Wissahickon Valley

Wissahickon

Type	Neighborhood
Location	Northwest Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19128, 19144
Named for	Wissahickon Creek
Boundaries	Along Wissahickon Creek valley from the Schuylkill to Chestnut Hill
Adjacent	Roxborough, Germantown, Mount Airy, East Falls
Major streets	Ridge Avenue, Lincoln Drive, Wissahickon Avenue
Transit	SEPTA bus routes
Landmarks	Wissahickon Valley Park, Valley Green Inn, covered bridges

Wissahickon refers to both a neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia and the famous Wissahickon Valley Park that defines it. The neighborhood takes its name from Wissahickon Creek, which runs through a dramatic gorge that remains remarkably wild within the city limits. The park and creek have attracted visitors since the 19th century and remain one of Philadelphia's most treasured natural areas.

Wissahickon Valley Park

Wissahickon Valley Park is a 2,000-acre park encompassing the Wissahickon Creek gorge:

Features

• 57 miles of trails
• Dramatic gorge landscape
• Historic structures
• Wildlife habitat
• Forbidden Drive (main trail)

Forbidden Drive

The main trail along the creek is called Forbidden Drive:

• 5.5-mile gravel path
• Follows the former carriage road
• Popular for hiking, biking, horseback riding
• Closed to motor vehicles (hence "Forbidden")

Valley Green Inn

The historic Valley Green Inn (1850) serves as a destination within the park:

• Restaurant and inn
• Historic building
• Trailside location
• Popular gathering spot

Covered Bridges

Historic covered bridges cross the creek:

• Thomas Mill Covered Bridge
• Romantic architecture
• Photography destinations

Natural Features

The Gorge

The Wissahickon Gorge is a dramatic feature:

• 200+ foot deep in places
• Steep forested slopes
• Rock outcroppings
• Remarkably wild for an urban park

Wildlife

The park supports diverse wildlife:

• White-tailed deer
• Various bird species
• Fish in the creek
• Small mammals

Trees

Old-growth forest remnants and diverse tree species.

History

Native American Use

The Lenape used the Wissahickon Valley for centuries. The name "Wissahickon" comes from a Lenape word.

Colonial Era

Early mills operated along the creek, using water power.

Romantic Era

In the 19th century, the Wissahickon became a destination for Romantic-era visitors seeking natural beauty. Poets and artists celebrated the gorge.

Park Preservation

The park was preserved as part of the Fairmount Park system, protecting it from development.

Access Points

The park has multiple entrances:

Northwestern Avenue

Main entrance to Forbidden Drive with parking.

Valley Green

Access near Valley Green Inn.

Bells Mill Road

Upper Wissahickon access.

Lincoln Drive

Multiple access points along the drive.

Activities

Hiking

Dozens of trails at various difficulty levels.

Biking

Forbidden Drive is popular for cycling.

Horseback Riding

Permitted on Forbidden Drive and designated trails.

Fishing

Fishing permitted in Wissahickon Creek (license required).

The Neighborhood

The residential Wissahickon neighborhood borders the park:

• Access to trails
• Quieter character
• Natural setting
• Limited transit

See Also

• Wissahickon Valley Park
• Roxborough
• Mount Airy
• Germantown
• Fairmount Park