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Valley Forge National Historical Park

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Overview

The history of the American Revolution is highlighted in textbooks throughout the world, but American history truly comes alive at Valley Forge National Historical Park. As the winter encampment of George Washington's Continental Army, the valley is filled with historical artifacts and relics. Within the park, a vast wealth of archeological and natural resources evoke the spirit of independence essential to American history. A visit to Valley Forge is a step back in time, and visitors will leave inspired.

More information on Valley Forge National Historical Park can be found at www.nps.gov.

Local Info

Visitor Centers:
Visitor center hours vary by season. Visit the park's website to see current operating hours.
  • Valley Forge Visitor Center: Hours vary seasonally. Open year round. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
  • Washington's Headquarters: Hours vary seasonally. Open year round. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
  • Train Station: Open 9 am to 5 pm daily March-December, weekends January-March. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
  • Washington Memorial Chapel: Open 11 am to 5 pm Monday- Saturday and 12 pm to 5 pm Sunday. Open year round. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
  • Varnum's Quarters: Open 12 pm to 4 pm on weekends, April through October.

Visiting Tips

Valley Forge National Historical Park is open 365 days a year, from 7 am until dark (1/2 hour after sunset). Please be aware that some services may be limited during the winter season. See the park's website for information on seasonal closures.

Fees & Passes:
There are no entrance fees for Valley Forge Historical Park. Annual National Parks passes can not be purchased at the park.

Camping & Lodging

There are no campgrounds or hotels within Valley Forge Historical Park, however, a Visitor Service Liaison is available to assist with making reservations in the Montgomery County area. Please call 610-783-1031 for more information.

Food & Drink

Dining in Valley Forge National Historic Park is available. There are various picnic areas that provide pleasant places to dine on packed lunches or snacks, and two snack shops provide local treats. The Encampment Store provides light refreshments and snacks, while the Cabin Shop specializes in homemade baked goods, treats, and gift baskets. In addition to the dining options within the park, greater Montgomery County has diverse dining options to choose from. More information about restaurants in the area can be found here.

Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles

Guided Tours:
There are a variety of tours available for visitors to partake in while visiting the park including ranger-led walking tours, Living History programs, bicycle tours, and private tours. These educational programs explore and expose the secrets and history of the area. Be sure to check the events calendar for current schedules and for more information on special events. Unless otherwise noted, all programs are free and open to the public.

More information on all of the programs offered at Valley Forge National Historical Park can be found here.

Other Activities

Visitors to the Valley Forge National Historical Park can enjoy many of the activities that the park has to offer. Take your time on the various trails as they weave from one historical site to the next, and stop to listen to rangers giving talks about the Winter of 1777. Along the way, visitors may even have a chance to speak with a Continental Soldier to learn what life was like at the birth of the nation. With so many ways to experience the past, visitors will leave with a broadened perspective. For those looking for other ways to explore the park and surrounding area, check out MTB Project for some of the best rides in the area.

Gems in Valley Forge National Historical Park - 5

Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Gems

gem Favorite Memorial Arch.

National Memorial Arch

(7) Chester…, PA
gem Favorite "George Washington"

Washinton's Headquarters

(6) Chester…, PA
gem Favorite Muhlenberg sunrise.

Muhlenberg Brigade Huts (Log City)

(7) King of…, PA
gem Favorite Valley Forge: Varnum's Springhouse.

Washington Memorial Chapel

(8) Audubon, PA
gem Favorite Abandoned forge inside Valley Forge National Historical Park.

John Brown Lime Kiln

(2) Chester…, PA

Recommended Routes in Valley Forge National Historical Park - 4

Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Recommended Routes

Favorite Muhlenberg sunrise.
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

Joseph Plumb Martin Trail

5.7 mi 9.2 km 300' Up 91.4 m Up 300' Down 91.4 m Down

Audubon, PA
Explore in 3D
Favorite Walnut Hill Barn and Pawlings Farm.
Intermediate Intermediate

Walnut Hill Commissary & River Trails Loop

6.5 mi 10.5 km 183' Up 55.65 m Up 181' Down 55.14 m Down

Chester…, PA
Explore in 3D
Favorite Walnut Hill Barn and Pawlings Farm.
Intermediate Intermediate

Walnut Hill Desilting Basin

2.5 mi 4.0 km 87' Up 26.44 m Up 81' Down 24.57 m Down

Chester…, PA
Explore in 3D
Favorite Knox Farm at Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

Valley Creek and Knox Farm

1.0 mi 1.6 km 67' Up 20.37 m Up 71' Down 21.77 m Down

Chester…, PA
Explore in 3D

Valley Forge National Historical Park Hiking

  • 18 Miles 29 Kilometers of Trail
  • 4 Recommended Routes
  • 5 Gems Gems
  • 9 Easy Trails Easy Trails
  • 16 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 1 Difficult Trail Difficult Trails
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Share what you know about this area!

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Trails in Valley Forge National Historical Park - 22

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3.1 mi 5.0 km #1River Trail
Easy Easy
Audubon, PA
Easy Easy
Audubon, PA
0.7 mi 1.1 km #2Mount Misery Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Chesterbrook, PA
Intermediate Intermediate
Chesterbrook, PA
1.5 mi 2.4 km #3Mount Joy Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Chesterbrook, PA
Intermediate Intermediate
Chesterbrook, PA
1.3 mi 2.2 km #4Valley Creek Trail
Easy Easy
Chesterbrook, PA
Easy Easy
Chesterbrook, PA
2.3 mi 3.7 km #5Chapel Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Chesterbrook, PA
Intermediate Intermediate
Chesterbrook, PA
1.0 mi 1.7 km #6Horse-Shoe Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Chesterbrook, PA
Intermediate Intermediate
Chesterbrook, PA
1.2 mi 1.9 km #7Walnut Hill Impoundment Basin #21 Berm
Intermediate Intermediate
Chesterbrook, PA
Intermediate Intermediate
Chesterbrook, PA
1.3 mi 2.1 km #8Commissary Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Chesterbrook, PA
Intermediate Intermediate
Chesterbrook, PA
0.7 mi 1.1 km #9Walnut Hill Basin - Unnamed Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Chesterbrook, PA
Intermediate Intermediate
Chesterbrook, PA
1.5 mi 2.4 km #10Hillslope Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Audubon, PA
Intermediate Intermediate
Audubon, PA

Photos of Valley Forge National Historical Park - 61

Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Photos

Washington's Headquarters is just a bit to the west of the parking area.
Dec 30, 2015 near Chester…, PA
Snowshoeing the Audubon Loop Trail
Feb 12, 2016 near Audubon, PA
Muhlenberg Huts.
Mar 9, 2016 near King of…, PA
Muhlenberg morning.
Mar 9, 2016 near King of…, PA
Valley Forge: Colonial Springs Water Bottling Plant Ruins 5.
Apr 13, 2016 near Chester…, PA
"George Washington"
Apr 19, 2016 near Chester…, PA
Muhlenberg sunrise.
Apr 22, 2016 near King of…, PA
Memorial Arch.
Apr 26, 2016 near Chester…, PA

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