy
|
| Orange Trail |
5.2 mi |
Moderate
|
| Yellow Trail |
3.8 mi |
Moderate-Hard
|
| White Trail |
2.5 mi |
Easy-Moderate
|
Historic restaurant established in the 1850s with creek-side dining.
The valley cuts through Wissahickon schist, distinctive silver-gray rock approximately 500 million years old.
Wildlife:
- Over 150 bird species
- White-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons
- Trout and native fish
- Hiking (50+ miles of trails)
- Mountain Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Fishing (PA license required)
- Rock Climbing
- Bird Watching
- Valley Green Road — Parking at Valley Green Inn
- Northwestern Avenue — Southern trailhead
- Bells Mill Road — Northern trailhead
- SEPTA Regional Rail — Wissahickon Station
