Copied to Clipboard
There are 50 miles of trails in Wissahickon Valley Park — a 2,000-acre gorge — crossing forest and meadow before plunging down to the sun-dappled waters of the Wissahickon Creek.
The word Wissahickon is derived from the Lenni Lenape word “wisameckham,” meaning “catfish stream.” These Indigenous peoples lived on the land for nearly 2,000 years before the European colonists arrived.
Today, visitors find themselves lost in an urban oasis, channeling an inner adventurer, as they walk, bike or ride horses through this undisputed gem of Philadelphia’s park system.
Despite the feeling of quiet wilderness, Wissahickon Valley Park is a landscape layered with history.
The Wissahickon Gorge belongs to the Piedmont Province of Pennsylvania, a strip of land rising from the Atlantic coastal plain on the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains. The creek drops more than 100 feet in altitude as it passes through the gorge before it merges with the Schuylkill River, solidifying its place as part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Stone bridges and guard huts date back to the Works Progress Administration era, and two beloved statues pay tribute to the Lenni Lenape (Statue of Teedyuscung) and the early Quaker settlers (Toleration Statue). At the same time, crumbling dams offer gurgling memories of industrial mills.
— Photo by Visit Philadelphia
In the brush, on the western side of Walnut Lane Bridge, I hear “cheer-cheer-purty-purty.” It’s a cardinal, one of the native birds frolicking in Wissahickon Valley Park, an Audubon Important Bird Area.
Other chirpers include the pileated woodpecker, red-tailed hawk, wood duck and great blue heron, plus hummingbirds and warblers. Over 200 species can appear throughout the year!
There are seven major trails, varying in skill from gravel paved (Forbidden Drive) to most rugged (White Trail). One fun loop: Take the White Trail to Tedyuscung Statue, connect to Orange Trail for Devil’s Pool (swimming prohibited!) and cross the Fingerspan Bridge.
The bridge is an art installation by renowned environmental artist Jody Pinto. It was built in stages, with pieces flown in by helicopter and fastened to form an index finger.
Wissahickon Creek was an important flank during the Battle of Germantown, where George Washington launched a surprise attack on Hessian soldiers.
On the eastern side, 40 feet above a walking path, sits the Toleration Statue. Legend says Molly “Mom” Rinker spied on British troops here.
Nearby, Historic Rittenhouse Town was the first papermill in North America. “Paper from this papermill was probably used for the Declaration of Independence,” said Brian MacNamara, a volunteer for Keystone Trails Association.
Historic Rittenhouse Town — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Go to the southern part of the park where a mysterious cave rests on the side of a hill.
Featuring a stone-framed entrance, it’s believed to have housed America’s first doomsday cult. This is where Johannes Kelpius convinced his followers to wait out the apocalypse in 1694. (Spoiler alert: The world didn’t end.)
Yes. The park is free and open to pedestrians, hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. Note: Picnicking is allowed, but there is a strict no-alcohol policy.
Yes. Valley Green Inn, which dates back to 1850, welcomes visitors to come in and dine in casual attire, including hiking gear. (Pro tip: Order the cheesesteak egg rolls!)
Yep. There are multiple entrance areas and trailheads. The two largest parking lots are in Blue Bell Park (842 W. Walnut Lane) and Valley Green Road (near Valley Green Inn and Forbidden Drive).
Yes. Permanent bathrooms are located at the Wissahickon Environmental Center and at Valley Green Inn, plus at Kitchens Lane and Forbidden Drive. Porta-potties (some are seasonal; check the map) can be found at Northwestern Avenue and Forbidden Drive, Bells Mills Road and Forbidden Drive, the Kitchen’s Lane parking area, and Blue Bell Park.
The park stays open from dawn to dusk. Always check posted signs. When in doubt, consult Friends of the Wissahickon, stewards of the park.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Yes! Dogs and cats must be on a leash at all times (no more than six feet long). Also, there is a shaded rocky spot, known as Kitchen’s Lane Dog Beach, where dogs are known to wade in the creek. Note: Horseback riding is permitted. You can rent a stable for a fee at Monastery Stables, Northwestern Stables and Courtesy Stables.
In some cases, yes. Trail permits are available for those ages 16 or older, and are required for any equestrian or mountain biker wishing to use the upper trails since they are unpaved and rugged. Permits aren’t required for hiking or normal everyday use. (No cars are allowed on any trails.)
Exploring where to stay in Philly and looking for a hassle-free deal?
Take your Philadelphia trip to the next level with the Visit Philly Overnight Package, offering you free hotel parking for one- or two-night stays at nearly 40 participating hotels.
That can be worth up to $140 in value for a two-night stay in Center City Philadelphia. Why pay more?
EN 
ES 
FR 
PT 
ES_EC 
FR_FR 
NL