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{{Infobox LocalBusiness
{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = Wissahickon Valley Park
| name = Wissahickon Valley Park
| image =
| type = Natural park
| image_caption = Wissahickon Creek and Forbidden Drive
| address = Forbidden Drive (main trail)
| type = Urban park
| neighborhood = Northwest Philadelphia
| address = Various access points (Northwest Philadelphia)
| neighborhood = Roxborough, Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, Germantown
| coordinates = 40.0478,-75.2136
| phone = (215) 247-0417
| phone = (215) 247-0417
| website = https://fow.org
| website = https://fow.org
| established = 1868
| established = 1868
| founder = Fairmount Park Commission
| owner = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
| employees =
| hours = Dawn to dusk
| hours = Dawn to dusk
| products = Hiking, biking, nature
| public_transit = Wissahickon Transportation Center (Regional Rail)
| status = Active
}}
}}


'''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 natural area in [[Northwest Philadelphia]] featuring a dramatic gorge, forested trails, historic sites, and Wissahickon Creek. Part of the Fairmount Park system, the Wissahickon feels like wilderness within the city—a place for hiking, mountain biking, and escape from urban life.<ref name="wissahickon">{{cite web |url=https://fow.org |title=Wissahickon Valley Park |publisher=Friends of the Wissahickon |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>


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.
== Overview ==


== Forbidden Drive ==
=== The Gorge ===


'''Forbidden Drive''' got its name from a successful 1920 protest that "forbade" automobiles from driving through the park.
The Wissahickon Valley features:


'''The History:'''
* '''Wissahickon Creek''' — Flows through the gorge to the Schuylkill
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.
* '''Steep hillsides''' — Up to 100 feet high
* '''Rock outcroppings''' — Dramatic schist formations
* '''Old-growth character''' — Mature forest canopy
* '''50+ miles of trails'''


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>
=== Character ===


Each year, the '''Wissahickon Day Parade''' commemorates the anniversary of this successful protest.
Unlike manicured urban parks, the Wissahickon is:


== Trails ==
* Rugged and natural
* Forested and shaded
* Quiet (no through traffic)
* A genuine wilderness experience within city limits


=== Length and Features ===
== History ==


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.
=== Early History ===


Forbidden Drive was named the '''2018 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year''' and attracts over one million visitors annually.
* Lenape people inhabited the valley
* Mills operated along the creek (17th-19th centuries)
* Resort hotels attracted visitors (19th century)
* Acquired for park system (1868)
* Preserved from development


=== Trail System Overview ===
=== The Name ===


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>
"Wissahickon" derives from the Lenape language, possibly meaning "catfish creek" or "yellow-colored stream."


'''Major Trail Types:'''
== Forbidden Drive ==
* '''Forbidden Drive:''' Flat gravel, 5.35 miles, open to all users
* '''Lincoln Drive Trail:''' 1.6 miles of asphalt and boardwalk, connects to Schuylkill River Trail
* '''Single-track trails:''' Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding (permit required)


=== Trail Descriptions ===
The main path through the valley:


'''Forbidden Drive''' (5.35 miles)
=== What is Forbidden Drive? ===
* Surface: Crushed gravel
* Difficulty: Easy, flat
* Best for: Walking, jogging, casual biking, accessibility
* Highlights: Creek views, Valley Green Inn, covered bridge


'''Orange Trail''' (5.5+ miles)
* 5.5-mile gravel road along Wissahickon Creek
* Surface: Dirt and rock single-track
* Closed to motor vehicles since 1920s
* Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
* Popular for walking, running, cycling, horseback riding
* Best for: Hiking, mountain biking
* Relatively flat and accessible
* Highlights: East side of park, elevation changes
* The "spine" of the park


'''Yellow Trail''' (nearly 8 miles)
=== Access Points ===
* Surface: Dirt and rock
* Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
* Best for: Mountain biking, hiking
* Highlights: West side of park, technical sections


'''White Trail''' (4+ miles)
* '''Northwestern Avenue''' — Upper end
* Surface: Single-track
* '''Valley Green Road''' — Middle (Valley Green Inn)
* Difficulty: Moderate
* '''Lincoln Drive''' — Lower end (near Rittenhouse Town)
* Best for: Hiking
* Highlights: Runs parallel to Orange Trail, rocky sections


