Important Reminders When Visiting The Wissahickon

News // April 02, 2020

The trails in the Wissahickon Valley Park remain open, and we are seeing peak levels of visitation. Think the nicest weekend of the summer – that’s how packed the park is right now. Here are some important recommendations if you are planning on getting your daily exercise in the park at this time:

• Remember your responsibility to practice social distancing for your health and the safety of others. Maintain at least a 6-foot distance between yourself and other park visitors.

• If you or anyone in your household is feeling sick, please do not visit the park.

• When parking your car, lock the doors, carry your keys with you, and do not leave valuables in plain sight in the car.

• Visit with a buddy if possible.

• If visiting alone, avoid using the park during off-peak times and let people know where you are going.

• Be alert! Go headphone free. Using headphones leaves you vulnerable to physical injury and crime.

• Bring your dog on a leash. All pets are required to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

• Trust your instincts. If you sense trouble because of a person or a place, leave. Report suspicious activity by calling 911.

• See all the Wissahickon has to offer and vary your routine.

Here is a list of park services and amenities that will be variable or closed during this time. We will update the public as more information becomes available, and encourage our visitors to consult Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s updates here.

• All public park restrooms and city facilities will be closed as of Friday, 3/20 until further notice.

• The Valley Green Inn will be call-ahead takeout only as of Monday, 3/16.  The Cedars House Cafe is closed until further notice.  Please visit each business’ website for updated information.

• We do not recommend parking in the gated lots at the upper parking lot above the Wissahickon Environmental Center, Pachella Field, Blue Bell Hill, and David P. Montgomery Field (formerly Daisy).

• The Wissahickon Environmental Center is closed until further notice.

• All of FOW’s planned programming in the park is cancelled through April. Please disregard any event announcements in the Spring 2020 newsletter as this was published prior to the COVID-19 closures.