Wissahickon Valley Park

Wissahickon Valley Park. Park Directory. , 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, Toleration Statue , A gift from John Welsh, a prominent Philadelphia merchant and citizen, the statue depicts William Penn and commemorates his extraordinary policies of toleration. The statue was created by sculptor Herman Kirn and erected in 1883., Walnut Lane Bridge , One of the first reinforced concrete bridges ever built, the center Arch of this bridge made it the highest and longest in the world when it opened in 1908. The bridge connects Germantown and Roxborough neighborhoods across the Wissahickon Creek., Thomas Mansion , Constructed in 1869 George Clifford Thomas's house is situated in Clifford Park. Mr. Thomas was an investment banker and philanthropist. Upon Thomas's death in 1907, the mansion and gardens were donated to Fairmount Park and managed by the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust., 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., 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., More stories around every bend… , Look for these interpretive signs throughout the park to learn more about the natural and cultural history of this unique place., Park Stories, Protecting the Wissahickon Watershed , The Wissahickon Creek Watershed encompasses 64 square miles in Philadelphia and Montgomery counties and includes all surfaces that direct water into the creek, such as green spaces, rooftops, and roadways. When rainfall flows across these surfaces, it transports leaves, soil, and pollutants (such as oils, fertilizers, and trash) into the Wissahickon. These pollutants decrease the overall quality of water in the creek, which is a major source of Philadelphia's drinking water., The Fairmount Park Commission, now Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, was established in 1868 to ensure a clean source of drinking water for Philadelphia and the surrounding area. Today, the department, with the help of many groups, manages our parkland whose vegetation helps filter and absorb pollutants from stormwater runoff while reducing erosion. This vegetation also provides cooling shade for creeks, improving the habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms.