Forbidden Drive
| Forbidden Drive | |
|---|---|
| Type | Multi-use trail / Historic carriage road |
| Location | Wissahickon Valley Park |
| Coordinates | 40.0530,-75.2120 |
| Area | Linear (5.5 miles) |
| Established | 1920s (auto prohibition); original road 1850s |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / Friends of the Wissahickon |
| Features | Gravel carriage road, creek views, historic sites, equestrian use |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Transit | Multiple access points; SEPTA bus/Regional Rail |
| Website | Official Site |
Forbidden Drive is a 5.5-mile gravel carriage road running along Wissahickon Creek through Wissahickon Valley Park, named for the 1920s prohibition of automobile traffic that preserved its peaceful character. The road serves as the main artery through one of Philadelphia's most treasured natural areas, popular with walkers, joggers, cyclists, and equestrians year-round.[1]
Forbidden Drive offers an escape into nature without leaving the city—a wooded valley trail minutes from Center City.
History
[edit | edit source]Original Road
[edit | edit source]The road predates the park:
- 1850s: Built as access road along creek
- Served mills and residences
- Carriage traffic
- Part of Wissahickon transportation network
Fairmount Park Acquisition
[edit | edit source]- 1868: Wissahickon Valley acquired for Fairmount Park
- Preserved watershed and natural beauty
- Road continued in use
- Automobile era brought traffic
The "Forbidden" Designation
[edit | edit source]1920s: Automobiles banned:
- Traffic damaging road and environment
- Safety concerns for other users
- Decision to preserve peaceful character
- Name "Forbidden Drive" emerged
- One of America's earliest car-free recreation roads
Features
[edit | edit source]The Road
[edit | edit source]Gravel carriage road:
- 5.5 miles one way (11 miles round trip)
- Relatively flat following creek grade
- Wide enough for multiple users
- Original stone surface in places
- Maintained by Friends of the Wissahickon
Wissahickon Creek
[edit | edit source]The creek parallels the drive:
- Rushing water over rocks
- Swimming holes (unofficial)
- Fishing spots
- Scenic beauty throughout
Valley Green Inn
[edit | edit source]Valley Green Inn at the drive's heart:
- Historic 1850 inn
- Restaurant and tavern
- Restrooms
- Gathering spot
- Feed the ducks
Historic Sites
[edit | edit source]Along the drive:
- Rittenhouse Town — America's first paper mill site
- Historic stone bridges
- Former mill sites
- Stone markers and monuments
- Fingerspan Bridge
Natural Features
[edit | edit source]- Towering forest canopy
- Rock outcroppings
- Seasonal wildflowers
- Wildlife (deer, herons, hawks)
- Dramatic autumn foliage
Using Forbidden Drive
[edit | edit source]Walking and Hiking
[edit | edit source]- Flat, easy walking
- Full length: ~11 miles round trip
- Shorter out-and-back options
- Connects to side trails for varied loops
- Dog-friendly (leash required)
Running
[edit | edit source]- Popular training route
- Soft gravel surface
- Varied distances possible
- Shade in summer
- Year-round use
Cycling
[edit | edit source]- Gravel/hybrid bikes recommended
- Mountain bikes for side trails
- Relatively flat
- Watch for pedestrians and horses
Horseback Riding
[edit | edit source]- Equestrian use permitted
- Stable access from Northwestern Stable
- Share trail with other users
- Historic carriage road tradition continues
Fishing
[edit | edit source]- Trout fishing in Wissahickon Creek
- PA license required
- Stocked sections
- Fly fishing popular
Access Points
[edit | edit source]Northwestern Avenue
[edit | edit source]Northern terminus:
- Parking available
- Access to upper valley
Valley Green Road
[edit | edit source]Central access (at Valley Green Inn):
- Most popular access point
- Parking (fills quickly)
- Restrooms at inn
- Restaurant
Lincoln Drive
[edit | edit source]Southern access points:
- Multiple access from Lincoln Drive
- Parking at various lots
Rittenhouse Town
[edit | edit source]Historic site access:
- Connects to Rittenhouse Town
- Parking available
- Historic interpretation
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Dawn to dusk
- Year-round access
Getting There
[edit | edit source]By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Regional Rail (Chestnut Hill West) to various stations
- SEPTA Bus 9, 27 to access points
- Walk in from Mount Airy, Chestnut Hill
By Car:
- Parking at Valley Green (limited, arrives early)
- Parking at Northwestern Avenue
- Various lots along Lincoln Drive
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Valley Green parking fills by 9 AM on nice weekends
- The full length is a serious walk—plan accordingly
- Bring water—limited facilities
- Muddy after rain
- Side trails offer variety but are more challenging
- The inn is a great rest stop
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Wissahickon Valley Park — Surrounding park
- Valley Green Inn — On the drive
- Rittenhouse Town — Historic site
- Chestnut Hill — Nearby neighborhood
- Mount Airy — Nearby neighborhood
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Forbidden Drive". Friends of the Wissahickon. Retrieved December 30, 2025