Wissahickon Valley Park

Overview

Wissahickon Valley Park is a 1,800-acre forested gorge within Philadelphia's city limits, offering 80 km of trails along Wissahickon Creek. It is one of the most remarkable urban wilderness areas in the United States.

Highlights

• Forbidden Drive: A 9-km car-free gravel path along the creek bed — the most popular trail.
• Valley Green Inn: A historic 1850s inn still serving meals alongside the creek.
• Rock Formations: Dramatic schist cliffs and boulders line the gorge.

History

The valley was a center for mills and industry in the 1700s and 1800s. After the mills closed, the city incorporated the land into Fairmount Park in 1868. Today the forest has fully regenerated, concealing all traces of its industrial past.

Visitor Tips

• Forbidden Drive is flat and easy — perfect for a leisurely walk, run, or horseback ride.
• Valley Green Inn is a charming lunch stop mid-hike.
• Duration: 1.5–3 hours.