Best Hikes in Philadelphia Fairmount Park Wissahickon Gorge

These are the best hikes in Philadelphia Fairmount Park Wissahickon Gorge. Philadelphia is home to some truly spectacular hiking. In fact, some say the city's public transportation links and impressive scenery make Philadelphia one of the most hiking friendly cities in the country!

Wissahickon Gorge Trails

Wait, what? There's a gorge in Philadelphia? That's right! Wissahickon Creek, a tributary of the Schyulkill River, cuts through the pristine preserved landscape of northwest Philadelphia from Chestnut Hill to Roxborough. The best time to hike here is early in the day. Enter the silent gorge on a misty morning and leave the city sounds behind.

There are three primary trails that run the entire length of the Wissahickon Gorge. The Orange Trail and the White Trail are on the north and east side of the gorge while the Yellow Trail snakes along the remarkable land feature's south and west side. 

The Orange Trail

The Orange Trail is the most rugged trail through the Wissahickon Gorge. It is a 7.5-mile mostly single-track trail that runs low along the creek. It is used to access fishing points and swimming holes. It is a stony route with complicated root systems that make navigation a bit more strenuous. There is some interesting history to be discovered along here, including a unique caged pedestrian bridge and a spot where the first baptism in Philadelphia took place. 

Statue of Lenni-Lenapi leader at Council Rock, White Trail 

The White Trail

This trail is about 4.5-miles from start to finish and it takes the high route along the gorge. The views from here are spectacular, particularly in the winter months when the leaves have fallen leaving the bones of this impressive land form bare. Along this route you will find several unique features, such as statues, historic points, lush landscapes, and exposed old-city infrastructure.

The Yellow Trail

This trail is a particular favorite of many as it passes by the old Valley Green Inn, a spot where you can stop and have some ice cream or even tuck in for a delicious meal mid-hike. It also boasts one of the most impressive viewpoints of the gorge, and passes through some pretty incredible historic locations. One such location is the home of a hermit and long defunct doomsday cult.

These best hikes in Philadelphia Fairmount Park Wissahickon Gorge are sure to please any hiker, from avid hikers to novices alike. In fact, because there are so many different access points along these trails they can be broken down into smaller hikes ideal for young families.

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