A WINTER HIKE THROUGH HISTORY A Winter Hike Through History. History // January 27, 2021 One of the greatest pleasures of visiting the Wissahickon in the winter (beyond the thrill of just getting outside!) is the unobstructed views of the valley landscape during the season.

CONTACT FOW

The Friends of the Wissahickon 40 W. Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108 Philadelphia, PA 19118-3324. Phone: 215-247-0417. Fax: 267-331-6874. For media inquiries: Please reach out to Laura Feragen at feragen@fow.org. Report a non-emergency problem in the park, donate to FOW, or subscribe to text updates, text WISS to (267) 966-2207

VOLUNTEERING

Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein.

MAPS & DIRECTIONS

Forbidden Drive | 5.35 Miles | Average width 25 feet; Max obstacle height 3 inches | Average Grade: 3% A wide, flat, multi-use gravel path that parallels the Wissahickon Creek for the entire length of the park, Forbidden Drive is part of the Circuit Trails network and was the 2018 PA Trail of the Year!. Over one million people use this popular trail annually, so make sure to make room for

IN-PARK RECOGNITION

Opportunities for recognition: $1,000 – Habitat Box. A habitat box will be placed in Houston or Andorra Meadow within the Wissahickon Valley Park. A plaque with donors of habitat boxes will be placed in the Warming Shed next to the Valley Green Inn or in Andorra Natural Area for bluebird boxes. Price includes labor and materials. HABITAT FOR THE PARK’S HUMANITY Habitat for the Park’s Humanity. Conservation // October 16, 2018 In previous blog posts, we presented areas of strategic priority outlined in FOW’s Strategic Blueprint 2018-2020.. Here we explore another priority area, which focuses on fostering an ecologically diverse and functional habitat in Wissahickon Valley Park. RULES, HOURS & PERMITS The park curfew is 1 am – 6 am (8 pm – 6 am from December 1 to March 31). Alcohol is prohibited. Using bicycles is only allowed on trails designated for bicycling. Cyclists must yield to the right of way of pedestrians on footpaths except during an organized bike race. Park users may not cut down or remove any trees or plants in the park. THE WISSAHICKON GORGE The Wissahickon Valley Park has been celebrated in poetry and in paintings. In 1868, Fairmount Park acquired the 1,800 acres of the Wissahickon Valley to preserve the purity of the city’s water supply. Mills and taverns were demolished, but the dams remained, telling the story of

TEDYUSCUNG STATUE

Of the three statues in Wissahickon Valley Park, Tedyuscung is the one most visited. (The other two are Toleration and Henry Houston.) It is a limestone statue of a crouching Native American with his hand to his brow looking west. It stands high up on what is known as Council Rock, by legend where the Lenape would hold their tribal meetings. ANNUAL CREEK CLEANUP Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) and Wissahickon Trails (formerly Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association) are once again joining forces to clean up litter out of our watershed on Saturday, September 12 – for the 50th anniversary of Wissahickon Trails’ Annual Wissahickon Creek Clean Up! This is the perfect outdoor event to show

your

A WINTER HIKE THROUGH HISTORY A Winter Hike Through History. History // January 27, 2021 One of the greatest pleasures of visiting the Wissahickon in the winter (beyond the thrill of just getting outside!) is the unobstructed views of the valley landscape during the season.

CONTACT FOW

The Friends of the Wissahickon 40 W. Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108 Philadelphia, PA 19118-3324. Phone: 215-247-0417. Fax: 267-331-6874. For media inquiries: Please reach out to Laura Feragen at feragen@fow.org. Report a non-emergency problem in the park, donate to FOW, or subscribe to text updates, text WISS to (267) 966-2207

VOLUNTEERING

Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein.

