Wissahickon

Gazing at the Wissahickon, have you ever felt a sense of tranquility wash over you? The Wissahickon is more than just a creek. It’s a 23-mile tributary of the Schuylkill River, flowing through Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. The name “Wissahickon,” derived from the Lenape word “wiessahitkonk,” means “catfish creek” or “stream of yellowish color.” Imagine yourself transported back to 1694. Johannes Kelpius, a German Pietist, arrived with his followers to live in this valley. They believed the world would end that year. They formed a monastic community, known as the Hermits or Mystics of the Wissahickon, meditating along the creek’s banks. Although the world didn’t end as predicted, their presence marked the Wissahickon as a place of spiritual significance. The Wissahickon’s beauty also captivated literary figures like Edgar Allan Poe and John Greenleaf Whittier. Poe, in his 1844 essay “Morning on the Wissahiccon,” described the creek’s “remarkable loveliness,” praising its precipitous banks and magnificent forest trees. Today, much of the Wissahickon flows through parkland, including the stunning Wissahickon Valley Park. This park, part of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park system, covers over 1,372 acres and boasts 50 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The Wissahickon Valley itself has been recognized as one of America’s National Natural Landmarks. Within the park, you’ll find Forbidden Drive, a car-free gravel road perfect for leisurely strolls and bike rides. This road has a rich history. Formerly the Wissahickon Turnpike, it became “Forbidden Drive” after a 1920 protest against allowing cars in the park. This protest, with 1,000 horseback riders and 12,000 spectators on foot, secured the Wissahickon’s tranquility. As you explore, look for remnants of the past, like the crumbling dams of old mills, the WPA-era stone bridges and huts, and the statues honoring the Lenape tribe and Quaker settlers. The Wissahickon whispers stories of hermits, poets, and the enduring spirit of nature. Let its tranquility embrace you as you discover its captivating history.