Welcome to Wissahickon Valley Park! Here are some useful tips on how to have the most enjoyable visit. See a full list of rules and regulations for Philadelphia parks here.
Numbers | Visit Checklist | Safety | Devil’s Pool | Leave No Trace | Trail Conditions and Closures
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Numbers
You should make sure that you know the following numbers to call for assistance within the park.
- To report park damages, downed trees and littering: Text WISS to FOW at (267) 966-2207.
- To report non-emergency situations, including parking, swimming, and noise complaints: Call the Park Rangers at (215) 685-2172 OR call 311 to report to the city.
- To report a wildlife incident: Call the PA Game Commission at (610) 926-3136.
- If you need help right away because of a medical emergency or an immediate danger: Call 911 and describe your emergency.
Visit Checklist
- Did you plan your trip? It’s easy to do on our maps page or FOW’s new map app. Remember that the Wissahickon is a natural area and bathroom facilities are limited in most of the park.
- Is your pet on a leash? Make sure that your dog is on a leash of six feet or less to protect local wildlife and other park users.
- Remember to respect other users and follow trail guidelines. FOW’s Trail Conditions page has more information and is updated weekly.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles and carry out everything you carry into the park!
- Park visitors are expected to follow all rules and regulations set forth by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, including heeding to all trail user designations, being courteous to all park users, and being sensitive to the environment. Read the park rules at the link above before you visit!
Safety
Wissahickon Valley Park is an 1800-acre public park in a big city. You should remember the following when in the park:
- Swimming in Philadelphia’s rivers and streams is not permitted due to risks of drowning and injury from submerged objects, as well as the need to protect the water quality.
- 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 aware of your surroundings. Go headphone free.
- Trust your instincts. If you sense trouble because of a person or a place, leave.
- See all the Wissahickon has to offer and vary your routine.
Devil’s Pool
Devil’s Pool is one of the most popular spots in the Wissahickon, but it’s not the most accessible of locations to visit. Remember the following information if you’re visiting the Devil’s Pool area to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit:
- Devil’s Pool is difficult for emergency services to access because it is over half a mile from the nearest trailheads, and has limited cell phone service as well.
- Do not park or get dropped off on Livezey Lane as it’s the only access point for emergency vehicles and personnel. Alternative parking locations include the Mt. Airy Avenue trailhead and Henry Avenue between the Summit and Wigard trailheads (check them out on our map app!).
- Swimming in the Wissahickon Creek isn’t safe due to submerged objects and dangerous currents. If you’re looking to stay cool, Houston playground has an accessible sprayground (map here)!
The natural beauty of Devil’s Pool. Help take care of this park treasure!
- Do not leave trash at Devil’s Pool. If you brought it into the park, it’s your job to bring it out again. More info here.
- Devil’s Pool isn’t the best picnic spot. There are designated picnic spots at Pachella Field, Bluebell Field, and Harper’s Meadow (map here).
- There are no bathroom facilities in the immediate area.
- Treat everyone using the park with respect and courtesy.
Leave No Trace
The Wissahickon feels very wild, but with more than a million annual visitors, it’s a constant challenge to keep it that way. We depend on your help to make sure that the park continues to be a pleasant place for recreation and a sustainable habitat for migratory birds and local wildlife.
- If you brought it in, bring it out. Avoid littering or dumping in the park. You can even pay it forward by picking up trash on your visit!
- Minimize your impact on the park by staying on established trails, and only building fires in designated barbecues or fire pits.
- Protect wildlife by leashing any pets and giving habitat boxes space.
More information on Leave No Trace principles can be found here.