Valley Green to Chestnut Hill Railroad Grade

This forgotten railroad grade served coal trains from the Pennsylvania Railroad’s main line up to the textile mills of Chestnut Hill from 1884 to 1958. The route begins at Valley Green Inn and climbs steadily through the Wissahickon Gorge on the original stone ballast, crossing three stone arch bridges that still bear the weight of modern vehicles. The steepest section near Cresheim Creek requires low-range gearing as loose ballast stones and washouts from decades of abandonment create significant traction challenges.

Moderate difficulty requires 4WD with low-range transfer case and skid plates for protection against sharp ballast stones. The railroad ties were removed in the 1960s, but steel rails remain embedded in some sections, creating potential tire hazards. Best attempted in dry conditions from May through October when creek crossings are manageable. No official vehicle access exists—this is technically trespassing on city parkland, though enforcement is minimal. The payoff is accessing some of Philadelphia’s most remote urban wilderness and spectacular views of the Wissahickon Creek valley that few people ever see.