Forbidden Drive trail winding alongside Wissahickon Creek near Valley GreenFree
Outdoors

Wissahickon Valley Park: Historic Forbidden Drive Winter Nature Walks & Valley Green Duck Pond

Visit on your scheduleDaily sunrise to 8:00 PM winter curfew (December 1 – March 31); Valley Green Inn open for dining and hot drinks

Wissahickon Valley ParkValley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128 · 7.4 mi approx. from PhiladelphiaDirections

All ages; wide crushed-gravel trail is excellent for all-terrain strollers, leashed dogs, and young walkers

FreeFree park admission and public trail access; free parking at Valley Green, Bells Mill Rd, and Northwestern Ave trailheads

About this adventure

Following the meandering curves of the Wissahickon Creek through 1,800 acres of tranquil forested gorge, Forbidden Drive is Philadelphia's most iconic natural walk. The wide, flat, crushed-stone path is entirely car-free (closed to motor vehicles since the 1920s), making it remarkably safe and enjoyable for jogging strollers, toddlers on foot, and family pets on leashes. A favorite family stop along the trail is the historic Valley Green Inn (established 1850), where children delight in watching winter ducks and geese swimming in the creek. Nearby stands the picturesque Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, the only historic covered bridge remaining in a major American city. Winter curfews run from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and all-terrain strollers handle packed snow best.

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