MAPS & DIRECTIONS

Forbidden Drive | 5.35 Miles | Average width 25 feet; Max obstacle height 3 inches | Average Grade: 3% A wide, flat, multi-use gravel path that parallels the Wissahickon Creek for the entire length of the park, Forbidden Drive is part of the Circuit Trails network and was the 2018 PA Trail of the Year!. Over one million people use this popular trail annually, so make sure to make room for

IN-PARK RECOGNITION

Opportunities for recognition: $1,000 – Habitat Box. A habitat box will be placed in Houston or Andorra Meadow within the Wissahickon Valley Park. A plaque with donors of habitat boxes will be placed in the Warming Shed next to the Valley Green Inn or in Andorra Natural Area for bluebird boxes. Price includes labor and materials. HABITAT FOR THE PARK’S HUMANITY Habitat for the Park’s Humanity. Conservation // October 16, 2018 In previous blog posts, we presented areas of strategic priority outlined in FOW’s Strategic Blueprint 2018-2020.. Here we explore another priority area, which focuses on fostering an ecologically diverse and functional habitat in Wissahickon Valley Park. RULES, HOURS & PERMITS The park curfew is 1 am – 6 am (8 pm – 6 am from December 1 to March 31). Alcohol is prohibited. Using bicycles is only allowed on trails designated for bicycling. Cyclists must yield to the right of way of pedestrians on footpaths except during an organized bike race. Park users may not cut down or remove any trees or plants in the park. THE WISSAHICKON GORGE The Wissahickon Valley Park has been celebrated in poetry and in paintings. In 1868, Fairmount Park acquired the 1,800 acres of the Wissahickon Valley to preserve the purity of the city’s water supply. Mills and taverns were demolished, but the dams remained, telling the story of

TEDYUSCUNG STATUE

Of the three statues in Wissahickon Valley Park, Tedyuscung is the one most visited. (The other two are Toleration and Henry Houston.) It is a limestone statue of a crouching Native American with his hand to his brow looking west. It stands high up on what is known as Council Rock, by legend where the Lenape would hold their tribal meetings. ANNUAL CREEK CLEANUP Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) and Wissahickon Trails (formerly Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association) are once again joining forces to clean up litter out of our watershed on Saturday, September 12 – for the 50th anniversary of Wissahickon Trails’ Annual Wissahickon Creek Clean Up! This is the perfect outdoor event to show

your

STRUCTURES & LANDMARKS VALLEY GREEN INN. Centrally located within the park, this inn is the last remaining roadhouse of the many that once lined Forbidden Drive. Built in 1850, it was sold to the Fairmount Park Commission in 1872. Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) has been the steward of ABOUT FOW - FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein.

HISTORY & MISSION

Timeline. 1924 A group of concerned citizens came together to restore Wissahickon Valley Park after a winter storm destroyed over 200 trees and started Friends of the Wissahickon.. 1930s FOW increased membership from 50 to 500 and raised $9,000 to plant 14,000 trees and shrubs.During the Depression, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) invested $850,000 in the Wissahickon to build picnic ALL TRAILS CHALLENGE: READY, SET... GO! All Trails Challenge 2020: Be there for the Wissahickon – by being in the Wissahickon. Start your challenge here! Wissahickon Valley Park is always there for you – with 50+ miles of trails to experience and explore. And what’s better than being there for the Wissahickon while you’re hiking, biking, running, and riding your way RULES, HOURS & PERMITS Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein. OUR WORK - FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FOW works in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR), the Philadelphia Water Department, and dozens of other regional partners on a wide range of programs. Guided by our 2018 Strategic Blueprint, we are committed to conserving Wissahickon Valley Park through advancing three areas of strategic priority: infrastructure, habitat, and engagement. BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein. RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY Renew your membership in this community of over 2,500 like-minded individuals who care for and support Wissahickon Valley Park, a community treasure of 1,800-acres of wooded gorge within the city of

Philadelphia.

