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A wide, winding trail with a great view of Wissahickon Creek.


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Map Key

5.5

Miles

8.9

KM

98%

Runnable

207' 63 m

High

58' 18 m

Low

417' 127 m

Up

318' 97 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Most of the parking areas close at dusk. Dogs are supposed to be leashed, but I frequently see dogs that are off leash.

Runner Notes

This is a wide, pretty well maintained road. It is gravel, but generally smooth and flat. Heading south is a very gentle downhill. If you head north (start in Old Rittenhouse Town), it's a very, very mild uphill the whole way.

Many of the local college and high school track and field teams run along this path. Be prepared to get passed!

Description

Starting at parking lot .5 miles past Old Rittenhouse Town head north up the wide, fairly well maintained path. This 5.5 mile trail follows Wissahickon Creek and ends at the intersection of Andorra Road and North Northwestern Road.

Along the way you'll pass lush fauna, lots of chances to explore trails that spring off of Forbidden Drive, as well as other cool attractions:

  • At approximately mile 2, look across the creek at the very cool Fingerspan Bridge.
  • At approximately mile 2.75, you can get lunch or a snack at the Valley Green Inn.
  • At approximately mile 3.5, look across the creek and see the statue of the last Lenni-Lenapi Chief.
  • At approximately mile 4.5 is the Red Covered bridge.


There are a ton of options getting back if you want a change of scenery; both the Yellow Trail and Orange Trail connect back, though they are quite a bit longer and not nearly as easy.

This really is a beautiful area in the city of Philadelphia.

Flora & Fauna

Locals, dogs, cats, and deer. General wildflowers. The whole path follows along the Wissahickon Creek.

Contacts

Shared By:

Scott Spencer

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 7 votes

#14737

Overall
  3.7 from 7 votes
5 Star
14%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
43%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#310

in Pennsylvania

#14,737

Overall
16 Views Last Month
2,591 Since Jan 5, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

50%
0%
33%
0%
17%
0%

Photos

Fingerspan Bridge - Actually pretty cool!
Oct 3, 2015 near Bala-Cy…, PA
Rex Ave Bridge
Apr 26, 2018 near Wyndmoor, PA
Tough uphill off of Forbidden Drive to get to the Yellow Trail.
Jan 4, 2016 near Bala-Cy…, PA
Covered Bridge
Oct 3, 2015 near Wyndmoor, PA
Water Falls
Apr 26, 2018 near Wyndmoor, PA
Wooden shelter near Wissahickon. No restrooms.
Jan 16, 2020 near Bala-Cy…, PA

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