Wissahickon Valley Park

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Swimming · Views

This is a great escape in the city, complete with water crossings, tall bridges, and underpasses.

No porta-potties or restrooms once you are on the trail.

This trail is shared by bikers and equestrians. Footing can be tricky in parts. Sturdy shoes recommended.

Starting off from the Blue Bell parking lot, you soon get underway beneath the Walnut Lane Bridge—an imposing tall structure only marred by graffiti, but some creative murals. The terrain is a mix of gravel initially, mud and stones. There are a few small uphills. There is opportunity for rock climbing at the Climber's Rock about one third of the way into the route.

The highlight of the route is the visit to the Devil's Pool area which is a small waterfall supposedly 10 feet deep right below an overpass. My friend told me he has seen people jumping off the bridge, nearly 100 feet high, into the pond (although probably not recommended). A tiny waterfall sits over the pond. The pond overlooks a broad body of the Wissahickon River which surely will be water-high during rains—so watch out, crossings won't be fun or easy.

Before you get to the pond, you'll get a chance to view it from above where you run on a large pipe that is cordoned off for safety reasons. Most of the trail is shaded making for a good run even on a summer day. You'll also pass through the Fingerspan Bridge, which is a metallic structure getting you across a small rocky gorge. The Livezy House built circa 1700 is a site to pause at after you cross the bridge.

The run passes along the place where the first memorial service was held in America in 1723. Check out historic landmarks still on the site at fow.org/visit-the-park/stru…