SPEAKERS BUREAU

Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein. HOME - FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKONBECOME A MEMBERRECEIVE OUR NEWSLETTERDONATEBOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFFVIRTUAL

VALLEY

A Little Help From Our Friends. Current Projects // June 02, 2021. One of the most exciting moments last week in Wissahickon Valley Park was the installation of a newly restored historic guard box at Magargee

Dam.

STRUCTURES & LANDMARKS VALLEY GREEN INN. Centrally located within the park, this inn is the last remaining roadhouse of the many that once lined Forbidden Drive. Built in 1850, it was sold to the Fairmount Park Commission in 1872. Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) has been the steward of

CONTACT FOW

The Friends of the Wissahickon 40 W. Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108 Philadelphia, PA 19118-3324. Phone: 215-247-0417. Fax: 267-331-6874. For media inquiries: Please reach out to Laura Feragen at feragen@fow.org. Report a non-emergency problem in the park, donate to FOW, or subscribe to text updates, text WISS to (267) 966-2207 A WINTER HIKE THROUGH HISTORY A Winter Hike Through History. History // January 27, 2021 One of the greatest pleasures of visiting the Wissahickon in the winter (beyond the thrill of just getting outside!) is the unobstructed views of the valley landscape during the season.

MAPS & DIRECTIONS

Forbidden Drive | 5.35 Miles | Average width 25 feet; Max obstacle height 3 inches | Average Grade: 3% A wide, flat, multi-use gravel path that parallels the Wissahickon Creek for the entire length of the park, Forbidden Drive is part of the Circuit Trails network and was the 2018 PA Trail of the Year!. Over one million people use this popular trail annually, so make sure to make room for ALL TRAILS CHALLENGE: READY, SET... GO! All Trails Challenge 2020: Be there for the Wissahickon – by being in the Wissahickon. Start your challenge here! Wissahickon Valley Park is always there for you – with 50+ miles of trails to experience and explore. And what’s better than being there for the Wissahickon while you’re hiking, biking, running, and riding your way UPDATE: CLOSURE OF WISSAHICKON VALLEY PARK BIKE TRAIL Update: Closure of Wissahickon Valley Park Bike Trail Bridge at Forbidden Drive. News // February 27, 2020 Updated: Philadelphia Parks & Recreation has reopened the four bridges along the Wissahickon Bike Trail between Forbidden Drive and Hermit Trail, parallel to Lincoln Drive. The bridges have been closed since late February after a vehicular accident damaged one of the bridges. THE WISSAHICKON GORGE The Wissahickon Valley Park has been celebrated in poetry and in paintings. In 1868, Fairmount Park acquired the 1,800 acres of the Wissahickon Valley to preserve the purity of the city’s water supply. Mills and taverns were demolished, but the dams remained, telling the story of GET SPOOKY WITH A WISSAHICKON WALKING TOUR... Get Spooky with a Wissahickon Walking Tour History // October 22, 2020 “The Wissahiccon, however, should be visited, not like “fair Melrose,” by moonlight, or even in cloudy weather, but amid the brightest glare of a noonday sun; for the narrowness of the gorge through which it flows, the height of the hills on either hand, and the density of the foliage, conspire to produce a FROM THE ARCHIVES: THE INDIAN STATUE IN THE WISSAHICKON This month, we celebrate the 115th anniversary of the iconic Indian Statue in Wissahickon Valley Park by reprinting an article on its history. This is part of our occasional series in which FOW publishes articles that appeared in our publications in the past and still resonate with us today. This piece was written by Dena Sher, HOME - FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKONBECOME A MEMBERRECEIVE OUR NEWSLETTERDONATEBOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFFVIRTUAL

VALLEY

A Little Help From Our Friends. Current Projects // June 02, 2021. One of the most exciting moments last week in Wissahickon Valley Park was the installation of a newly restored historic guard box at Magargee

Dam.

