Walking through Center City, Old City, South Philly, and other neighborhoods will leave you with an appreciation for the urban planners that have worked to include plenty of green space in Philadelphia. We’re lucky to have a city with plenty of parks, open squares, trees, and hidden gems to explore. Even though our city is pretty and green in plenty of spots, if you’re a real nature lover, you’ll want to head north, towards Chestnut Hill. Make the trip to Wissahickon Park and you’ll be rewarded with the most incredible Philadelphia hike that makes you feel like you’re on another planet.
The Wissahickon Creek Gorge Trail is a 9.3 Mile Loop thats suitable for all skill levels.
AllTrails If the distance is intimidating, you can shorten this hike by turning it into a point-to-point and heading back at any time.Start at the Valley Green Inn parking lot, at the end of Valley Green Rd. You can find more specific directions to the parking lots, as well as a detailed trail map, right here.
The trail is mostly crushed stone, with plenty of small side trails that will bring you to interesting overlooks.
Flickr / Meridith
The Creek and Gorge are alive with wildlife in all seasons, but the end of summer is a great time to spot rabbits, birds, fish, deer, and more
Flickr / Tom Ipri
In the fall, the changing leaves turn the Wissahickon Creek into an unforgettable reflection of the best of autumn.
Flickr / trpnblies7
Small spillways and waterfalls add the sound of running water to your peaceful stroll.
Flickr / trpnblies7
Climb the steps of the Rex Avenue Bridge for one of the best overlooks in all of Philadelphia.
Flickr / Hounddiggity
The famous covered bridge is a popular photo stop along the hike, and nearby stone walls and benches make this a great place to rest and eat lunch.
Flickr / jmdelancy
Just upstream from the covered bridge is this stunning waterfall; it’s the most impressive one in the park.
Flickr / CJD
You’ll hardly believe you’re in the city on this Philadelphia hike - it really feels like you’re miles away from civilization.
Flickr / Pauline Rosenberg
There are so many great hiking trails around Philadelphia, but this will always remain one of my favorite. Do you have any great photos of your Wissahickon Park hike? Share them with us on the Only In Philadelphia Facebook page or on Instagram – tag #onlyinphiladelphia!
AllTrails
If the distance is intimidating, you can shorten this hike by turning it into a point-to-point and heading back at any time.Start at the Valley Green Inn parking lot, at the end of Valley Green Rd. You can find more specific directions to the parking lots, as well as a detailed trail map, right here.
Flickr / Meridith
Flickr / Tom Ipri
Flickr / trpnblies7
Flickr / Hounddiggity
Flickr / jmdelancy
Flickr / CJD
Flickr / Pauline Rosenberg
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