Wissahickon Valley Park
Follow the creek on Forbidden Drive, then climb into Philadelphia's wooded ravines.
Artwork inspired by Thomas Eakins
Within Philadelphia, Wissahickon Creek runs below steep forested slopes and stone bridges, a striking change of pace from the street grid above. Forbidden Drive gives a broad, relatively gentle introduction along the water. Smaller paths leave it quickly for rocky climbs, so a short walk and a full hike are very different plans.
The Valley Green area is a useful meeting point, but weekend parking can fill early. Walk one creek segment, then choose a side trail only if you have a map and shoes for roots and rocks. Cyclists and equestrians also use portions of the network; stay aware at bends and yield appropriately.
- Creek route
- Forbidden Drive
- Landscape
- Wooded urban ravine
- Map
- Friends of the Wissahickon
Quick guide
- Start creekside
- Forbidden Drive is the simplest way to learn the valley.
- Climb selectively
- Side trails rise steeply from the creek and need better footwear.
Know before you go
- Use Valley Green
- The map opens this central access area.
- Walk the water
- Follow a manageable section of Forbidden Drive first.
- Watch traffic
- Expect walkers, bikes, and sometimes horses.
- Save a map
- Intersecting side trails can complicate the return.
Good to know
Forbidden Drive is broad and graded, but the side trails climb steeply over rocks and roots; choose your route deliberately.
Notice these
- A forest folded into the city
- Forbidden Drive
- Wooded urban ravine