An early spring day on Forbidden Drive, which was recently named 'Trail of the Year.'

by Valerie Jean-Baptiste

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources designated Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Valley Park the 2018 Trail of the Year. DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced this historic honor in February of 2018. Now, Friends of the Wissahickon is celebrating the award with a party on Friday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the patio of Valley Green Inn.

The event originally included an outdoor portion, but predicted rain for the day prompted FOW to cancel those events.

“This trail truly is among so many Fairmount Park gems, and one that shines brightest for the thousands of hikers, bikers, anglers and others who travel it each year,” Dunn said.

To celebrate such an occasion, the Friends of the Wisshickonis throwing a party that is free and open to the public. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources mission is to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment, all while inspiring citizens to value their natural resources, engage in conversation practices, and experience the great outdoors.

“For decades, Friends of the Wissahickon has been working hard to make a great trail even better. It’s all here. Quality, benefits to the region, and a strong volunteer network and multitude of partnerships qualify Forbidden Drive to be singled out in this fifth year of very special recognition.” Dunn said.

Wissahickon Valley Park Trail, which is also known as Forbidden Drive, stretches about seven miles long. Where people can enjoy trail activities such as biking, horseback riding, mountain biking, walking, and cross country skiing. The park offers a pleasant escape from the bumbling, bustling streets of Philadelphia, and includes many interesting historical features, such as old homes owned by notable locals.

Every year, the Pennsylvania trails Advisory Committee designates a Trail of the Year to trail networks in Pennsylvania to help build enthusiasm and support for large and small trails, and to raise public awareness about to value of Pennsylvania’s trail network.

In 2017, the Montour Trail system in Allegheny and Washington counties was named Trail of the Year, and in 2016, the Standing Stone Trail held the title of Trail of the Year. Now, the historic Wissahickon Valley Park Trail has been crowned 2018 Trail of the Year.

“We’re thrilled that the beautiful and historic Forbidden Drive has been named Trail of the Year,” said Maura McCarthy, executive director of Friends of the Wissahickon. “The name belies this urban oasis that welcomes visitors of all ages on foot, bikes, or horseback to enjoy the wonders of nature that Friends of the Wissahickon work to conserve.”

The event starts at 11 a.m. and speakers include Pennsylvania DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, City of Philadelphia Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis, and Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee Member-at-Large Henry Stroud.

For more information about the celebration, which is free and open to the public, visit https://www.fow.org/.