Fodor's Expert Review Valley Green (Wissahickon Park)

There are many great sections of Fairmount Park, but the 1,800 acres around Valley Green known as Wissahickon Park may be the most stunning. Miles and miles of trails running along and above the river lead to covered bridges, a statue of an Indian chief, 17th-century caves of a free-love cult, large boulders that drip water, and ducks. Forbidden Drive, on which cars are forbidden, runs from Northwestern Avenue (the westernmost part of Chestnut Hill) all the way to Lincoln Drive, where it connects to a bike and walking path. This leads eventually to Manayunk and Kelly Drive, where there are additional bike paths that can take you to the city or out along the Schuylkill. Admission to the park is free, but permits are required for bicycles and horses along some trails outside the Forbidden Drive, and a fishing license is required for anglers. There are also many miles of surprisingly difficult mountain-bike trails. The Valley Green Inn is a decent restaurant located on Forbidden Drive and Valley Green Road, and there is a refreshment stand there as well.