Wissahickon Valley Park
A vast urban oasis with over 50 miles of trails, offering a serene escape with historical charm and natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage & pleasant temps
Wissahickon Valley Park
Best Time
Vibrant foliage & pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast urban oasis with over 50 miles of trails, offering a serene escape with historical charm and natural beauty.
"A real gem in the city! A perfect reminder that we need to visit Wissahickon more often."
👟 Wear proper hiking shoes
Trails can be rocky and steep; good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🚗 Explore parking options
Valley Green Road lot is popular but has had break-ins. Consider Bells Mills Rd or West Mt Airy Ave.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Forbidden Drive
Central path
A wide, flat 5-mile path perfect for easy walks, biking, and strollers, winding through the heart of the park.
Fingerspan Bridge
Orange Trail
An otherworldly, tunnel-like bridge offering a unique architectural experience and scenic views. Closes at 9 PM.
Devil's Pool
Near Ridge Ave
A popular natural swimming hole with rock formations, offering a refreshing escape on warmer days (no lifeguards).
Thomas Mill Covered Bridge
Near Valley Green Road
A historic and picturesque covered bridge, adding a touch of rustic charm to your park exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Footwear
Parking & Access Points
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear proper hiking shoes
Trails can be rocky and steep; good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🚗 Explore parking options
Valley Green Road lot is popular but has had break-ins. Consider Bells Mills Rd or West Mt Airy Ave.
🗺️ Download offline maps
Cell service can be spotty; having maps downloaded ensures you won't get lost.
💧 Pack water & snacks
Especially for longer hikes, staying hydrated and fueled is key.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear proper hiking shoes
Trails can be rocky and steep; good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🚗 Explore parking options
Valley Green Road lot is popular but has had break-ins. Consider Bells Mills Rd or West Mt Airy Ave.
🗺️ Download offline maps
Cell service can be spotty; having maps downloaded ensures you won't get lost.
💧 Pack water & snacks
Especially for longer hikes, staying hydrated and fueled is key.
🐶 Dog-friendly trails
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for furry friends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Wissahickon Valley Park's stunning natural beauty and extensive trail network, calling it a true urban refuge. Many appreciate the diverse hiking options, from flat paths to challenging terrain, and the historical charm of sites like the covered bridge. Some note occasional sewage smells near the water and advise caution regarding parking security.
"This place is beautiful. It's a little bit of a moderate hike as far as going uphill And maneuvering rocks. Where proper hiking shoe wear. The entire Forest and path sparkles with the formica. There's a water source coming from different directions. My only criticism is at at some points. When you're walking along the water it smells like sewage. 😝😝😝"
Jen Field
"I love this park—it’s just a few minutes from my house and big enough that every visit feels like a new adventure! I’ve enjoyed it solo, with my dogs, and with my husband. The Devil’s Pools are incredible, and there’s always plenty of parking. Finding the right entrance can be tricky, but the Valley Inn entrance is my go-to."
Dr. Pauline Markowicz
"Took my 8th grader to Wissahickon Valley Park to work on her summer science assignment, which required identifying vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and trees. The park was the perfect choice—we were able to complete the project while enjoying a peaceful hike surrounded by nature.
The trails are beautiful, well-kept, and welcoming to all ages. It was a great reminder that we need to visit Wissahickon more often, not just for assignments but for the experience of being outdoors. A real gem in the city!"
takiyah green
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wissahickon Valley Park is accessible by car, public transportation, and bike. SEPTA buses serve various entrances. For driving, popular access points include Valley Green Road, Bells Mills Road, and West Mount Airy Avenue.
The park has over 50 miles of trails. Forbidden Drive is a wide, flat path that runs for five miles through the center. For more challenging hikes, explore the marked trails like the Orange Trail.
Yes, Forbidden Drive is a popular and relatively flat path for biking. Many other trails are also suitable for mountain biking, though some can be steep and technical.
Absolutely! Wissahickon Valley Park is very dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome on the trails as long as they are kept on a leash.
Yes, several SEPTA bus routes stop near entrances to the park, making it accessible without a car. Check SEPTA's website for routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Wissahickon Valley Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. It's a fantastic free outdoor activity in Philadelphia.
The park is generally open from dawn until dusk. However, specific features like the Fingerspan Bridge have closing times, typically around 9 PM.
No advance booking is necessary as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime during park hours.
The main restrictions involve park hours and ensuring dogs are leashed. Some areas, like Devil's Pool, are natural and unsupervised, so exercise caution.
