Wissahickon Valley Park Trail (Forbidden Drive) follows the creek of the same name through the entire length of the park. The ominous sounding Forbidden Drive was so named because in the 1920s cars were banned from it. Today, it's open to pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists.
The park includes many interesting historical features, especially interesting old homes owned by notable locals.
The park has other trails; however, note that equestrians and cyclists wishing to use them must secure an annual permit from the
Philadelphia's park system. Otherwise, no permit is required for the Forbidden Drive.
A paved path connects Forbidden Drive to Ridge Avenue. Here Wissahickon Creek empties into the Schuylkill River. Many cyclists coming from the River Drives, or pedestrians using the R-6 Wissahickon Station or Bus Interchange, use this path.
At the northern end, Forbidden Drive ends at Northwestern Avenue after crossing Bell's Mill Road.
You can access Wissahickon Valley Park Trail (Forbidden Drive) in numerous places, including from the Valley Green Inn. To get to Valley Green Road, take Springfield Avenue in Chestnut Hill, two blocks west of St. Martin's Lane and the St. Martin's R-8 Station. Just above Valley Green, Wise's Mill Road meets Forbidden Drive, connecting it to Henry Avenue in Roxborough.
For more information about the trail and where to park, contact Friends of the Wissahickon (link on the right nav bar).
I go hiking on both sides of the Valley Green Inn with my two GSDs. I usually go about two or three times during weekdays. On THREE separate occasions, I have had unleashed dogs charge at my dogs. Of these times, I warned the owner to get their dogs. ...
Although it's a nice trail, there were a lot of unleashed dogs. I'm a dog lover/owner and would never walk my dog off leash where there are cyclists. Not only is it illegal in Philadelphia, it's not safe...not safe for the dog or cyclists/pedestrians. ...
First the positives: Nice mix of walking and hiking trails for casual hikers or a couple looking to mix up their gym cardio routine with something more scenic. Great workout for a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
Onto the negatives: Drunk adults and kids ...