Wissahickon Valley Park is another of many outdoorsy places that took me by surprise for many reasons. Besides being stunning, there’s also a lot of cool gems nestled there worth exploring and a bunch of fun day activities to partake in. In this post I’ll show you what to expect from a visit to this awesome place.
Info:
- Name: Wissahickon Valley Park
- Location: Wissahickon Pennsylvania
- Cost to enter: Free
- Distance from NYC: 2-3 hours
- Ideal time to visit for: 1 day
- Reviews: 4.8 out of 5
Overview:
Let me get the quick history of this place out of the way first before I jump into the many fun things to do here, because it is important. Firstly, this areas origins were once part of the Lenape tribe, and later, as part of the city’s Fairmount Park system. From its 19th-century mills to the city’s once-famous ‘White City’ amusement park, pretty much every part of this park is full of history.
Beyond that though the park is itself very scenic. Basically there’s 1 main river that runs through it called the Wissahickon Creek and on each side of it you’ll find a plethora of things to do, from just basic nature walks, to hiking, fishing and finding beautiful gems like covered bridges and statues so whether it be a peaceful visit to the area or an active one, this place caters to everyone.
Top hiking trails:
Since hiking is my favorite thing to do when I visit these types of spots, let’s talk about what the most popular ones are in this park. Wissahickon Valley Park offers a bunch of beautiful trails to see, each with its own challenges.
Let’s start with Forbidden Drive. This serves as the park’s main trail and is a 5.35-mile stretch that’s accessible to all, earning its spot as a National Recreation Trail. Walkers, cyclists, and even equestrians share this scenic route, which follows the Wissahickon Creek and offers serene views and a flat terrain perfect for casual hikes. For most people who visit this park, this is the trail you’ll want to check out first and it’ll also have you see the popular Thomas Mill Covered Bridge and the Rex Avenue Bridge.
For those craving a bit more adventure, the Orange and White Trails will introduce you to steeper grades and more rocky paths, where you’ll find things like the Tedyuscung statue, and while exploring these trails, you might just spot wildlife like deer, foxes, or even a great blue heron.
As for what to wear, it depends on what type of activity you’re doing. For picnics, basic walks and biking, regular footwear and clothing will do (casual). For the more serious trails, hiking or trail running, wear hiking shoes with other appropriate wear.
Best times to visit:
If you want to make the most out of your trip to Wissahickon Valley Park, weather and timing are very important. Each season paints the park in a new light and offers entirely different experiences. So, here’s what you need to know about the best times to visit:
Spring in the park is a color explosion with wildflowers and blooming trees. You’re going to find out about the vibrant migratory birds returning, which also makes it a perfect time for bird watchers. Trails might be muddy from thaw and rain, so pack your boots. The first time I went to this park was during this season and I personally thought it was stunning.
Summer offers lush greenery and full tree canopies, providing ample shade. It’s prime time for picnicking or casual walking here, possibly fishing, but also expect more visitors and warmer temperatures. Early morning or late evening visits offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Fall arguably boasts the best views in this park. The crisp air and a canvas of autumn colors make it ideal for photography and enjoying the park’s natural splendor. This is the season when you’ll want to bring your camera.
Winter in the park typically has you seeing way less visitors so if you enjoy more serenity and don’t mind the cold, this is a good season to go, though some trails can be slippery so be aware of that.
Off-peak hours, generally weekday mornings, ensure a peaceful experience. While the park’s beauty is year-round, you can always adjust your visit based on activities you enjoy. Recurring events, like the park’s summer concert series, could also influence your decision.
Attractions nearby:
Wissahickon Valley Park despite being a large park has tons of things to do nearby and here’s some of my top recommendations of what to see:
Valley Forge National Historical Park and the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site are both a short journey from Wissahickon. These sites provide a glimpse into America’s past, perfect for history enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of the nation’s story.
For restaurants, I’m going to recommend visiting the Mt. Airy area as there’s a bunch of them and the neighborhood looks nice.
I’m also going to strongly recommend you do a scenic drive on the eastern side of the park, particularly by the Allen Lane area. There’s tons of beautiful houses and castles here worth seeing and I was floored by this place, almost as much as I was by the park itself.
Chestnut Hill College is also closeby and is a beautiful campus you can check out. It has a lot of castle looking structures that reminded me a lot of the types of castles in Upstate NY that I’ve seen.
If you’ve never been to Philadelphia, it’s about a 30 minute drive from the park, although I’d recommend going when it’s not too busy, perhaps in the middle of the day and certainly not during rush hours!