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{{Infobox LocalBusiness
{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = Wissahickon Valley Park
| name = Wissahickon Valley Park
| type = Natural park
| image =
| address = Forbidden Drive (main trail)
| image_caption = Wissahickon Creek and Forbidden Drive
| neighborhood = Northwest Philadelphia
| type = Urban park
| 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
| public_transit = Wissahickon Transportation Center (Regional Rail)
| products = Hiking, biking, nature
| status = Active
}}
}}


'''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>
'''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>


== Overview ==
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 Gorge ===
== Forbidden Drive ==
 
'''Forbidden Drive''' got its name from a successful 1920 protest that "forbade" automobiles from driving through the park.
 
'''The History:'''
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.
 
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>


The Wissahickon Valley features:
Each year, the '''Wissahickon Day Parade''' commemorates the anniversary of this successful protest.


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


=== Character ===
=== Length and Features ===


Unlike manicured urban parks, the Wissahickon is:
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.


* Rugged and natural
Forbidden Drive was named the '''2018 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year''' and attracts over one million visitors annually.
* Forested and shaded
* Quiet (no through traffic)
* A genuine wilderness experience within city limits


== History ==
=== Trail System Overview ===


=== Early History ===
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>


* Lenape people inhabited the valley
'''Major Trail Types:'''
* Mills operated along the creek (17th-19th centuries)
* '''Forbidden Drive:''' Flat gravel, 5.35 miles, open to all users
* Resort hotels attracted visitors (19th century)
* '''Lincoln Drive Trail:''' 1.6 miles of asphalt and boardwalk, connects to Schuylkill River Trail
* Acquired for park system (1868)
* '''Single-track trails:''' Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding (permit required)
* Preserved from development


=== The Name ===
=== Trail Descriptions ===


"Wissahickon" derives from the Lenape language, possibly meaning "catfish creek" or "yellow-colored stream."
'''Forbidden Drive''' (5.35 miles)
* Surface: Crushed gravel
* Difficulty: Easy, flat
* Best for: Walking, jogging, casual biking, accessibility
* Highlights: Creek views, Valley Green Inn, covered bridge


== Forbidden Drive ==
'''Orange Trail''' (5.5+ miles)
* Surface: Dirt and rock single-track
* Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
* Best for: Hiking, mountain biking
* Highlights: East side of park, elevation changes


The main path through the valley:
'''Yellow Trail''' (nearly 8 miles)
* Surface: Dirt and rock
* Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
* Best for: Mountain biking, hiking
* Highlights: West side of park, technical sections


=== What is Forbidden Drive? ===
'''White Trail''' (4+ miles)
* Surface: Single-track
* Difficulty: Moderate
* Best for: Hiking
* Highlights: Runs parallel to Orange Trail, rocky sections


* 5.5-mile gravel road along Wissahickon Creek
'''Lincoln Drive Trail''' (1.6 miles)
* Closed to motor vehicles since 1920s
* Surface: Asphalt, elevated boardwalks
* Popular for walking, running, cycling, horseback riding
* Difficulty: Easy
* Relatively flat and accessible
* Best for: Walking, biking, connecting to Schuylkill River Trail
* The "spine" of the park


=== Access Points ===
== Biking ==


* '''Northwestern Avenue''' — Upper end
'''Yes''', biking is permitted, but rules vary by trail:
* '''Valley Green Road''' — Middle (Valley Green Inn)
* '''Lincoln Drive''' — Lower end (near Rittenhouse Town)


== Trails ==
'''Forbidden Drive:'''
* Biking permitted
* No permit required
* Wide, flat gravel surface ideal for casual cycling


=== Beyond Forbidden Drive ===
'''Single-Track Trails (Orange, Yellow, White, etc.):'''
* 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


The park has 50+ miles of trails:
'''Important Notes:'''
* E-bikes are not permitted on trails
* Cyclists must yield to pedestrians and horses
* Speed limits apply


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


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


* Forbidden Drive: Easy, flat, accessible
'''Dog Rules:'''
* Side trails: Moderate to strenuous, often steep
* Dogs must be on a leash (6 feet maximum)
* Some trails have significant elevation gain
* 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


== Points of Interest ==
== Visiting the Park ==


=== Valley Green Inn ===
=== Admission ===


Historic inn along Forbidden Drive:
'''Yes''', Wissahickon Valley Park is completely free to visit. There is no entrance fee, and the park is open daily from dawn to dusk.


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


=== Historic Sites ===
=== Parking ===


* '''Rittenhouse Town*** — Historic paper mill village
The park has multiple access points with parking:
* '''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 ===
'''Major Parking Areas:'''
* '''Valley Green Inn''' (Valley Green Road) - Popular central access point
* '''Northwestern Avenue''' - Southern access to Forbidden Drive
* '''Bells Mill Road''' - Northern access
* '''Mt. Airy Avenue/Livezey Lane'''
* '''Wissahickon Environmental Center''' (Germantown)


* '''Devil's Pool''' — Popular swimming hole (swimming officially prohibited)
'''Tips:'''
* Rock outcroppings throughout
* Weekends and nice weather days fill up quickly
* Bird watching areas
* Arrive early for the most popular lots (Valley Green)
* Seasonal wildflowers
* Some lots are small with limited capacity
* Street parking available in surrounding neighborhoods


== Activities ==
=== Accessibility ===


* '''Hiking''' — All levels, 50+ miles
Forbidden Drive is '''one of the most accessible trails in Philadelphia''':
* '''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 ==
* Wide, flat gravel surface
* Maximum obstacle height of 3 inches
* Suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility devices
* Level grade for the entire 5.35-mile length
* Accessible restrooms at Valley Green Inn


