Philly’s Best Walk
Wissahickon Valley Park
Until recently my walking experiences in Philadelphia have been limited to sidewalks taking me through the different sections of urban landscape. But that was before I learned about the Philadelphia’s Fairmont Park System which has over 200 miles of scenic, recreation trails and includes all the city’s parks. My daughter lives in Philadelphia and during our visits we started walking a couple of trails along the Schuylkill River: The Loop and the Water Works. Then recently we discovered the Wissahickon Valley Park. For a wedding location, my daughter chose the Valley Green Inn which is in the Chestnut Hill Section of Philadelphia and in the Wissahickon Valley. During our previous visits to the Valley Green Inn we noticed the abundance of scenery and walking trails just outside the inn. That trip didn’t allow enough time for walking, but I did read about what was there. What was most intriguing was that so many consider this Philadelphia’s best walking area. So my next goal was to see for myself. Well, last week her wedding brought us to the Chestnut Hill section and the day before the wedding there was enough free time for my sons and I to explore the Wissahickon Valley trails. Part 1
To begin our walk we drove to the Valley Green Inn, chose the path to the left bearing the name “Forbidden Drive” and started walking. (Forbidden Drive is only forbidden to motorized vehicles.) Although one can walk, jog, bicycle, or horseback ride on this trail, we saw mostly other walkers. To our left the creek was in constant view. Off of this trail there are other smaller trails to follow which are good for hiking and lead to higher elevations. We also saw evidence of mountain biking - but none passed us. After a while we followed a trail back to Forbidden Drive. From 
there we walked back past the Valley Green Inn and about a mile down we came upon a covered bridge on our right. We learned that this is the “Thomas Mill Bridge” which is the only historic covered bridge still standing within the corporate limits of Philadelphia. Only foot traffic may pass through the bridge. We walked through the bridge then turned around and started the walk back. Looking back we noticed that the bridge has unusual sawtooth decorations along the roof line. We stopped a couple of times to get closer to the creek and to photograph a Heron.
At this point I was very impressed with the area. The walking areas had good variety and there was great scenery everywhere. Also, the people we passed were friendly. Everyone we saw smile and said “good morning”. Another point was that was absolutely no litter to be found - none! It seemed impossible that to be in such a country type environment and still be in the city. But was this The Best Walk in Philadelphia? At this point I wanted to see a bit more before I was 100% sure. It would take one more walk to convince me.
Part 2
The next day (Saturday) was the day of my daughter Julie’s wedding. The wedding was scheduled for 6pm. Many of the guests were using this day to see some of the sites nearby. As for us, my wife and daughter had plans for a shopping trip. Shipping the shopping trip provided me with the opportunity I needed.
I decided to walk to the uptown Chestnut Hill area then start walking towards the creek. I would take a number of random residential streets to get a good view of the German influenced architecture in this area while heading in the general direction of the creek. In less time than I expected I had seen a number of very impressive houses and was walking past a series of dead end streets. I took that as a sign that the creek or at least the park must be nearby. It was. The next street over brought me to the entry path. I spoke to an outbound hiker who confirmed that the creek was ahead. He also volunteered that this was The Best Walk in Philadelphia.
Within ten minutes the elevation began to rise and I found myself on a ridge looking down at a stream. This section was extremely scenic! I followed that trail until it intersected another trail which I could see it lead to the creek. As I walked up to the creek I could see a couple of kids fishing on the other side. I followed the path which took me through a number of turns and climbs. There were other streams entering into the river with a couple of them displaying a small waterfall. Most of the streams had paths running beside them. As I stopped a few times to catch a closer view of the creek, I noticed there were a few large trees uprooted. Some time later the trail led me to a street. (This wasn’t the same spot where I entered.) On the other side of the street was a parking area for trail users. I crossed the street and asked directions for the way back to Chestnut Hill.
