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	\|description=Guide to the Wissahickon Valley Park and neighborhood. Forbidden Drive trails, Valley Green Inn, covered bridges, and 2,000 acres of urban wilderness in Northwest Philadelphia.		\|description=Guide to the Wissahickon Valley Park and neighborhood. Forbidden Drive trails, Valley Green Inn, covered bridges, and 2,000 acres of urban wilderness in Northwest Philadelphia.
	\|keywords=Wissahickon Valley Park, Wissahickon Creek, Forbidden Drive, Valley Green Inn, Philadelphia hiking, Northwest Philadelphia, Wissahickon trails		\|keywords=Wissahickon Valley Park, Wissahickon Creek, Forbidden Drive, Valley Green Inn, Philadelphia hiking, Northwest Philadelphia, Wissahickon trails
	\|type=~~Place~~		\|type=Article
	}}		}}

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{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = Wissahickon
| type = Neighborhood
| location = Northwest Philadelphia
| zip_codes = 19128, 19144
| named_for = Wissahickon Creek
| boundaries = Along Wissahickon Creek valley from the Schuylkill to Chestnut Hill
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Roxborough]], [[Germantown]], [[Mount Airy]], [[East Falls]]
| major_streets = Ridge Avenue, Lincoln Drive, Wissahickon Avenue
| transit = SEPTA bus routes
| notable_landmarks = [[Wissahickon Valley Park]], Valley Green Inn, covered bridges
}}

'''Wissahickon''' refers to both a neighborhood in Northwest [[Philadelphia]] and the famous '''Wissahickon Valley Park''' that defines it. The neighborhood takes its name from Wissahickon Creek, which runs through a dramatic gorge that remains remarkably wild within the city limits. The park and creek have attracted visitors since the 19th century and remain one of Philadelphia's most treasured natural areas.<ref name="fow">{{cite web |url=https://www.fow.org |title=Friends of the Wissahickon |publisher=Friends of the Wissahickon |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

== Wissahickon Valley Park ==

'''Wissahickon Valley Park''' is a 2,000-acre park encompassing the Wissahickon Creek gorge:

=== Features ===

* 57 miles of trails
* Dramatic gorge landscape
* Historic structures
* Wildlife habitat
* Forbidden Drive (main trail)

=== Forbidden Drive ===

The main trail along the creek is called '''Forbidden Drive''':
* 5.5-mile gravel path
* Follows the former carriage road
* Popular for hiking, biking, horseback riding
* Closed to motor vehicles (hence "Forbidden")

=== Valley Green Inn ===

The historic '''Valley Green Inn''' (1850) serves as a destination within the park:
* Restaurant and inn
* Historic building
* Trailside location
* Popular gathering spot

=== Covered Bridges ===

Historic covered bridges cross the creek:
* Thomas Mill Covered Bridge
* Romantic architecture
* Photography destinations

== Natural Features ==

=== The Gorge ===

The Wissahickon Gorge is a dramatic feature:
* 200+ foot deep in places
* Steep forested slopes
* Rock outcroppings
* Remarkably wild for an urban park

=== Wildlife ===

The park supports diverse wildlife:
* White-tailed deer
* Various bird species
* Fish in the creek
* Small mammals

=== Trees ===

Old-growth forest remnants and diverse tree species.

== History ==

=== Native American Use ===

The Lenape used the Wissahickon Valley for centuries. The name "Wissahickon" comes from a Lenape word.

=== Colonial Era ===

Early mills operated along the creek, using water power.

=== Romantic Era ===

In the 19th century, the Wissahickon became a destination for Romantic-era visitors seeking natural beauty. Poets and artists celebrated the gorge.

=== Park Preservation ===

The park was preserved as part of the Fairmount Park system, protecting it from development.

== Access Points ==

The park has multiple entrances:

=== Northwestern Avenue ===

Main entrance to Forbidden Drive with parking.

=== Valley Green ===

Access near Valley Green Inn.

=== Bells Mill Road ===

Upper Wissahickon access.

=== Lincoln Drive ===

Multiple access points along the drive.

== Activities ==

=== Hiking ===

Dozens of trails at various difficulty levels.

=== Biking ===

Forbidden Drive is popular for cycling.

=== Horseback Riding ===

Permitted on Forbidden Drive and designated trails.

=== Fishing ===

Fishing permitted in Wissahickon Creek (license required).

== The Neighborhood ==

The residential Wissahickon neighborhood borders the park:
* Access to trails
* Quieter character
* Natural setting
* Limited transit

== See Also ==

* [[Wissahickon Valley Park]]
* [[Roxborough]]
* [[Mount Airy]]
* [[Germantown]]
* [[Fairmount Park]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Wissahickon Philadelphia - Valley Park and Neighborhood Guide
|description=Guide to the Wissahickon Valley Park and neighborhood. Forbidden Drive trails, Valley Green Inn, covered bridges, and 2,000 acres of urban wilderness in Northwest Philadelphia.
|keywords=Wissahickon Valley Park, Wissahickon Creek, Forbidden Drive, Valley Green Inn, Philadelphia hiking, Northwest Philadelphia, Wissahickon trails
|type=Place
}}

[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:Northwest Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Parks]]

Wissahickon Valley - Revision history

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