Popular parking areas include Valley Green Road, Bells Mills Road, and West Mount Airy Ave. Be aware that some visitors have reported car break-ins at the Valley Green lot.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Forbidden Drive is great for easy walks. For more challenging hikes, explore trails like the Orange Trail, which leads to the Fingerspan Bridge. Many trails offer moderate difficulty with rocks and inclines.
Devil's Pool is a popular natural swimming hole with rock formations, offering a refreshing spot to cool off. It's unsupervised, so swim at your own risk.
Yes, the park features historical sites like the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge and the Fingerspan Bridge, offering a glimpse into the area's past. 
Yes, families can enjoy the park. Forbidden Drive is stroller-friendly, and the park offers educational opportunities for science assignments.
The park is a haven for wildlife. You might spot various birds, small mammals, and diverse plant life, making it great for nature observation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Valley Green Inn is a quaint restaurant located within the park, offering a place to dine amidst nature.
Absolutely! Wissahickon Valley Park is a perfect spot for a picnic. Many visitors pack lunches to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery.
Beyond the Valley Green Inn, the surrounding neighborhoods of Chestnut Hill and Mount Airy offer a variety of restaurants and cafes.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check local park regulations regarding alcohol consumption in public spaces. Many visitors enjoy bringing non-alcoholic beverages.
Food trucks are not a common feature within the park itself. Your best bet for dining is the Valley Green Inn or bringing your own food.
📸 📸 Photography
The Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, Fingerspan Bridge, Devil's Pool, and scenic overlooks along the trails offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, the park is stunning in the fall with vibrant foliage. The mix of trees provides a colorful backdrop for photography.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national and city parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check with the park authorities for specific regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will be fascinated by the natural beauty, the creek, and the potential to spot wildlife. The park also offers educational opportunities, with opportunities to identify plants and trees, making it a great spot for school projects or simply learning about nature. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the creek or at one of the designated picnic areas. While some trails can be moderate, sticking to Forbidden Drive or well-maintained paths ensures a pleasant experience for all ages. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and keep an eye on children near the water, especially at unsupervised spots like Devil's Pool.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers
While the park is generally safe, it's always wise for solo hikers to inform someone of their plans, stick to marked trails, and be aware of their surroundings. Carrying a fully charged phone and perhaps a portable charger is recommended. The park's beauty and tranquility make it an ideal spot for solo exploration and connecting with nature.
🐶 Dog Owners
This means your furry companions can enjoy the miles of scenic paths alongside you. Forbidden Drive is an excellent choice for a long, relaxed walk with your dog, while the more adventurous trails offer opportunities for them to explore varied terrain. Remember to always keep your dog on a leash to ensure the safety of other visitors, wildlife, and your pet. Bring plenty of water for both of you, especially on warmer days. Cleaning up after your dog is also essential to keep the park beautiful for everyone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
+1Beyond Forbidden Drive, a network of smaller, more rugged trails branches off, catering to hikers seeking a bit more challenge. These trails, often marked with blazes, can be steep, rocky, and winding, providing a more immersive forest experience. Popular routes include the Orange Trail, which leads to the unique Fingerspan Bridge, and trails around Devil's Pool. It's wise to carry a map or use a navigation app, as cell service can be unreliable in some areas.
+1For those interested in equestrian activities, dedicated bridle paths are also available. Remember to practice trail etiquette: yield to uphill hikers and horses, and stay on marked paths to protect the park's delicate ecosystem.
Historical and Geological Gems
Another unique architectural feature is the Fingerspan Bridge, a distinctive tunnel-like structure that offers an almost otherworldly experience as you cross it.
+1 Beyond these man-made landmarks, the park's geology is also noteworthy, with natural rock formations visible, especially around areas like Devil's Pool. These formations are a testament to the park's ancient origins and the erosive power of the Wissahickon Creek. Exploring these sites provides a deeper appreciation for the park's layered significance, blending natural beauty with human history and geological wonders. Many visitors find these historical elements add an extra layer of discovery to their park visits.
Safety and Parking Considerations
It's also advisable to avoid leaving valuables visible in your car, or better yet, don't bring them at all. Arriving early in the day, especially on weekends, can also increase your chances of securing a parking spot and potentially a safer one.
When hiking, especially on less-trafficked trails, it's good practice to let someone know your planned route and expected return time. While the park is generally safe, being prepared and aware of your surroundings enhances the overall experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit