If you are a visitor to the King Of Prussia area, the Valley Forge Park is one of those "Must-do" things. If you live in the area or are planning a move to the area, the park should be placed on your list of places to visit frequently. We are very fortunate to live near such a large part of history.
There is a trail which circles most of the park. Many of the locals call this trail "The loop at Valley Forge Park." It is a paved trail which covers a large area of the park. It is used for biking, jogging, and walking. It's length is about 5 miles. An average walker could probably walk the trail in about 2 hours depending on how many stops are made to view historic buildings. There are some hills so it is advised in the summertime to take plenty of water along. Public restrooms are located along this trail.
There are many parking areas throughout the park. Most visitors choose to park near the welcome center (which is pictured in our website banner). The welcome center, when open, offers a great deal of information about the park and the history. It is recommended that you pay a visit to the welcome center which is located at the main entrance of the park where route 23 and North Gulph Road meet. There are many other parking areas along routes 23 and 252. If you drive through the park you will also see many other parking areas. If you are not much of a walker, it is suggested that you start at the welcome center and drive from each historic site to the next. If you are a first time visitor, it is also recommended that you start at the welcome center and obtain a map to guide your visit. Using this approach, you will be able to gather valuable information before you tour the park.
The deer will be plentiful on your trip. The deer in the park are very accustomed to humans and most of them will not run away when you get close. Although it is not recommended that you get very close, this is a great opportunity to view deer in the wild. One word of safety, do not touch the deer. They are wild animals and should not be touched by humans.
As you stroll along the loop, you will see many historic sites. Spread thoughout the park are many log cabin style structures. Some of them allow you to go inside and get an idea of what a revolutionary war soldier's shelter was like. In some of them you can see how the soldier's beds were arranged (a little crammed).
If you are in the right place at the right time, you may get to see some Revolutionary War reenactors while you are at the park. These people periodically get together and recreate some of the events that happened at Valley Forge. They will dress in clothing that is very similar to what was worn during revolutionary times. Many of them carry guns and you will hear the guns and cannons firing throughout the park. They will also have many other items of historical significance characteristic of the Revolutionary Era. They are eager to answer any questions that you may have as they are very knowledgable about the history of the park.
Some points of interest at the park are the Memorial Arch (pictured on the banner of our site), The Washington Memorial Chapel, and the Baron von Steuben Statue. There are also many smaller memorials and markers thoughout the park, each with it's own historical significance. One other very important landmark is Washington's Headquarters. It is recommended that you drive to this point. It is off the loop and walking would require you to walk along busy route 23. There is a large parking lot, thus parking should not be a problem. Washington's Headquarters (pictured to the left) is right off of route 23 on the western end of the park. During specified hours you are allowed to go inside and browse all of the history in this building.
If you are planning to visit the park (first time visitors), it would be best to allocate an entire day for touring the park. Due to the size of the park, there is plenty of activity for a family. You may also want to bring along some of your own items such as picnic basket, kites, outdoor toys, and more. A visit to King Of Prussia must include a visit to the park.