STRUCTURES & LANDMARKS VALLEY GREEN INN. Centrally located within the park, this inn is the last remaining roadhouse of the many that once lined Forbidden Drive. Built in 1850, it was sold to the Fairmount Park Commission in 1872. Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) has been the steward of

CONTACT FOW

The Friends of the Wissahickon 40 W. Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108 Philadelphia, PA 19118-3324. Phone: 215-247-0417. Fax: 267-331-6874. For media inquiries: Please reach out to Laura Feragen at feragen@fow.org. Report a non-emergency problem in the park, donate to FOW, or subscribe to text updates, text WISS to (267) 966-2207 A WINTER HIKE THROUGH HISTORY A Winter Hike Through History. History // January 27, 2021 One of the greatest pleasures of visiting the Wissahickon in the winter (beyond the thrill of just getting outside!) is the unobstructed views of the valley landscape during the season.

MAPS & DIRECTIONS

Forbidden Drive | 5.35 Miles | Average width 25 feet; Max obstacle height 3 inches | Average Grade: 3% A wide, flat, multi-use gravel path that parallels the Wissahickon Creek for the entire length of the park, Forbidden Drive is part of the Circuit Trails network and was the 2018 PA Trail of the Year!. Over one million people use this popular trail annually, so make sure to make room for ALL TRAILS CHALLENGE: READY, SET... GO! All Trails Challenge 2020: Be there for the Wissahickon – by being in the Wissahickon. Start your challenge here! Wissahickon Valley Park is always there for you – with 50+ miles of trails to experience and explore. And what’s better than being there for the Wissahickon while you’re hiking, biking, running, and riding your way UPDATE: CLOSURE OF WISSAHICKON VALLEY PARK BIKE TRAIL Update: Closure of Wissahickon Valley Park Bike Trail Bridge at Forbidden Drive. News // February 27, 2020 Updated: Philadelphia Parks & Recreation has reopened the four bridges along the Wissahickon Bike Trail between Forbidden Drive and Hermit Trail, parallel to Lincoln Drive. The bridges have been closed since late February after a vehicular accident damaged one of the bridges. THE WISSAHICKON GORGE The Wissahickon Valley Park has been celebrated in poetry and in paintings. In 1868, Fairmount Park acquired the 1,800 acres of the Wissahickon Valley to preserve the purity of the city’s water supply. Mills and taverns were demolished, but the dams remained, telling the story of GET SPOOKY WITH A WISSAHICKON WALKING TOUR... Get Spooky with a Wissahickon Walking Tour History // October 22, 2020 “The Wissahiccon, however, should be visited, not like “fair Melrose,” by moonlight, or even in cloudy weather, but amid the brightest glare of a noonday sun; for the narrowness of the gorge through which it flows, the height of the hills on either hand, and the density of the foliage, conspire to produce a FROM THE ARCHIVES: THE INDIAN STATUE IN THE WISSAHICKON This month, we celebrate the 115th anniversary of the iconic Indian Statue in Wissahickon Valley Park by reprinting an article on its history. This is part of our occasional series in which FOW publishes articles that appeared in our publications in the past and still resonate with us today. This piece was written by Dena Sher, ABOUT FOW - FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein. STRUCTURES & LANDMARKS VALLEY GREEN INN. Centrally located within the park, this inn is the last remaining roadhouse of the many that once lined Forbidden Drive. Built in 1850, it was sold to the Fairmount Park Commission in 1872. Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) has been the steward of OUR WORK - FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FOW works in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR), the Philadelphia Water Department, and dozens of other regional partners on a wide range of programs. Guided by our 2018 Strategic Blueprint, we are committed to conserving Wissahickon Valley Park through advancing three areas of strategic priority: infrastructure, habitat, and engagement. BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein. ACTIVITIES - FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON The Wissahickon Valley Park. Over 1.1 million annual visitors take advantage of the park’s abundant recreational opportunities. More than 50 miles of rugged trails offer hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians the opportunity to explore the park’s dense forests, open meadows, and shaded creeks.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein.

