Forbidden Drive and Orange Trail Loop

This loop offers a diverse experience. Forbidden Drive is a wide, mostly flat, and well-maintained crushed gravel or dirt path, suitable for all skill levels. In contrast, the Orange Trail is a more rugged single-track path with dirt, rocks, roots, and some uneven, technical sections, providing a moderate challenge.

The overall loop is generally considered easy to moderate. While Forbidden Drive is very accessible and flat, the Orange Trail introduces more challenging segments with uneven terrain and some mild elevation changes. It's a good option for those looking for a varied hike that combines easy walking with more natural, rugged paths.

Wissahickon Valley Park has several parking areas. For this loop, you can often find parking near the Valley Green Inn or other designated lots along Forbidden Drive. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekends, is recommended as parking can fill up quickly.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome in Wissahickon Valley Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and wildlife.

No, there is no entrance fee or permit required to access Wissahickon Valley Park or to hike this loop. It's a public park, freely accessible for everyone to enjoy.

The loop is enjoyable year-round, but it's particularly scenic during autumn when the foliage along the Wissahickon Creek displays vibrant colors. Spring also offers beautiful wildflowers. Summer can be warm, so an early start is advisable, and winter hiking is possible, but be prepared for potentially icy or muddy conditions on the Orange Trail.

You'll encounter several interesting spots. Along Forbidden Drive, you'll pass historic bridges and the scenic Wissahickon Creek. The Orange Trail leads you deeper into the woods, where you can find unique features like the Fingerspan bridge sculpture and the area around Devil's Pool. The Kitchen's Lane bridge is also a highlight.

Yes, this route is part of a larger network. It primarily uses sections of the Orange Trail and Forbidden Drive, but it also passes through segments of the White Trail and the Wissahickon Trail, offering connections to other areas of the park.

Wissahickon Valley Park is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals. The wooded areas of the Orange Trail offer a more secluded environment for wildlife viewing.

While there are no dedicated restrooms directly on the trails, facilities may be available at popular spots like the Valley Green Inn, which is located along Forbidden Drive. It's always a good idea to carry your own water, especially for the more rugged sections of the Orange Trail.

Consider starting your hike by heading north on Forbidden Drive, which is a very mild uphill, and then transitioning to the Orange Trail. This allows you to tackle the more rugged sections of the Orange Trail when you're fresh, and finish with the gentle downhill of Forbidden Drive heading back south, making for a pleasant end to your hike.