Is Wissahickon Park safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Wissahickon Park as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Wissahickon Park
“Go. Wissahickon Valley Park is one of Philadelphia's safest and most cherished natural destinations, offering over 50 miles of wooded trails and historic landmarks along Wissahickon Creek. It is remarkably safe during daylight hours, though visitors should remain cautious about vehicle break-ins at trailhead lots and avoid the trails after dark.”
About the area
Wissahickon Valley Park is an 1,800-acre rugged forested gorge situated in Northwest Philadelphia, bordered by stable, affluent communities like Chestnut Hill and Roxborough. The park features gravel paths, equestrian trails, historic stone bridges, and a peaceful creek environment that feels far removed from the surrounding city. It is a premier urban retreat for hikers, mountain bikers, runners, and nature lovers.
- Wooded & Scenic
- Outdoor Recreation
- Historic Charm
- Peaceful
Walking and biking in Wissahickon Park
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 68/100
Forbidden Drive is a premier multi-use trail that connects to the Schuylkill River Trail via Lincoln Drive; Indego bike-share stations are available at the Wissahickon Transportation Center near the southern trailhead.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime is exceptionally low compared to citywide Philadelphia benchmarks
- Surrounded by high-income, high-homeownership neighborhoods including Chestnut Hill and Roxborough
- Active stewardship from the Friends of the Wissahickon and regular Philadelphia Park Ranger patrols
- Well-trafficked main artery (Forbidden Drive) provides safety in numbers during daylight
Cons
- Trailhead parking lots frequently experience property crime and vehicle break-ins
- Limited cellular reception in lower gorge sections can impede emergency contact
- No lighting throughout the park interior makes nighttime navigation dangerous
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the park, with occasional small, secluded encampments in dense woods that are managed by park staff; panhandling is virtually nonexistent.
What Wissahickon Park is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very safe and active with early-bird trail runners, cyclists, and dog walkers filling the main trails.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe and lively along Forbidden Drive and picnic spots, though standard trail awareness is recommended on secluded upper paths.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity diminishes quickly near sunset; it is safe to finish up outings, but parking lots become more isolated.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- The park is officially closed and pitch-black without lighting; visiting late at night is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA Regional Rail lines (Chestnut Hill West and Manayunk/Norristown lines) stop within a 10-to-15-minute walk of various trailheads, complemented by SEPTA bus routes 9, 27, and 65 near major park entry points.
Free designated trailhead lots exist along Valley Green Road, Bells Mill Road, and Northwestern Avenue, but they fill quickly on weekends and require leaving zero visible valuables to deter break-ins.
Things to do in Wissahickon Park
- Walk, run, or bike along the scenic five-mile gravel stretch of Forbidden Drive
- Photograph the iconic red Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, the only remaining covered bridge in a major US city
- Explore the rocky upper trails and visit the historic Fingerspan Bridge
Local favorites
- Valley Green Inn · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (2150)Historic 19th-century creek-side tavern along Forbidden Drive serving upscale American comfort food and brunch.
- The Cedars House · Cafe · 4.6★ (420)Charming cafe on Northwestern Avenue offering coffee, smoothies, and light fare to trail-goers and cyclists.
- Wissahickon Brewing Company · Brewery · 4.7★ (980)Family-run taproom and beer garden situated near the southern entrance of the park with rotating food trucks.
Neighborhoods near Wissahickon Park
Common questions about Wissahickon Park
Is Wissahickon Park safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Wissahickon Park a good place to live?
On safety, Wissahickon Park scores 80/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Wissahickon Park?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 68/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Wissahickon Park are safer?
Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia) (89), Mount Airy, West (85), Wissahickon Hills (84) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Wissahickon Park? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.