{| class="wikitable"
The single-track trails (Orange, Yellow, White, etc.) are '''not accessible''' due to rough terrain, elevation changes, and narrow paths.
|-
! Detail !! Information
|-
| '''Hours''' || Dawn to dusk
|-
| '''Admission''' || Free
|-
| '''Dogs''' || Allowed on leash
|-
| '''Restrooms''' || Valley Green Inn area
|-
| '''Parking''' || Valley Green, Northwestern Ave, others
|}


=== Tips ===
== The Creek ==


* Forbidden Drive is easy; side trails can be rugged
'''Swimming is not recommended''' in Wissahickon Creek. While people do wade and cool off in shallow areas, the creek presents several hazards:
* 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 ==
* Water quality varies and may contain bacteria
* Strong currents after rain
* Rocky, uneven bottom
* Cold water temperatures
* No lifeguards


* '''By car''' — Valley Green Road, Northwestern Avenue, or Lincoln Drive
The creek is best enjoyed from the trails and bridges rather than in the water.
* '''SEPTA''' — Wissahickon Transportation Center (Regional Rail), then walk/bus
* '''Bicycle''' — Connect via Schuylkill River Trail


== Frequently Asked Questions ==
== Landmarks and Attractions ==


{{FAQ
'''Valley Green Inn'''
|q1=What 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.
|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.


|q2=Can you swim in the Wissahickon?
'''Thomas Mill Covered Bridge'''
|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.
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.


|q3=Is the Wissahickon safe?
'''Wissahickon Environmental Center'''
|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.
Located on Northwestern Avenue, the Environmental Center offers nature programs, maps, and educational exhibits about the park's ecology and history.


|q4=How long is Forbidden Drive?
'''Historic Sites'''
|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.
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 180: Line 188:


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


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Wissahickon Valley Park - Philadelphia's Wilderness Gorge
|title=Wissahickon Valley Park - Forbidden Drive and Trail Guide
|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.
|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.
|keywords=Wissahickon Valley Park, Forbidden Drive, Wissahickon Creek, Philadelphia hiking, urban wilderness, trails Philadelphia, Valley Green Inn
|keywords=Wissahickon Valley Park, Forbidden Drive Philadelphia, Wissahickon Creek, hiking trails Philadelphia, Northwest Philadelphia park, National Natural Landmark Philadelphia, Valley Green Inn
|type=Article
|type=Article
}}
}}


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

Revision as of 22:39, 29 December 2025

Wissahickon Valley Park
TypeUrban park
AddressVarious access points (Northwest Philadelphia)
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodRoxborough, Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, Germantown
Phone(215) 247-0417
WebsiteOfficial site
Established1868
FounderFairmount Park Commission
OwnerPhiladelphia Parks & Recreation
HoursDawn to dusk
ProductsHiking, biking, nature
StatusActive
Wissahickon Valley Park(215) 247-0417Various access points (Northwest Philadelphia)PhiladelphiaPAUS

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.[1]

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.

Forbidden Drive

Forbidden Drive got its name from a successful 1920 protest that "forbade" automobiles from driving through the park.

The History: 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.

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.[2]

Each year, the Wissahickon Day Parade commemorates the anniversary of this successful protest.

Trails

Length and Features

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.

Forbidden Drive was named the 2018 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year and attracts over one million visitors annually.

Trail System Overview

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.[3]

Major Trail Types:

  • 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

Forbidden Drive (5.35 miles)

  • 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)

  • Surface: Dirt and rock single-track
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Best for: Hiking, mountain biking
  • Highlights: East side of park, elevation changes

Yellow Trail (nearly 8 miles)

  • Surface: Dirt and rock
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Best for: Mountain biking, hiking
  • Highlights: West side of park, technical sections

White Trail (4+ miles)

  • Surface: Single-track
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Best for: Hiking
  • Highlights: Runs parallel to Orange Trail, rocky sections

Lincoln Drive Trail (1.6 miles)

  • Surface: Asphalt, elevated boardwalks
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Best for: Walking, biking, connecting to Schuylkill River Trail

Biking

Yes, biking is permitted, but rules vary by trail:

Forbidden Drive:

  • Biking permitted
  • No permit required
  • Wide, flat gravel surface ideal for casual cycling

Single-Track Trails (Orange, Yellow, White, etc.):

  • 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:

  • E-bikes are not permitted on trails
  • Cyclists must yield to pedestrians and horses
  • Speed limits apply

Dogs

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

Dog Rules:

  • 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

Admission

Yes, Wissahickon Valley Park is completely free to visit. There is no entrance fee, and the park is open daily from dawn to dusk.

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.

Parking

The park has multiple access points with parking:

Major Parking Areas:

  • Valley Green Inn (Valley Green Road) - Popular central access point
  • Northwestern Avenue - Southern access to Forbidden Drive
  • Bells Mill Road - Northern access
  • Mt. Airy Avenue/Livezey Lane
  • Wissahickon Environmental Center (Germantown)

Tips:

  • 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

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

  • Wide, flat gravel surface
  • Maximum obstacle height of 3 inches
  • Suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility devices
  • Level grade for the entire 5.35-mile length
  • Accessible restrooms at Valley Green Inn

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

The Creek

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

  • Water quality varies and may contain bacteria
  • Strong currents after rain
  • Rocky, uneven bottom
  • Cold water temperatures
  • No lifeguards

The creek is best enjoyed from the trails and bridges rather than in the water.

Landmarks and Attractions

Valley Green Inn 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.

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

References

  1. ↑ "Wissahickon Valley Park". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 22, 2025
  2. ↑ "Wissahickon Valley Park". Wikipedia. Retrieved December 22, 2025
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