'''Lincoln Drive Trail''' (1.6 miles)
== Trails ==
* Surface: Asphalt, elevated boardwalks
* Difficulty: Easy
* Best for: Walking, biking, connecting to Schuylkill River Trail


== Biking ==
=== Beyond Forbidden Drive ===


'''Yes''', biking is permitted, but rules vary by trail:
The park has 50+ miles of trails:


'''Forbidden Drive:'''
* '''Orange Trail''' — Ridge trail on west side
* Biking permitted
* '''Yellow Trail*** — East side loop
* No permit required
* '''White Trail''' — Various connectors
* Wide, flat gravel surface ideal for casual cycling
* '''Cresheim Trail''' — Connects to Mt. Airy
* Mountain biking trails in designated areas


'''Single-Track Trails (Orange, Yellow, White, etc.):'''
=== Difficulty ===
* Mountain biking permitted with a '''free permit'''
* Permits available through Friends of the Wissahickon (fow.org)
* Some trails are one-way for bikes on certain days
* Helmets required


'''Important Notes:'''
* Forbidden Drive: Easy, flat, accessible
* E-bikes are not permitted on trails
* Side trails: Moderate to strenuous, often steep
* Cyclists must yield to pedestrians and horses
* Some trails have significant elevation gain
* Speed limits apply


== Dogs ==
== Points of Interest ==


'''Yes''', dogs are welcome in Wissahickon Valley Park, but must be '''leashed at all times'''. There is no off-leash area within the park.
=== Valley Green Inn ===


'''Dog Rules:'''
Historic inn along Forbidden Drive:
* Dogs must be on a leash (6 feet maximum)
* Owners must clean up after their dogs
* Dogs are not permitted to enter the creek in most areas
* Bring water for your dog—the trails can be long


== Visiting the Park ==
* Restaurant operating since 1850
* Outdoor dining by the creek
* Popular destination for hikers
* Parking available (limited)


=== Admission ===
=== Historic Sites ===


'''Yes''', Wissahickon Valley Park is completely free to visit. There is no entrance fee, and the park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
* '''Rittenhouse Town*** — Historic paper mill village
* '''Thomas Mill Covered Bridge''' — Philadelphia's only covered bridge
* '''Fingerspan Bridge''' — Modern cable-stayed pedestrian bridge
* '''Tedyuscung Statue''' — Lenape chief memorial
* Historic mile markers along Forbidden Drive


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.
=== Natural Features ===


=== Parking ===
* '''Devil's Pool''' — Popular swimming hole (swimming officially prohibited)
* Rock outcroppings throughout
* Bird watching areas
* Seasonal wildflowers


The park has multiple access points with parking:
== Activities ==


'''Major Parking Areas:'''
* '''Hiking''' — All levels, 50+ miles
* '''Valley Green Inn''' (Valley Green Road) - Popular central access point
* '''Running''' — Forbidden Drive and trails
* '''Northwestern Avenue''' - Southern access to Forbidden Drive
* '''Cycling''' — Forbidden Drive (bikes prohibited on many side trails)
* '''Bells Mill Road''' - Northern access
* '''Mountain biking''' — Designated trails only
* '''Mt. Airy Avenue/Livezey Lane'''
* '''Horseback riding''' — Permitted on designated trails
* '''Wissahickon Environmental Center''' (Germantown)
* '''Fishing''' — Trout stocked in spring
* '''Bird watching'''


'''Tips:'''
== Visiting ==
* Weekends and nice weather days fill up quickly
* Arrive early for the most popular lots (Valley Green)
* Some lots are small with limited capacity
* Street parking available in surrounding neighborhoods


=== Accessibility ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Detail !! Information
|-
| '''Hours''' || Dawn to dusk
|-
| '''Admission''' || Free
|-
| '''Dogs''' || Allowed on leash
|-
| '''Restrooms''' || Valley Green Inn area
|-
| '''Parking''' || Valley Green, Northwestern Ave, others
|}


Forbidden Drive is '''one of the most accessible trails in Philadelphia''':
=== Tips ===