VOLUNTEERING

Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein. KELPIUS & HERMIT'S CAVE Check out this Google Map to explore this and other unique historical points of interest, and become acquainted with the many trailheads in Wissahickon Valley Park!. Explore more Wissahickon-related historic points of interest, stories, art, videos, games, and much more on our Virtual Valley!. You probably don’t need us to tell you how special Wissahickon Valley Park is. RULES, HOURS & PERMITS The park curfew is 1 am – 6 am (8 pm – 6 am from December 1 to March 31). Alcohol is prohibited. Using bicycles is only allowed on trails designated for bicycling. Cyclists must yield to the right of way of pedestrians on footpaths except during an organized bike race. Park users may not cut down or remove any trees or plants in the park. 2020 ALL TRAILS CHALLENGE Welcome to the. ALL. TRAILS. CHALLENGE 2020. It’s simple: from August 17th to December 1st, ATC Challengers make their way through every corner of Wissahickon Valley Park, recording each trail they complete on the way to 50! ATC isn’t a race and you don’t have to be a conditioned athlete to take part - instead, it’s an opportunity

to

HOME - FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKONBECOME A MEMBERRECEIVE OUR NEWSLETTERDONATEBOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFFVIRTUAL

VALLEY

A Little Help From Our Friends. Current Projects // June 02, 2021. One of the most exciting moments last week in Wissahickon Valley Park was the installation of a newly restored historic guard box at Magargee

Dam.

STRUCTURES & LANDMARKS VALLEY GREEN INN. Centrally located within the park, this inn is the last remaining roadhouse of the many that once lined Forbidden Drive. Built in 1850, it was sold to the Fairmount Park Commission in 1872. Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) has been the steward of

CONTACT FOW

The Friends of the Wissahickon 40 W. Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108 Philadelphia, PA 19118-3324. Phone: 215-247-0417. Fax: 267-331-6874. For media inquiries: Please reach out to Laura Feragen at feragen@fow.org. Report a non-emergency problem in the park, donate to FOW, or subscribe to text updates, text WISS to (267) 966-2207 A WINTER HIKE THROUGH HISTORY A Winter Hike Through History. History // January 27, 2021 One of the greatest pleasures of visiting the Wissahickon in the winter (beyond the thrill of just getting outside!) is the unobstructed views of the valley landscape during the season.

MAPS & DIRECTIONS

Forbidden Drive | 5.35 Miles | Average width 25 feet; Max obstacle height 3 inches | Average Grade: 3% A wide, flat, multi-use gravel path that parallels the Wissahickon Creek for the entire length of the park, Forbidden Drive is part of the Circuit Trails network and was the 2018 PA Trail of the Year!. Over one million people use this popular trail annually, so make sure to make room for ALL TRAILS CHALLENGE: READY, SET... GO! All Trails Challenge 2020: Be there for the Wissahickon – by being in the Wissahickon. Start your challenge here! Wissahickon Valley Park is always there for you – with 50+ miles of trails to experience and explore. And what’s better than being there for the Wissahickon while you’re hiking, biking, running, and riding your way UPDATE: CLOSURE OF WISSAHICKON VALLEY PARK BIKE TRAILWISSAHICKON VALLEY PARKMAP OF WISSAHICKON TRAILSHIKING WISSAHICKON PARKWISSAHICKON BIKE TRAIL MAPWISSAHICKON CREEK PARKWISSAHICKON VALLEY MAP Update: Closure of Wissahickon Valley Park Bike Trail Bridge at Forbidden Drive. News // February 27, 2020 Updated: Philadelphia Parks & Recreation has reopened the four bridges along the Wissahickon Bike Trail between Forbidden Drive and Hermit Trail, parallel to Lincoln Drive. The bridges have been closed since late February after a vehicular accident damaged one of the bridges. THE WISSAHICKON GORGE The Wissahickon Valley Park has been celebrated in poetry and in paintings. In 1868, Fairmount Park acquired the 1,800 acres of the Wissahickon Valley to preserve the purity of the city’s water supply. Mills and taverns were demolished, but the dams remained, telling the story of GET SPOOKY WITH A WISSAHICKON WALKING TOUR... Get Spooky with a Wissahickon Walking Tour History // October 22, 2020 “The Wissahiccon, however, should be visited, not like “fair Melrose,” by moonlight, or even in cloudy weather, but amid the brightest glare of a noonday sun; for the narrowness of the gorge through which it flows, the height of the hills on either hand, and the density of the foliage, conspire to produce a FROM THE ARCHIVES: THE INDIAN STATUE IN THE WISSAHICKONFINGER SPAN BRIDGE WISSAHICKONSTATUE OF TEDYUSCUNG This month, we celebrate the 115th anniversary of the iconic Indian Statue in Wissahickon Valley Park by reprinting an article on its history. This is part of our occasional series in which FOW publishes articles that appeared in our publications in the past and still resonate with us today. This piece was written by Dena Sher, HOME - FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKONBECOME A MEMBERRECEIVE OUR NEWSLETTERDONATEBOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFFVIRTUAL

