Valley Forge National Historic Park in Pennsylvania represents sacred ground due to its history as the location of the Continental Army's winter encampment from 1777-1778 during the American Revolution. However, the site also provides a home for a range of amazing nature experiences which I think do add a special solemnity that only Mother Nature can provide. On our recent Pennsylvania adventure, we stayed near Valley Forge in Audubon, Pennsylvania, and were able to experience several evening hikes. Learn about these trails and make a plan to incorporate hiking during your next visit to Valley Forge.
Hiking during golden hour in early spring highlighted the park in such beautiful ways. We looked forward to a hike each evening when we returned from our days of exploring. We enjoyed three memorable experiences and look forward to returning to try more trails. Here are the three trails we explored on our recent trip:
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| Valley Creek meanders under the golden sun. |
1. Valley Creek Trail: The Valley Creek Trail traces a spectacular meandering creek. Our hike was quite peaceful as we admired the tranquil flow of the creek along the trail. We wandered through woodlands that would no doubt provide essential shade in the heat of summer. Overall, the trail is pretty easy even though it was rocky in spots. We did discover a dam along the trail and enjoyed pausing to enjoy the view. Such a beautiful moment!
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| Valley Creek cascades over a dam on a spring evening at Valley Forge. |
Other trails do intersect with Valley Creek Trail, so you can extend your hike. We parked near the Yellow Springs Trail and were able to connect from that. At the conjunction of the Yellow Springs Trail and Valley Creek Trail, you will note a charming covered bridge called the Knox Covered Bridge constructed in 1851.
2. Grand Parade Trail: One of the grandest views at Valley Forge is of the parade ground where the soldiers stood for inspection and drilled. An imposing statue of General von Steuben looks over the parade ground just as he once maintained a watchful eye while training troops. The view is breathtaking and one to behold:
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| The late afternoon sun and dry grasses of the Grand Parade created a scene full of shades of gold, caramel, and molasses. |
The trail is a blend of a paved trail and a grassy trail. The sun really warmed the caramelly straws of the meadow. We embarked on the paved portion and soon noted a few of the park's replica cabins. Truly an intriguing experience to have such a pivotal part of history wrapped up with such striking nature.
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| Near Vally Forge's Grand Parade rests Varnum's Headquarters which is a stone home initially constructed in 1711-1735. |
While exploring the trail, you will want to check out Varnum's Headquarters near the von Steuben Monument. The home was initially constructed between 1711-1735 with additions over time. Brigadier General Varnum rented the home from the Stephens family as his headquarters.
Walking along the Grand Parade Trail, we enjoyed quite an expansive view of the meadow. We were delighted by a number of bird friends including red-winged blackbirds. The trail is flat and easy for anyone to navigate.
3. Mount Joy Trail - The Mount Joy Trail was our favorite at Valley Forge. Hiking along this trail gives wanderers a bit of a challenge with a rugged adventure uphill. However, the views and the sculpted landscape are amazing to experience. Depending on how far you take the trail, a spindle will take you to the summit of Mount Joy.
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| The talus slopes and rock outcrops of Mount Joy add extra interest to a hike. |
We only hiked a portion of the trail but quickly fell in love with the rocky features and views. The talus slopes of Mount Joy full of rock debris of all sizes definitely intrigued us. Along our hike, we noted a number of woodland flowers emerging including bloodroot. Additionally, mountain laurels and other evergreens added a little green to the early spring scene.
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| The golden sun warmed up the rocky, dirt trail on Mount Joy in Valley Forge. |
Hiking during golden hour yields such fascinating views of Mount Joy as the sun warmed up the scenery with a warm vibe. Really stunning despite the starkness that can be experienced during very early spring. As we descended back down from our hike, I noted how the warmth surrounded several of the park's replica soldiers' cabins. Such a beautiful scene and a nice cap to our hike in this historic park:
To get to the trail, we parked at Knox's Headquarters Parking Lot and crossed the road to take the Joseph Plumb Trail. This paved trail leads you to the head of the Mount Joy Trail which is a natural trail.
We enjoyed some of the best Valley Forge hiking trails!
Hiking at Valley Forge National Historic Park
Valley Forge National Historic Park offers incredible hiking trails that visitors should take advantage of. The wealth of flora and fauna within the preserve is outstanding, so don't miss it on your next visit. The preserve contains trails for hikers of all abilities, so you will find one that suits you and allows you to meander a bit. For me, I love that Valley Forge combines my favorite things -- Revolutionary War history and nature. This combination has me returning again and again!
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