Outdoor Activities
It’s hard to believe, but this wooded paradise is nestled within the city limits. With over 57 miles of trails running throughout the 1,600 acre park, the Wissahickon is an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take a walk on Forbidden Drive, a flat gravel road that meanders through the park. Pack a picnic and slow down for the afternoon. Let your imagination run wild as you discover thousands of plant and animal species, or get active and go for a hike, ride, or run through the park – the possibilities are endless. Click here to view a map of locations for outdoor activities.
Upcoming Events in the Park
-
June 1, 1:00 pm
Edible Native Plants at Morris Arboretum
Learn to appreciate our native edibles in this informal guided walk at the Morris Arboretum. (more info)
-
June 2, 1:00 pm
Mt. Airy Community Drum Circle
Come join a community outdoor drum circle from 1-3 PM at the Lovett Library Park (6945 Germantown Ave).
-
June 15, 10:00 am
Introduction to Canning at Morris Arboretum
Canning is a great way to preserve food you harvest from your garden or buy at the local market. Are you curious about canning but worried about the safety implications? (more info)
-
June 17th-28th
Summer Adventures! Summer Camps at Awbury Arboretum - Camp Katniss
Learn how to survive in the wilderness, like your favorite character from The Hunger Games! Reail making, outdoor cooking, orienteering, bird calls, knots...
-
July 7, 1:00 pm
Mt. Airy Community Drum Circle
Come join a community outdoor drum circle from 1-3 PM at the Lovett Library Park (6945 Germantown Ave).
Wissahickon
Hiking
From Forbidden Drive to a network of trails, there’s always a new path to discover on a trip to the Wissahickon. Hit the trails on your own, or join a group and get social in the park. Follow the colored signposts as they guide you through the 57 miles of trails that wind through the park. See more.
Location: Forbidden Drive and Trail System 
Feeding Ducks
Children of all ages delight at feeding the ducks – don’t forget to bring some bread! See more.
Location: Valley Green
Walking and Running
Forbidden Drive, “forbidden” to motor vehicles since 1920, is a charming gravel paved path through the woods that is ideal for hiking, jogging, and the casual stroll. See more.
Location: Forbidden Drive
Fishing
Trout are released into the Wissahickon Creek every spring, summer, and fall. See more.
Location: Bells Mill Road to Valley Green
Biking
Casual cyclists can ride along the creek on Forbidden Drive, while mountain bikers can get off the drive and onto the trails with a permit. See more.
Location: Forbidden Drive (okay for all bikes) and Upper Trails (by permit only)
Rock Climbing
This 40 foot high outcrop of schist is beloved by area climbers See more.
Location: Livezey Rock, accessed via Livezey Lane
Horseback Riding
With three stables offering riding lessons, boarding, and more, the Wissahickon is a horse-friendly destination. See more.
Location: Monastery Stables, Northwestern Equestrian Facilities, and Courtesy Stable
Exploring Historic RittenhouseTown
Discover the birthplace of paper in America! The seven remaining structures along the creek are all that is left of British North America’s first paper mill, built by the Rittenhouse family in 1690. See more.
Location: 206 Lincoln Drive
Picnics
Pack a lunch, grab a blanket, and enjoy your meal in the great outdoors. Nearly a dozen designated picnic sites are located throughout the park (there's a great one located in the Mt. Airy section). There is no better place than the Wissahickon to enjoy a meal al fresco. See more.
Location: Blue Bell Meadow Picnic Grove
Birdwatching
The Wissahickon, recently named an Important Birding Area by the National Audubon Society, is home to an impressive array of birds. Be sure to watch out for owls, wood peckers, mourning doves, orioles, herons, and more. See more.
Location: Carpenter’s Woods
Wissahickon Environmental Center
The Wissahickon Environmental Center offers environmental education programming and has a children’s activity center. See more.
Location: 300 Northwestern Avenue
BEYOND THE WISSAHICKON
Morris Arboretum
Explore the beauty of nature at the University of Pennsylvania’s Morris Arboretum, located in nearby Chestnut Hill. Stroll through the dozens of gardens on their 92 acre grounds, and be sure to stop by the Tree Adventure, a canopy walk through the arboretum! See more.
Location: 100 E. Northwestern Avenue
Awbury Arboretum
Get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the quiet of Awbury Arboretum, located in Germantown just off of Chew Avenue. Awbury’s grounds are free and open to the public. The arboretum also offers extensive environmental education programming to area youth. See more.
Location: Chew Avenue between Washington Lane and Haines Street