Fort Washington State Park is Rich in History and Beautiful in the Spring

Located just a stone’s throw from Philadelphia, Fort Washington State Park is a renowned spot for colorful dogwood trees. It is also rich in history and home to 3.5 miles of hiking trails.

The 493-acre park gets its name from a temporary fort built by George Washington’s men in the fall of 1777 before they headed to Valley Forge. Read this first!

Picnicking

Located just a stone’s throw from Philadelphia, Fort Washington State Park is a popular day trip destination for nature lovers. Named for a temporary fort built by General George Washington’s troops in the fall of 1777 before heading to Valley Forge, this 493-acre landscape blossoms with flowering dogwood in the spring.

The park offers year-round camping, hiking, disc golfing, and picnicking. Wissahickon Creek runs through the park, and trout fishing is popular during the spring. In the summer, anglers seek carp, catfish, and suckers. Fishing is subject to Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations.

Hikers find 3.5 miles of trails to trek on in this state park, with the easier paths being rated “easy.” Pets are welcome on leashes as long as they’re kept under control.

Camping

Just a stone’s throw from Philadelphia, Fort Washington State Park is a popular destination for visitors who enjoy the outdoors. The park’s landscape is resplendent with dogwood trees in spring, and it’s a great place to see the seasonal migration of raptors from the Observation Deck.

The park also has hiking trails, a group tent camping area, and picnic areas. The Green Ribbon Trail is a favorite for those who like to hike, and it connects the Militia Hill and Flourtown Day Use areas with Montgomery County Parkland and Fairmount Park’s Forbidden Drive in Chestnut Hill.

Despite the popularity of this park, it has some infrastructure needs, according to Marci Mowery, president of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. For instance, the park could benefit from an upgraded toilet system and the removal of ash trees that have been wiped out by the Emerald Ash Borer beetle. Browse around this site.

Hiking

This beautiful park offers a number of hiking opportunities ranging from easy to challenging. There are over 2 miles of trails that wind throughout the park. The most popular are located in the Flourtown and Militia Hill Day Use areas.

The fort itself was a 19th-century masonry fortification built to protect the water approach to our Nation’s Capital. The fort was obsolete by the time iron-sided ships and rifled guns arrived, however, it has remained a picturesque spot that provides a view of the Potomac River and a peaceful reminder of our history.

Dogs are welcome on the trails at Fort Washington State Park but must be kept on a leash and owners must pick up after their pets. Pets are also prohibited from the organized group tenting area, ball fields, and playfields.

Fishing

Rich in modern recreational facilities and historic significance, Fort Washington State Park blossoms with flowering dogwood in the spring and attracts hikers and picnickers to the Springfield and Whitemarsh townships of Montgomery County. The park takes its name from the temporary fort constructed by George Washington’s troops in the fall of 1777 before they headed to Valley Forge.

Residents enjoy a tight-knit community with a strong sense of pride. They are active participants in community events, festivals, and organizations, and support their local schools. Fort Washington’s schools are renowned for their dedicated faculty and staff, creating a supportive learning environment that fosters student success.

The Wissahickon Valley Park provides miles of scenic trails for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature. The area also offers plenty of housing options, from luxury single-family homes to maintenance-free condos.

Dog Walking

Dogs are welcome in all outdoor spaces including the fortifications at Fort Washington State Park, as long as they are leashed. Dogs are not allowed in the Visitor Center or any indoor space. Pet owners are required to pick up after their dogs and are encouraged to bring a bag for poop pickup.

This keeps everyone – dogs, other people, and native plants & wildlife – safer. Keeping pets on a leash also prevents them from running off after wildlife or getting into areas where they could hurt themselves.

Childcare facilities near Fort Washington PA provide kids with a safe and fun environment to develop essential social skills. Early Learning Children’s Academy provides full-day educational childcare programs for young children. They are open for specific hours throughout the week. Next blog post.

 

Driving directions from Clean For Me to Fort Washington State Park

Driving directions from Fort Washington State Park to Mondauk Common Park