I followed the directions precisely, and the directions took me along the sidewalks of some busy streets - the Germantown Avenue to name one. But I really didn’t mind that part of the walk. The first part made up for it. I am now convinced that Philadelphia’s best walk is in the Wissahickon Valley.
More Information
- Wissahickon Valley Park was a favorite subject of artists and writers like Edgar Allen Poe and John Greenleaf Whittier, who visited the area frequently for relaxation and inspiration.
- The 1,800 acres of Wissahickon Valley Park are part of Philadelphia’s 9,200-acre Fairmount Park, one of the largest city parks in the world.
- The Park is criss-crossed by more than 50 miles of often-rugged trails.
- For a map of the area go to The Best Walk in Philadelphia
Filed under: Philadelphia on June 21st, 2007 | No Comments »
Because my daughter Julie and my soon-to-be son in law Kevin live in Philadelphia, we visit there somewhat often, and as mentioned in a previous post, when we visit - we walk. They live in Center City not far from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. On our last visit we arrived on a Friday night and during dinner I mentioned that I was interested in getting up early and taking a walk. Kevin suggested that I head for the Art Museum where I would have a choice of walking areas.
I began the walk at about 6:30AM and proceeded towards the museum. In just a few minutes it was in view. I circled around it and noticed a walkway directly behind it. A sign on the walkway announced that this was the Schuylkill River Park. In front of me was a stone wall with a very well designed path and stairway descending to the river level. Then another sign: “The Schuylkill River Water Works”.From this spot the scenery looking out at the river was excellent! I was pleased with what I had found so soon into the walk. My only problem was which way to go.
I took a left. The area immediately behind the museum was the most decorated with a fountain, a statue, and a wide brick sidewalk. I followed the path under a bridge From there I could see a large number of cyclists assembling for a race. The path seemed to used equally by walkers, joggers, and the less serious cyclists. On my right I could see a family of ducks along the river bank, the Schuylkill Expressway on the opposite side, and behind that - the city. The park offered an escape from the busy sidewalks and streets while providing a constant reminder that this is Philadelphia. The park must have been designed to expose some of the best sections of the city’s skyline. After walking under another bridge or two I noticed that the sounds from the expressway became louder. I also noticed that it was time to turn around.
I walked back past the Water Works and went out on a man made peninsula. There were two men fishing along the side. I could see another section of the river being used for crew racing. Boats were entering the river from a set of nice looking houses. That section reminded me of the boat houses along Boston’s Charles River. I decided to head in that direction. Later I learned that that section off the Schuylkill was known as Boat House Row.
In order to continue walking toward the boat houses I had to leave the Schuylkill River Park and enter a section of Fairmount Park. I walked past the boat houses and then along the sidewalk for a while. Knowing this was taking me too far away from where we were staying, I decided to turn back while staying in the park. Before long I was back in front of the Art Museum. Checking the time I decided I needed to get to my daughters house - time for breakfast.
So why would you go to Philadelphia to go for a walk? Well, actually… there are quite a few reasons, but walking wasn’t the reason for our visit there. We periodically go to Philadelphia to visit our daughter Julie and her boy friend Kevin. During our visit most of the time is spend walking through the sections of the city.
Our walks in Philadelphia tend to be randomly selected - if selected at all. We just start walking and end up somewhere. If we walk too far in one direction, we’ll take a cab back. I’d say the general direction we walk in is determined by what restaurant or site we’re trying to get to. We get there and then we keep walking. Therefore, our trips to Philadelphia offer quite a bit of exercise.
On our last two trips we’ve walked in Old City. There the streets are lined with Sugar Maple trees and many of the sidewalks are brick. We walked across a cobblestone street and went to an “antique” ice cream shop. While eating the ice cream we walked by the first post office. From Old Town, the Penn’s Landing entrance is in sight and a short walk. Perhaps Old Town is a good place to start. Then again, maybe South Street is. Or, maybe you could just leave you car somewhere and head in any direction. We did!
