DirtWorld - Mountain Bike Guide  
DirtWorld - Mountain Bike Guide Tuesday, May 21st  
    HOME > TRAIL GUIDES > PENNSYLVANIA > THE WISSAHICKON PARK




The Wissahickon Park

Nearby Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Ride Type: Many Trails To Choose
Trail Type: not specified
Distance: 20.00 miles (32.18 KM)
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Elevation Gain: not specified.
Climbing: Steep and Technical
Skill Level: Weekend Warriors
User Density: not specified.



Ride Summary:
Technical and steep single track.

Trail Description:
Located just outside of Philly the park is home to seriously challenging riding. Steep climbs and technical descents.

How to get there:
The park is off of rt76 at exit 32 (ridge rd). Take ridge rd. west and the main trail at the end of the ramp. park off to the right, next to the wallpaper store. The main trail starts out paved and turns into gravel. But the best trails are off to the sides and are usually marked.




Posted by: house of sick on 11/3/2010
the Philly cops need to do something about the cars being broken into here. It's been an issue for years. Take your credit cards for a bike ride, and don't leave anything inside your car. Tthis is an operation, not just a dumb kid. Ther target bikers because we dont carry much when we ride. They spot cars with bikes as you pull into the park from the houses across from the enterence. If you see people there who simply look like they don't belong at the park, call the cops. The ridding here is great, not many other cities have a full on place to mtb within the the city limits.


Posted by: MG on 8/11/2010
PART 2 of directions: Right now (8/2010), there is construction at the end of Willow Grove Ave, but it has a clear and very short detour which gets you closer to where you want to be anyway. You want to turn left on Germantown Ave and take the right at Springfield Ave (Cin-Cin Restaurant on the corner.) Follow Springfield Ave all the way down past Chestnut Hill Academy into the park. It dead-ends there. Park in the lower lot at Valley Green Inn if you can (cars are broken into in the upper lot.)


Posted by: MG on 8/11/2010
This is my home trail, so I may be a bit biased. It's got a little bit of everything, and props to PMBA for the work they've done and continue to do to enhance it over the last few years. Legendary for two things -- Wissahickon Schist (the shiny specs that are everywhere on you and your bike after the ride) and it's constant up and down. Very little "flat" here. No super long climbs, but it's always going up or down. If you get a flat section, enjoy it because it won't last long! A little local knowledge for those coming from far away: easiest route to get into the park is to take the PA Turnpike ot the Fort Washington Interchange. Then get on 309 South and take the Paper Mill Road Exit (about 3 miles down) and turn right. Take the second left (Cheltenham Ave) and follow it to the firt light (Willow Grove Ave) Take a right and follow this road all the way into Chestnut Hill. (You'll cross Stenton Ave and go under the SEPTA Train stop.) Right now (8/2010) there i


Posted by: m on 8/5/2010
very technical in some parts with the rock beds


Posted by: pk ripper on 9/6/2009
steep, technical climbs up to great down hills and great flowing single track with tons of fun obstacles.


Posted by: Dave on 8/23/2009
The friendliest people I've met on the trails have been bikers. These nature trails are an escape for everyone to enjoy. I mainly ride the trails and respect everyone I come across. To point fingers at any one group is hippocritical. Sever storms are the biggest factor in erosion. Feet, hooves or tires all cut the same paths day in and day out, so its best to respect each other's search for serenity or adrenalin.


Posted by: Joe on 7/4/2009
It amuses me to see the equestrians and bikers yell at eachother about who wrecks the trails more. Honestly, both do, in their own way. Yes, my bike and I do leave tire tracks, but muddy grooves even out at the next rainfall. At least I don't go the bathroom on the trail and leave it there for people to walk and ride through. How inconsiderate must you be to yell at bikers for 'destroying the calmness' of the park when anyone who steps foot on the trails has to smell and look at your giant animal's pile of joy. Trails are for everyone. If the equestrians want to yell about trail destruction, I welcome them to participate in the trail maintenance that the bike community spearheads. I have yet to see one horse rider get their fingernails dirty. How proper.


Posted by: BlackBean on 4/13/2009
Instead of complaining, why don't the hiking and equestrian community not join trail maintenance like bikers do? Bikers do 90% of the maintenance on shared trails. Horses contribute to 90% of the damage where they are allowed.


Posted by: Matt on 12/7/2008
This park is actually in Philadelphia, not outside of Philadelphia.


Posted by: browndog on 12/5/2008
Philadelphia mountain bike association (p.m.b.a) logs thousands of volunteer hours each year to keep these multi-use trails sustainable and accessible for bikers, equistrians, and hikers. To say that mountain bikers are killing trees and responsible for trail erosion when we are one of the largest volunteer groups maintaining these trails is very ignorant. You would be hard pressed to find a user group more dedicated and passionate about maintaining the ecology of the park.




 



GEAR REVIEWS | TRAIL GUIDES | RACES & EVENTS | RESOURCES | MESSAGE BOARDS | HOME

©Copyright 1996-2013, Katabak, Inc. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any from. DirtWorld.com Privacy Policy.
Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service | Advertising | About DirtWorld.com | Contact Us.