VALLEY

A Little Help From Our Friends. Current Projects // June 02, 2021. One of the most exciting moments last week in Wissahickon Valley Park was the installation of a newly restored historic guard box at Magargee

Dam.

STRUCTURES & LANDMARKS VALLEY GREEN INN. Centrally located within the park, this inn is the last remaining roadhouse of the many that once lined Forbidden Drive. Built in 1850, it was sold to the Fairmount Park Commission in 1872. Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) has been the steward of

CONTACT FOW

The Friends of the Wissahickon 40 W. Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108 Philadelphia, PA 19118-3324. Phone: 215-247-0417. Fax: 267-331-6874. For media inquiries: Please reach out to Laura Feragen at feragen@fow.org. Report a non-emergency problem in the park, donate to FOW, or subscribe to text updates, text WISS to (267) 966-2207 A WINTER HIKE THROUGH HISTORY A Winter Hike Through History. History // January 27, 2021 One of the greatest pleasures of visiting the Wissahickon in the winter (beyond the thrill of just getting outside!) is the unobstructed views of the valley landscape during the season.

MAPS & DIRECTIONS

Forbidden Drive | 5.35 Miles | Average width 25 feet; Max obstacle height 3 inches | Average Grade: 3% A wide, flat, multi-use gravel path that parallels the Wissahickon Creek for the entire length of the park, Forbidden Drive is part of the Circuit Trails network and was the 2018 PA Trail of the Year!. Over one million people use this popular trail annually, so make sure to make room for ALL TRAILS CHALLENGE: READY, SET... GO! All Trails Challenge 2020: Be there for the Wissahickon – by being in the Wissahickon. Start your challenge here! Wissahickon Valley Park is always there for you – with 50+ miles of trails to experience and explore. And what’s better than being there for the Wissahickon while you’re hiking, biking, running, and riding your way UPDATE: CLOSURE OF WISSAHICKON VALLEY PARK BIKE TRAILWISSAHICKON VALLEY PARKMAP OF WISSAHICKON TRAILSHIKING WISSAHICKON PARKWISSAHICKON BIKE TRAIL MAPWISSAHICKON CREEK PARKWISSAHICKON VALLEY MAP Update: Closure of Wissahickon Valley Park Bike Trail Bridge at Forbidden Drive. News // February 27, 2020 Updated: Philadelphia Parks & Recreation has reopened the four bridges along the Wissahickon Bike Trail between Forbidden Drive and Hermit Trail, parallel to Lincoln Drive. The bridges have been closed since late February after a vehicular accident damaged one of the bridges. THE WISSAHICKON GORGE The Wissahickon Valley Park has been celebrated in poetry and in paintings. In 1868, Fairmount Park acquired the 1,800 acres of the Wissahickon Valley to preserve the purity of the city’s water supply. Mills and taverns were demolished, but the dams remained, telling the story of GET SPOOKY WITH A WISSAHICKON WALKING TOUR... Get Spooky with a Wissahickon Walking Tour History // October 22, 2020 “The Wissahiccon, however, should be visited, not like “fair Melrose,” by moonlight, or even in cloudy weather, but amid the brightest glare of a noonday sun; for the narrowness of the gorge through which it flows, the height of the hills on either hand, and the density of the foliage, conspire to produce a FROM THE ARCHIVES: THE INDIAN STATUE IN THE WISSAHICKONFINGER SPAN BRIDGE WISSAHICKONSTATUE OF TEDYUSCUNG This month, we celebrate the 115th anniversary of the iconic Indian Statue in Wissahickon Valley Park by reprinting an article on its history. This is part of our occasional series in which FOW publishes articles that appeared in our publications in the past and still resonate with us today. This piece was written by Dena Sher, STRUCTURES & LANDMARKS VALLEY GREEN INN. Centrally located within the park, this inn is the last remaining roadhouse of the many that once lined Forbidden Drive. Built in 1850, it was sold to the Fairmount Park Commission in 1872. Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) has been the steward of ACTIVITIES - FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON The Wissahickon Valley Park. Over 1.1 million annual visitors take advantage of the park’s abundant recreational opportunities. More than 50 miles of rugged trails offer hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians the opportunity to explore the park’s dense forests, open meadows, and shaded creeks. ABOUT FOW - FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein.

VOLUNTEERING

Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein. RULES, HOURS & PERMITS The park curfew is 1 am – 6 am (8 pm – 6 am from December 1 to March 31). Alcohol is prohibited. Using bicycles is only allowed on trails designated for bicycling. Cyclists must yield to the right of way of pedestrians on footpaths except during an organized bike race. Park users may not cut down or remove any trees or plants in the park. RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein. OUR WORK - FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FRIENDS OF WISSAHICKON FOW works in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR), the Philadelphia Water Department, and dozens of other regional partners on a wide range of programs. Guided by our 2018 Strategic Blueprint, we are committed to conserving Wissahickon Valley Park through advancing three areas of strategic priority: infrastructure, habitat, and engagement. TRASH SMASH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein. BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Friends of the Wissahickon. The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein. Search Friends of the

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FOW relies on member and volunteer support to help care for the 1,800-acre Wissahickon Valley Park for people and wildlife alike. Visit and get involved today! Plan Your Visit Virtual Valley

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NEWS & EVENTS

A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS Current Projects // June 02, 2021 One of the most exciting moments last week in Wissahickon Valley Park was the installation of a newly restored historic guard box at Magargee Dam. As visitors stopped to watch on Forbidden Drive, the

red,...

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Jun_8th_

TUESDAY STEWARDSHIP

Would you like to be part of keeping Wissahickon Valley Park beautiful and sustainable? Then join FOW on a variety of stewardship projects on Tuesday mornings! Locations and tasks with vary week to week,

including…

Jun_9th_

WEDNESDAY STEWARDSHIP WITH DAVID BOWER Would you like to be part of keeping Wissahickon Valley Park beautiful and sustainable? Then join long-time steward of the Wissahickon and the FOW Volunteer of the Year (2019), David Bower, on a variety of…

Jun_10th_

THURSDAY STEWARDSHIP Would you like to be part of keeping Wissahickon Valley Park beautiful and sustainable? Then join us for a morning of stewardship on Thursdays! Locations will vary week to week; we will mostly be

concentrating…

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Friends of the Wissahickon The FOW office is located at 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Our mission is to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein. Receive Our Newsletter

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* Volunteer Leaders Login Friends of the Wissahickon 40 W. Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118-3324

phone: 215-247-0417

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