Forbidden Drive
Classic out-and-back gravel trail through the heart of Philadelphia’s Wissahickon Valley Park following Wissahickon Creek for miles of shaded running with constant water views. Forbidden Drive is one of Philly’s most iconic running routes — wide, mostly flat, and closed to vehicle traffic, making it ideal for easy miles, long runs, recovery days, and marathon training alike. Along the route you’ll pass historic bridges, dense forest, and landmarks like Valley Green Inn, with plenty of opportunities to branch off onto more technical singletrack trails if you want extra elevation or terrain. The crushed gravel surface is soft on the legs and the scenery changes beautifully throughout the seasons.
About this trail
Classic out-and-back gravel trail through the heart of Philadelphia’s Wissahickon Valley Park following Wissahickon Creek for miles of shaded running with constant water views. Forbidden Drive is one of Philly’s most iconic running routes — wide, mostly flat, and closed to vehicle traffic, making it ideal for easy miles, long runs, recovery days, and marathon training alike. Along the route you’ll pass historic bridges, dense forest, and landmarks like Valley Green Inn, with plenty of opportunities to branch off onto more technical singletrack trails if you want extra elevation or terrain. The crushed gravel surface is soft on the legs and the scenery changes beautifully throughout the seasons.
Getting there
The most popular access points are near Valley Green, Bells Mill Road, and Northwestern Avenue. Good parking options include Northwestern Ave Parking Area, Bells Mill Road East Parking Lot, and Wissahickon Valley Park Chestnut Hill Parking. Valley Green is a great central starting point but fills quickly on weekends. SEPTA Regional Rail and multiple bus routes also provide convenient access to the park. For shorter runs, Ten Box and Lincoln Drive trailheads are popular southern entrances, while Northwestern Avenue works well for longer out-and-back efforts.
Map
Best seasons
Spring, Summer, Fall
Coordinates
40.082273, -75.231972