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Wissahickon Valley Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 6,926 Google reviews · Running trail in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Wissahickon Valley Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Vast park with over 50 miles of trails for hikers, bikers & equestrians, plus a trout-stocked creek.
What runners say about Wissahickon Valley Park
“The trails are peaceful and well-maintained, especially along Forbidden Drive by the creek.”
“Wissahickon Valley Park is a beautiful escape into nature without leaving the city.”
“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.”
Trail Review Margaree Dam White, Orange, and Forbidden Drive Loop - 3.5 Miles Absolutely awesome trail. Lots of safe parking space. The first part really feels like a woody trail. Lots of elevation gain, rocky and rutty, and muddy at certain parts.
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.
This is amazing! To be able to walk, bike and hike amidst nature in the middle of the city! It is truly a refuge! Even a quaint little restaurant ( Valley Green Inn) in there if you get hungry. The staff at the restaurant are very courteous and friendly.
Absolutely gorgeous in the fall when the leaves start changing color. Parking can be spotty on the weekends, but it worth the trouble. Has plenty of trails for hiking, running or biking. Would use caution with strollers as most paths are gravel and can be bumpy for the little ones.
Trail conditions & character
“Wissahickon Valley Park is a beautiful escape into nature without leaving the city.”
“The ending portion of the trail is rather easy and mostly flat.”
“Parking can be spotty on the weekends, but it worth the trouble.”
“The park was the perfect choice—we were able to complete the project while enjoying a peaceful hike surrounded by nature.”
“Would use caution with strollers as most paths are gravel and can be bumpy for the little ones.”
“Lots of elevation gain, rocky and rutty, and muddy at certain parts.”
Plan your run at Wissahickon Valley Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefow.org
- Phone(215) 247-0417
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–6 PM |
Running trails near Philadelphia
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Carpenter's Woods
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Houston Meadow
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Pastorius Park
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Wissahickon Creek Trailhead
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Kid-friendly park offering 2 hiking trails along a creek with fishing spots.
Bells Mill Road West Trailhead
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Kid-friendly area features walking and hiking trails amid verdant surrounds.