Wissahickon Valley Park
Wissahickon Valley Park
| Type | Natural park |
|---|---|
| Address | Forbidden Drive (main trail) |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Northwest Philadelphia |
| Phone | (215) 247-0417 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1868 |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
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
See Also
References
- ↑ "Wissahickon Valley Park". Friends of the Wissahickon. Retrieved December 23, 2025