Picnic in the Wissahickon
This summer has been HOT, but we know that these scorching temperatures won’t stop Philadelphians from enjoying Wissahickon Valley Park.
Pro tip: bring at least a liter of water for every hour you’ll spend hiking!
Even though swimming is not permitted under Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s rules and regulations, there are so many places to enjoy the Creek from dry land.
Wissahickon Valley Park is home to endless picnic possibilities: tables and benches, pavilions, and scenic stops on the trail. Pack a lunch and find the perfect place to enjoy quiet moments in nature or vibrant gatherings of friends and family.
Find trailheads and parking, points of interest, and of course, picnic areas on this Google Map.
Harper’s Meadow & Pavilion. This rolling green area is the perfect place to relax, unwind with a book, and admire the horses grazing at Northwestern Stables.
Access: Germantown Ave right before it crosses Northwestern Ave, across from Chestnut Hill College. (See pin).
Forbidden Dr & Northwestern Ave, across from Cedars House. (See pin).
Parking & Public Transportation: Street parking on Northwestern Ave.
97 Bus drops you right off at the entrance to the meadow on Germantown Ave.
Bells Mill West. As the only vehicular road that crosses through the Wissahickon, this picnic area has convenient access to neighbors on both the east and west side of the park. Plus, this location is just steps from the parking lot and a few more from Forbidden Dr, making it the perfect place to enjoy a quick lunchtime bite. *Please note, the pavilion on the West side is closed for repairs*
Access: Bells Mill Rd & Forbidden Dr. (See pin.)
Parking & Public Transportation: Parking at Bells Mill West and Bells Mill East lots.
97 Bus (Germantown Ave & Bells Mill Rd).
Houston Playground. This spot is a summertime classic, and for good reason: basketball courts, a jungle gym, and a sprayground. There’s something for everyone in the family, including the some of the best places to watch birds in the park, the nearby Houston and Andorra Meadows.
Access: Grakyn Ln & Wissahickon Ave (See pin).
Parking & Public Transportation: Ample street parking.
62 Bus (Wissahickon Ave & Grakyn Ln).
Thomas Mill Red Covered Bridge. There is no shortage of benches at this historic covered bridge. On the east side of the Creek, you’ll also find a few designated picnic areas. With trail access to all the colored trails, yellow, orange, white, and lavender, this is great place for a mid-hike rest.
Access: via the White Trail from Chestnut Hill Ave Trailhead. ~.5 hike along Forbidden Dr & Bells Mill Rd.
Parking & Public Transportation: Limited street parking on Chestnut Hill Ave. Ample parking on Bells Mill, with a ~.5 walk.
Chestnut Hill West Regional Rail (Highland Ave stop) is a short walk to the Chestnut Hill Ave Trailhead.
Rex Avenue Bridge. No matter the season, you can see the Creek from the comfort of this picnic area. This is one of the most dramatic sceneries in the park, with outcroppings of huge trees marking the entrance to Rex Ave Bridge, a bridge that transports you back into the Middle Ages.
Insider knowledge: this is also a great place to hammock.
Access: Rex Ave Trailhead. (See pin).
Parking & Public Transportation: No street parking is available at Rex Ave! We recommend parking on Seminole Street near the Highland Avenue Train Station.
Chestnut Hill West Regional Rail (Highland Ave stop).
Magargee Dam (north of Wises Mill Road). This is for the folks who love saying, “I know a spot.” This picnic spot sits along the Magargee Dam and a unique, restored historic guard house. If the Valley Green Area is full, hike about a half mile up the Drive to access this picnic area.
Access: Intersection of Yellow Trail & Forbidden Drive, just north of Wises Mill Rd (See pin).
Parking & Public Transportation: Parking is available in the Valley Green Lower Lot North (via Wises Mill), Lower Lot South (via Valley Green Road), and the Upper Lot (via Valley Green Road). 27 Bus (Henry Ave & Wigard Ave). See map.
Valley Green Inn. You know it, you love it, and so does everyone else, so consider parking at a nearby trailhead and hiking to the Valley Green Area. The parking lots fill up quickly! Situated in the heart of the Wissahickon, this is a great midpoint rest-stop for a hike. If you don’t care to carry around your picnic offerings, you can even hit the Valley Green Inn’s snack bar for a refreshing drink, ice cream, or light snack to enjoy.
Access: Forbidden Drive, just south of Valley Green Road, across from the Yellow Trail entrance. (See pin).
Parking & Public Transportation: Parking is available in the Valley Green Lower Lot North (via Wises Mill), Lower Lot South (via Valley Green Road), and the Upper Lot (via Valley Green Road).
27 Bus (Henry Ave & Wigard Ave).
See map.
Pachella Fields. This location may be lesser used, but it’s right in the middle of the action. This access point is just a mile hike to the Valley Green Area. You’ll rarely have to worry about parking here, plus if you connect from the Wissahickon Transportation Center, you’ll be dropped right off at this location’s door via the 27 Bus.
This is great area for larger parties, too! If you’re interested in booking a picnic pavilion for a group of 50 or more, please file a permit with Parks & Recreation here.
Access: Henry Ave & Livezey Ln, into the parking lot. (See pin).
Parking & Public Transportation: Pachella Parking lot. (See pin).
27 Bus (Henry Ave & Livezey Ln).
Blue Bell Park. Another great spot for large parties and intimate gatherings alike. This grass outcropping is lined with trees and is home to three picnic areas, each under cover or the shade of trees. File a permit for a large party and coordinate with Parks & Recreation to have the bathrooms unlocked. From this location, you’ll enjoy access to the Orange Trail which provides beautiful Creekside views.
Access: Walnut Ln. (See pin).
Parking & Public Transportation: Blue Bell Parking Lot. (See pin).
65 Bus (Walnut Ln & Park Ln).
