Valley Forge National Historical Park day trip from Philadelphia

Drive to the park’s main entrance at the intersection of State Route 23 and North Gulph Road, where you can access the visitor center. Valley Forge is directly off Route 23.

The visitor-center lower parking lot is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to sunset and has 397 spaces, including 18 for oversized vehicles and 15 ADA-designated spaces. For a different day trip, Longwood Gardens from Philadelphia is another destination to plan around.

The Valley Forge Visitor Center is a practical first stop for maps, park information, restrooms, drinking water, snacks, and wheelchair-accessible facilities. Wheelchairs are available there. The center was first opened in 1976 and built partly underground to evoke the earthworks and fortifications of the encampment.

The free orientation film screens every half-hour, starting at 9:30 a.m.; the last show is at 4:30 p.m. The theater is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The visitor center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the same holiday closures.

Historic sites across the grounds connect the landscape to the Continental Army’s encampment. The park map can help you pick stops and see how trails link them. Washington’s Headquarters is a notable stop, and the surrounding headquarters area, train station and exhibits, Commander-In-Chief’s Guard Huts, and George Washington statue are accessible during regular operating hours.

Varnum’s Quarters is not open to the public. The National Memorial Arch can be viewed from a vehicle on Gulph Road, making it an option if you’re following the park roads rather than walking between sites.

The paved Joseph Plumb Martin Trail forms a 5-mile loop and connects to historic sites. Some slopes are steep, and the trail and its spurs to Knox’s Quarters and Washington’s Headquarters have no handrails. The park map indicates which trails allow bicycles and e-bikes, so check it before choosing a route.

The Schuylkill River Trail connects directly to the park via Sullivan’s Bridge at Betzwood Picnic Area. Its section through the park is paved and has no steep areas. Between Betzwood Picnic Area and Pawlings Road, the trail has a packed fine-gravel surface and no steep areas.

You can also see the National Memorial Arch from your vehicle on Gulph Road. If you bring a pet, keep it leashed on authorized trails and put waste in the provided trash bins. Uncrewed or remotely piloted aircraft and metal-detecting devices are prohibited in areas administered by the National Park Service.

The park grounds are open every day, year-round, from 7:00 a.m. until dark; dark is defined as 30 minutes after sunset. There is no entrance fee, though guided tours have varying prices. Hours and access details can change, so check the official site before you go.

Use the park map to plan your stops, trail choice, and access. The Washington’s Headquarters area and train station are reached from the parking area by a paved ramp, with paved paths to each building.

The headquarters kitchen is accessible, while four steps lead to the main section of the house. Varnum’s Picnic Area parking lot has seasonal hours, so check current access before planning around it.

For a Valley Forge day trip, rooms at WoodSpring Suites put you about a 35-minute drive from the park.

How much does it cost to visit Valley Forge?

There is no entrance fee to visit the park. Guided-tour prices vary.

How long is the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail?

The paved trail forms a 5-mile loop and connects to historic sites. Some sections and spurs have steep slopes and no handrails.

Can you cycle at Valley Forge?

Bicycles and e-bikes are allowed on designated trails. The park map identifies which routes permit them.

Is Washington’s Headquarters open to visitors?

The headquarters area and nearby sites are accessible during regular operating hours. The house has four steps to its main section; the kitchen is accessible.