Wissahickon Valley Park Forbidden Drive
Historic carriage road through Philadelphia's wilderness
Forbidden Drive earned its name when automobiles were banned from this 19th-century carriage road that winds 5.5 miles through the Wissahickon Gorge. The gravel path follows Wissahickon Creek from Northwestern Avenue to Ridge Avenue, passing stone bridges built by German stonemasons and the ruins of colonial-era mills. Valley Green Inn marks the halfway point where horses once watered and carriages rested before tackling the steeper northern section through Devil’s Pool.
Easy grade suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though the surface can get rutted after heavy rain. Best driven during fall foliage or early morning to avoid cyclists and joggers who share the route. No permits required, but parking fills fast on weekends. The drive offers city dwellers a rare chance to explore old-growth forest and 19th-century engineering without leaving Philadelphia proper.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 5.5 mi / 8.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 280 ft |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Philadelphia, PA |
| Land manager | Fairmount Park Conservancy |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Good |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | myphillypark.org |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock SUV or truck handle Forbidden Drive?
Yes — it's a flat gravel carriage road with minimal technical demand. Any stock high-clearance vehicle handles it fine, though the crossings can get muddy after heavy rain.
Is Forbidden Drive accessible year-round?
It's open all four seasons. Winter brings ice over the gravel and at water crossings, so airing down won't help you here — slow speed and caution will.
Do I need a permit or is there a fee to drive Forbidden Drive?
No permit, no fee. It's managed by the Fairmount Park Conservancy and open to the public, but be aware that motorized vehicles have restricted access — confirm current vehicle access rules at myphillypark.org before you show up.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
There's no genuinely hard section — this is an easy, scenic carriage road. The water crossings are the only variable; after significant rain they can deepen enough to warrant a careful approach, but nothing that challenges a capable rig.
Is there anywhere to park a truck with a trailer at the trailhead?
Parking near the Forbidden Drive trailhead is tight and street-based — pulling a trailer through Philadelphia surface streets and finding space is a real headache. Leave the trailer home and drive in solo if you can.
Trail track
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