Pennypack and Wissahickon Gravel Route - Philadelphia PA

50-Mile Philadelphia Gravel Loop

Looking to link up the best dirt, gravel, and multi-use paths in southeast Pennsylvania? This 50-mile Philadelphia loop delivers an incredible cross-section of urban-suburban exploration, seamlessly connecting historic stream valleys, hidden park systems, and classic local terrain across Philadelphia and Montgomery counties.

• Route Distance 50 miles

• Terrain Urban gravel, crushed stone multi-use paths, historic cobbles, park connectors

• Key Highlights Pennypack Park, Tacony Creek Park, Germantown cobbles, Wissahickon Valley Park (Forbidden Drive), Green Ribbon Trail, Twining Valley Park

PHILLY GRAVEL EXPERIENCE

Starting with the open paths of Pennypack Park, this route immediately sets a tone of diverse riding. You will wind your way through Tacony Creek Park before hitting some gritty local flavor over the historic Germantown cobbles.

From there, the route cuts across to the crown jewels of the region: Wissahickon Valley Park and its iconic car-free crushed stone thoroughfare, Forbidden Drive. Expect a blend of smooth park paths, punchy connectors, and rugged links that keep you on your toes. Woven together with segments along the Green Ribbon Trail and the open landscape of Twining Valley Park, this loop proves that exceptional gravel riding exists right in the heart of the Delaware Valley.

• Start We recommend starting near Horsham where there is plenty of parking and places to use a restroom or find food after along Welsh Road.

• Route Navigation Find the full Ride With GPS route below

• Cafe Stop: Definitely pay PAPERtrail Bike Cafe a visit for a mid-ride resupply and visit their little shop in the woods. Note their operating hours (Wednesday to Friday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday to Sunday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

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