* Wide, flat gravel surface
* Forbidden Drive is easy; side trails can be rugged
* Maximum obstacle height of 3 inches
* Bring water—limited facilities
* Suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility devices
* Cell service can be spotty in the gorge
* Level grade for the entire 5.35-mile length
* Popular on weekends—arrive early for parking
* Accessible restrooms at Valley Green Inn
* Valley Green Inn fills up—reservations recommended for meals


The single-track trails (Orange, Yellow, White, etc.) are '''not accessible''' due to rough terrain, elevation changes, and narrow paths.
== Getting There ==


== The Creek ==
* '''By car''' — Valley Green Road, Northwestern Avenue, or Lincoln Drive
* '''SEPTA''' — Wissahickon Transportation Center (Regional Rail), then walk/bus
* '''Bicycle''' — Connect via Schuylkill River Trail


'''Swimming is not recommended''' in Wissahickon Creek. While people do wade and cool off in shallow areas, the creek presents several hazards:
== Frequently Asked Questions ==


* Water quality varies and may contain bacteria
{{FAQ
* Strong currents after rain
|q1=What is Forbidden Drive?
* Rocky, uneven bottom
|a1=Forbidden Drive is a 5.5-mile gravel road along Wissahickon Creek, closed to motor vehicles since the 1920s. It's the main path through the park, popular for walking, running, cycling, and horseback riding. The "Forbidden" name refers to the car ban.
* Cold water temperatures
* No lifeguards


The creek is best enjoyed from the trails and bridges rather than in the water.
|q2=Can you swim in the Wissahickon?
|a2=Swimming is officially prohibited in Wissahickon Creek due to safety concerns and water quality. However, Devil's Pool is a popular but unofficial swimming spot. Visitors swim at their own risk, and the area can be crowded on hot days.


== Landmarks and Attractions ==
|q3=Is the Wissahickon safe?
|a3=The Wissahickon is generally safe during daylight hours and is heavily used by walkers, runners, and cyclists. As with any park, exercise normal caution, stick to marked trails, let someone know your plans, and be out before dark.


'''Valley Green Inn'''
|q4=How long is Forbidden Drive?
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.
|a4=Forbidden Drive is 5.5 miles one-way (11 miles round trip). Most visitors walk or bike a section and turn around. Valley Green Inn at the middle makes a good turnaround point. The path is flat and well-maintained gravel.
 
}}
'''Thomas Mill Covered Bridge'''
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.
 
'''Wissahickon Environmental Center'''
Located on Northwestern Avenue, the Environmental Center offers nature programs, maps, and educational exhibits about the park's ecology and history.
 
'''Historic Sites'''
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.


== See Also ==
== See Also ==


* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Schuylkill River Trail]]
* [[Parks in Philadelphia]]
* [[Roxborough]]
* [[Chestnut Hill]]
* [[Chestnut Hill]]
* [[Manayunk]]
* [[Mount Airy]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 188: Line 180:


* [https://fow.org Friends of the Wissahickon]
* [https://fow.org Friends of the Wissahickon]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/wissahickon-valley-park/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]
* [https://www.phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-parks-recreation/ Philadelphia Parks & Recreation]
* [https://circuittrails.org/find-trails/wissahickon-valley-park-trail-forbidden-drive/ Circuit Trails - Forbidden Drive]


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Wissahickon Valley Park - Forbidden Drive and Trail Guide
|title=Wissahickon Valley Park - Philadelphia's Wilderness Gorge
|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=Wissahickon Valley Park offers 1,800 acres of forested trails, a scenic gorge, and Forbidden Drive in Northwest Philadelphia. Hiking, biking, and nature within the city.
|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, Wissahickon Creek, Philadelphia hiking, urban wilderness, trails Philadelphia, Valley Green Inn
|type=Article
|type=Article
}}
}}


[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Natural Environment]]
[[Category:Landmarks]]
[[Category:Northwest Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Northwest Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Trails]]
[[Category:Hiking]]
[[Category:Attractions]]

