Wissahickon Valley Park Trail: Philadelphia's Off-Road Gem

City: PhiladelphiaState: PennsylvaniaDistance: 16 miLevel: IntermediateRoute Type: Loop

The Wissahickon Experience

Hidden within Philadelphia's urban landscape, the Wissahickon Valley Park Trail offers cyclists a ride of striking contrasts: challenging climbs, flowing technical sections, and rocky descents. This trail, often referred to as 'The Wiss,' remains a testament to Philadelphia's dedication to preserving natural spaces.

Trail Description

• Terrain: The multi-use trail predominantly consists of intermediate to expert terrains. It's a playground of tight single tracks, log crossings, tree roots, and rock gardens. While beginners might find sections of the trail challenging, the beauty of The Wiss is that they can always walk the more demanding areas.
• Variety: With segments ranging from flat roads, aptly named the Forbidden Drive, to hilly technical tracks, riders experience diverse landscapes. Fast and flowy sections merge seamlessly with steep, rocky climbs. Short, punchy uphill sections test your stamina, while exhilarating downhills offer a thrilling reward.
• Technical Features: Riders face a myriad of challenges: rock gardens, log jumps, and steep hill climbs. Some segments have been mellowed, likely to accommodate beginners, but rest assured, the trail retains its overall technical nature.
• Maintenance: For the most part, the trail is well-maintained, with some areas occasionally overgrown. The community spirit shines through, with local riders often seen respecting and upkeeping the trail. Recent additions of maps within the park aid navigation, though intersections can still be tricky.

A Note on Accessibility

Getting There: Philadelphia offers multiple access points to The Wiss, including Northwest Ave and Valley Green Road. However, caution is advised when parking in remote spots due to theft concerns in certain areas of Fairmount Park. For those biking from the city center, a bike path leads directly to the trail, making accessibility a breeze.

Cyclists' Insights

• "Physically demanding with punchy 2-3-minute climbs. Amazing for a trail within city limits."
• "From easy single tracks to skill-based technical climbs, there's something for everyone."
• "A true city gem. Well-maintained with lots of climbs. Don't forget to fill up your water bottle."
• "The Wiss is my home trail. The variety is astonishing. Technical rock sections, smooth single tracks, challenging ascents, and thrilling descents."
• "A brilliant spot for upper intermediate to advanced riders. Just ensure you have a trail permit."
• "Early morning rides here are the best. And with Forbidden Drive nearby, one can always take a breather."

Final Thoughts

The Wissahickon Valley Park Trail stands out as a testament to Philadelphia's commitment to preserving its natural spaces. For those in the Philly area, it's not just a trail; it's an experience. Whether a local or a visitor, one thing remains certain: once ridden, The Wiss is never forgotten.