Valley Green
| Valley Green | |
|---|---|
| Type | Park area / Historic inn |
| Location | Wissahickon Valley Park |
| Coordinates | 40.0580,-75.2180 |
| Area | Part of Wissahickon Valley Park |
| Established | Inn: 1850; Park area: 1868 |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / Private (inn) |
| Features | Historic inn, creek views, Forbidden Drive access, duck feeding |
| Hours | Park: dawn to dusk; Inn: check hours |
| Transit | SEPTA bus; Regional Rail to Chestnut Hill |
| Website | Official Site |
Valley Green is both a cherished spot inside Wissahickon Valley Park and home to the historic Valley Green Inn, which has been welcoming visitors since 1850. Tucked along a pretty bend in Wissahickon Creek near Forbidden Drive, it's become the Wissahickon's most popular destination, blending natural scenery, history, and a chance to grab a bite.[1]
This is where Philadelphians have always gone. Feed the ducks. Walk the trails. Get away from it all.
History
The Inn
Valley Green Inn opened in 1850:
- Built as a hotel and tavern
- Drew visitors to the Wissahickon Valley
- Came before the park itself
- Never stopped operating since opening day
- The last tavern from that era still standing in the Wissahickon
When the Park Came
In 1868: The Wissahickon became part of Fairmount Park. The inn didn't disappear though. It stayed on as a concession, and it became the heart of where people came to have fun in the Wissahickon. The traditions carried on.
What Keeps Bringing People Back
Families came for ducks. They came before cars were even banned, to drive through on Sundays. Now they walk instead. Holiday gatherings still happen here, year after year, the same faces and the same stories.
Features
Valley Green Inn
A historic tavern and restaurant built from stone back in 1850. You can eat inside or, when the weather's nice, sit outside. The menu sticks to traditional American cooking, and Sunday brunch is practically sacred.
The Creek
Wissahickon Creek shows off here. There's a nice bend, a stone bridge crossing it, and ducks and geese hanging around looking for handouts. People wade in unofficially. It's one of the best spots in the park for photographs.
Forbidden Drive Access
Forbidden Drive runs right through Valley Green. Perfect spot to start exploring in either direction. Hikers and cyclists stop here to rest. Side trails branch off if you want to go deeper into the woods.
Duck Feeding
It's a tradition that goes back generations. The ducks and geese gather close. Just remember: bring birdseed, corn, oats, or proper duck feed. Don't bring bread. It hurts them, not helps them.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are available here. There aren't many facilities in the Wissahickon, so this matters.
Using Valley Green
Walking and Hiking
Start here for Forbidden Drive walks. You can head north or south. Side trails branch off if you want more options. It's a solid rest stop if you're doing a longer loop.
Dining
Grab lunch or dinner at the inn. In warm months, there's outdoor seating. Casual vibe. If you're coming for dinner, call ahead.
Photography
The creek views are worth your camera. The old stone building is photogenic. Fall foliage turns everything golden. Wildlife shows up if you're patient.
Watching Animals
Ducks, geese, herons, turtles. Fish in the creek. It's not a zoo, but nature happens here regularly.
Visiting
Hours
Park area opens at dawn, closes at dusk.
For Valley Green Inn: Check their website for what's open. Some Mondays they're closed. Dinner reservations are smart.
Getting There
The Address: Valley Green Road, inside Wissahickon Valley Park.
By Train or Bus:
- SEPTA Regional Rail goes to Chestnut Hill East or West; then you walk in
- SEPTA Bus 27 stops near Springfield Avenue; then it's a walk
By Car:
- There's a parking lot at Valley Green
- Enter from Springfield Avenue
- It fills fast on nice weekends
Real Tips
On good weekend mornings, that parking lot fills by 9 AM. Come early or just walk in. The inn gets busy too, so reservations help. Bring birdseed for the ducks, not bread. The trails near here are quieter than the main area if crowds bother you. Winter's actually lovely here. And you can park.
About Bread and Ducks
Don't feed them bread. It's bad for them. Causes a deformity called "angel wing." Pollutes the water. Better choices: corn, oats, or actual duck feed. Bring the right stuff, or bring nothing.
Nearby
- Wissahickon Valley Park - The park that surrounds it
- Forbidden Drive - The famous trail
- Chestnut Hill - The neighborhood up the hill
- Mount Airy - Another nearby neighborhood
- Andorra Natural Area - The northwest part of the park
See Also
References
- ↑ "Valley Green Inn". Valley Green Inn. Retrieved December 30, 2025