Revision as of 04:05, 24 December 2025

Wissahickon Valley Park



TypeNatural park
AddressForbidden Drive (main trail)
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodNorthwest Philadelphia
Phone(215) 247-0417
WebsiteOfficial site
Established1868
HoursDawn to dusk
Wissahickon Valley Park(215) 247-0417Forbidden Drive (main trail)PhiladelphiaPAUS

Wissahickon Valley Park is a 1,800-acre natural area in Northwest Philadelphia featuring a dramatic gorge, forested trails, historic sites, and Wissahickon Creek. Part of the Fairmount Park system, the Wissahickon feels like wilderness within the city—a place for hiking, mountain biking, and escape from urban life.[1]

Overview

The Gorge

The Wissahickon Valley features:

  • Wissahickon Creek — Flows through the gorge to the Schuylkill
  • Steep hillsides — Up to 100 feet high
  • Rock outcroppings — Dramatic schist formations
  • Old-growth character — Mature forest canopy
  • 50+ miles of trails

Character

Unlike manicured urban parks, the Wissahickon is:

  • Rugged and natural
  • Forested and shaded
  • Quiet (no through traffic)
  • A genuine wilderness experience within city limits

History

Early History

  • Lenape people inhabited the valley
  • Mills operated along the creek (17th-19th centuries)
  • Resort hotels attracted visitors (19th century)
  • Acquired for park system (1868)
  • Preserved from development

The Name

"Wissahickon" derives from the Lenape language, possibly meaning "catfish creek" or "yellow-colored stream."

Forbidden Drive

The main path through the valley:

What is Forbidden Drive?

  • 5.5-mile gravel road along Wissahickon Creek
  • Closed to motor vehicles since 1920s
  • Popular for walking, running, cycling, horseback riding
  • Relatively flat and accessible
  • The "spine" of the park

Access Points

  • Northwestern Avenue — Upper end
  • Valley Green Road — Middle (Valley Green Inn)
  • Lincoln Drive — Lower end (near Rittenhouse Town)

Trails

Beyond Forbidden Drive

The park has 50+ miles of trails:

  • Orange Trail — Ridge trail on west side
  • Yellow Trail*** — East side loop
  • White Trail — Various connectors
  • Cresheim Trail — Connects to Mt. Airy
  • Mountain biking trails in designated areas

Difficulty

  • Forbidden Drive: Easy, flat, accessible
  • Side trails: Moderate to strenuous, often steep
  • Some trails have significant elevation gain

Points of Interest

Valley Green Inn

Historic inn along Forbidden Drive:

  • Restaurant operating since 1850
  • Outdoor dining by the creek
  • Popular destination for hikers
  • Parking available (limited)

Historic Sites

  • Rittenhouse Town*** — Historic paper mill village
  • Thomas Mill Covered Bridge — Philadelphia's only covered bridge
  • Fingerspan Bridge — Modern cable-stayed pedestrian bridge
  • Tedyuscung Statue — Lenape chief memorial
  • Historic mile markers along Forbidden Drive

Natural Features

  • Devil's Pool — Popular swimming hole (swimming officially prohibited)
  • Rock outcroppings throughout
  • Bird watching areas
  • Seasonal wildflowers

Activities

  • Hiking — All levels, 50+ miles
  • Running — Forbidden Drive and trails
  • Cycling — Forbidden Drive (bikes prohibited on many side trails)
  • Mountain biking — Designated trails only
  • Horseback riding — Permitted on designated trails
  • Fishing — Trout stocked in spring
  • Bird watching

Visiting

Detail Information
Hours Dawn to dusk
Admission Free
Dogs Allowed on leash
Restrooms Valley Green Inn area
Parking Valley Green, Northwestern Ave, others

Tips

  • Forbidden Drive is easy; side trails can be rugged
  • Bring water—limited facilities
  • Cell service can be spotty in the gorge
  • Popular on weekends—arrive early for parking
  • Valley Green Inn fills up—reservations recommended for meals

Getting There

  • By car — Valley Green Road, Northwestern Avenue, or Lincoln Drive
  • SEPTA — Wissahickon Transportation Center (Regional Rail), then walk/bus
  • Bicycle — Connect via Schuylkill River Trail

Frequently Asked Questions

Template:FAQ

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Wissahickon Valley Park". Friends of the Wissahickon. Retrieved December 23, 2025
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