Park Directory

Park Directory. Wissahickon Valley Park. , Welcome to Wissahickon Valley Park! , Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1964, the Wissahickon Creek gorge is one of the most unique places in the City of Philadelphia. Carved through the distinctive Wissahickon Schist bedrock, the gorge features steep wooded hillsides where the region's rich history is represented in the park's many beautiful sculptures and historic structures, including Philadelphia's only remaining covered bridge., The Wissahickon trail system features over 50 miles of premier biking, hiking, and equestrian trails and is a designated National Recreational Trail., Nearby Park Attractions , Blue Stone Bridge , Built in 1896 the bridge replaced an earlier covered bridge known as the "Old Red Bridge" that allowed wagons to travel from Germantown through Historic Rittenhouse Town and onto Roxborough., Historic Rittenhousetown , Established in 1690 by William Rittenhouse, this is the site of the first paper mill in North America and the birthplace of David Rittenhouse. Seven buildings remain on this 30-acre site, which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1992. Events, workshops, and programs are offered., Ten Box , Built in 1940 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Ten Box was a shelter for the Fairmount Park Guards who patrolled the park by foot, horse, and bike. Each shelter had a telephone and wood or coal stove., Henry Avenue Bridge , Also known as the Wissahickon Memorial Bridge, this bridge was designed by Paul Philippe Cret, a nationally acclaimed Philadelphia architect in collaboration with Frank M. Masters in 1927. It is dedicated to the men and women of Philadelphia's northwest neighborhoods who served in World War I., Hermits of the Wissahickon , Johannes Kelpius (1673-1708), a mystic, led a group of German Pietists seeking religious freedom known as the "Hermits of the Wissahickon." They were believed to use what is now called Hermit's Cave for meditation. In 1848, Evan Prowattain, son of a Russian Count, built this home, named the Hermitage, after the famous Russian Museum., Wissahickon Hall , One of the first inns along the Wissahickon Creek, this building was erected in 1849 offering such amenities as horse sheds and boating on the creek. It served as the headquarters for the Fairmount Park Guard and subsequently the 92nd District Police Station for over 100 years., Park Stories , Entering Wissahickon Valley Park , The 1,800-acre Wissahickon Valley Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Traffic and city life quickly disappear as visitors are enveloped by the soft chatter of hikers and wildlife, rustling leaves, and the quiet waters of Wissahickon creek. Passing under historic bridges and by 18th- and 19th-century inns and mills, the creek bears witness to the heritage of the Wissahickon Valley and its integral role in the Philadelphia region., Over 1.1 million annual visitors take advantage of the park's abundant recreational opportunities. More than 50 miles of trails offer hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians the opportunity to explore the park's dense forests, open meadows, and shaded creeks. Wissahickon Creek is stocked with trout every spring, luring fisherman to its banks, while birdwatchers migrate to the restored Andorra and Houston meadows to witness the arrival of winged visitors.