Valley Forge National Historical Park is a popular destination for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts!
Thanks to the several miles of paved and unpaved trails in the 3500-acre park, there are several options for hikers, ranging from easy to moderate.
One of our favorites is the Mount Misery and Valley Creek loop. The three-mile loop starts off with a steep, moderate trail and ends with a leisurely walk along Valley Creek. It’s a fun hike for everyone, including families with younger kids. They’ll love exploring the ruins of the Cold Springs Bottling Plant and splashing around in Valley Creek.
If you’re thinking about completing the Valley Creek and Mount Misery trail in Valley Forge, the guide below has everything you need to know. So, let’s start planning your next adventure.
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Mount Misery and Valley Creek Loop: A Popular Trail in Valley Forge National Historical Park
The Mount Misery and Valley Creek loop is a fun and family-friendly trail in Valley Forge National Historical Park. The three-mile loop initially challenges hikers but then finishes off nice and easy along the Valley Creek Trail.
The trail has fun features like old ruins and a few small waterfalls. It’s long enough to make it worth the drive but short enough that almost anyone can handle it, especially with the easy walk at the end.
This is one of the most popular hiking trails in Montgomery County, for good reason! But that also means you’ll encounter many people along the trail.
This is a perfect year-round trail, though it’s especially lovely in the summer when you can cool off in Valley Creek. However, if you choose to hike it in the winter, you may encounter some ice and slippery areas along the trail.
Prepare For Your Hike
Parking for the Mount Misery Trail
The best location to park for the Mount Misery and Valley Creek loop trail is the Yellow Springs parking lot on Wilson Road. The lot is large and holds about 40 cars. However, due to the popularity of the park and trail, the lot can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
If the lot is full, visitors will typically park along Wilson Road. Keep in mind there are no parking signs near the walking path closer to Yellow Spring Road.
Amenities at Yellow Springs Parking Lot
There are limited amenities at the Yellow Springs parking lot. There are two vault toilets and a few picnic benches.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on the hiking trails at Valley Forge National Historical Park. However, they must be leashed at all times.
Download a Map
There are several intersecting trails in Valley Forge National Historical Park. Download the trail map before you arrive to know where you are and where to go!
Water Shoes and Towel
A portion of the trail allows access to Valley Creek where many visitors take the time to dip in the feet and wade around a bit. You might want to bring along a towel to dry off or even some water shoes to protect your feet.
Valley Creek and Mount Misery Loop in Valley Forge
- Trail Location: The trailhead for Mount Misery is on Yellow Springs Road, just south of Library Lane
- Trail Length: 3 miles (from the Yellow Springs parking lot)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate (with a steep grade at the start of the trail)
- Elevation Gain: 415 feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Trailhead
The trailhead for the Mount Misery trail is along Yellow Springs Road, just south of Library Lane and the Knox Covered Bridge. Follow the paved walking trail from the Yellow Springs parking lot. Before reaching Library Lane, take the crosswalk across Yellow Springs to access the trailhead.
Hiking the Mount Misery Trail
Mount Misery gets its name for good reason!
Okay, it’s not that bad. But it is pretty steep. This portion of the loop is where you’ll encounter most of the elevation gain, about 330 feet over a 6/10 mile.
Around a half-mile from the trailhead, you’ll have the option to go left or right. To stay on this loop, head towards the left. But if you’re already worn out and want to shorten the loop, you can go right and follow the Wolfinger Trail down to Valley Creek.
Cold Springs Ruins
After another 2/10 miles, you’ll encounter the intersection for the Horseshoe Trail. This cross-county, 140-mile-long trail runs from Valley Forge to Halifax. Don’t worry; you won’t be on the trail that long! Follow the trail towards the right to continue to the Cold Springs Bottling Plant ruins.
The ruins are fun to explore, and you’ll even find a small waterfall near the old structure.
Connect to Valley Creek Trail
After the ruins, continue along the trail to Valley Creek Trail, where you’ll make a right to follow the trail back to Yellow Spring Road.
As you walk along Valley Creek Trail, you’ll see a small dam and waterfall. This area is popular for wading in the water, and it’s also a great spot to stop for a snack or lunch.
Valley Creek Trail is mostly flat and very easy. You’ll follow the trail for about one mile until you see the Knox Covered Bridge. From there, follow the path along Yellow Springs Road back to the parking lot.
Good to know: If you’re with a family member who isn’t interested in a strenuous hike, they can treat the Valley Creek Trail as an out-and-back, 2-mile trail. It’s one of the easiest creek trails near Philadelphia.
Other Hikes at Valley Forge National Park
Valley Forge National Historical Park is known for its various trails. Some of the other popular trails in the park are Mount Joy, similar to Mount Misery, with a trail through the woods and some elevation, and the Grand Parade Trail, a mowed meadow trail in the center of the park (dogs prohibited April through August).
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