Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: How should I dress when visiting the Wissahickon Valley Park?
A: During the summer (June-September) it is quite warm almost all day and night, so light clothing is recommended. In the fall, (October-November), temperatures may vary day to day, but usually shorts/jeans and a jacket are suitable. The winter can be cold, especially in the forest where there is limited sunlight, so long pants, gloves, jackets, and hats are recommended (December-March). The transition into spring can either be cold or hot depending on the year (April-May), but usually a light jacket and long pants are suggested. Also, precipitation is year-round so be aware of daily weather forecasts and dress accordingly. Hiking boots are always recommended when going on trails.
2. Q: Should I worry about all the dangerous animals in the park?
A: While there are many potentially dangerous animals living in the area, such as bears, wolves, coyotes, snakes etc, hikers rarely encounter them on main trails. The animals tend to be afraid of humans and avoid areas where hikers frequent. However, it is always best to hike with someone else, just in case there is an accident. If there is concern about a certain organism (e.g. earlier this year a rabid raccoon was spotted in the park) warnings and notices will be posted all around the main trails. Remember to always use caution when you are around wild animals, no matter how innocent they may seem.
3. Q: Is the creek safe to swim in?
A: No, swimming in the creek is not allowed. The currents can be swift and dangerous and there are no life guards on duty.
4. Q: How steep are the trails? Are they difficult to climb?
A: The main trail is large and mostly flat except for a few gradual inclines. However, other trials which go deeper into the woods can be steep, slippery, rocky, and hazardous. They are not recommended for the elderly or small children. Once again, always hike with a buddy in case of an accident or injury.
5. Q: Do I have a good chance of seeing some wildlife if I come to the park?
A: Yes, there is always a good chance of seeing birds and small mammals at the park, even just on the main trail. Spring and Summer are the best times to see larger mammals, snakes, and fish as well. The FOW website has detailed lists of each type of bird and mammal in the park and how likely you are to see it in each season.
6. Q: Do I have to pay to visit the park?
A: No, the Wissahickon is a free, public park open to anyone on foot. However, equestrians and bike riders need to obtain licenses.
7. Q: Can I keep plants/animals I find in the park?
A: No, removing organisms from the park can disrupt the ecosystem. There is a natural balance that allows all of the organisms to coexist and interrupting that could have negative effects on the rest of the ecosystem.
8. Q: How can I avoid polluting the creek?
A: Eutrophication in the creek usually occurs because of excess nutrients in runoff. These nutrients can be found in lawn care products, fertilizers, detergents, car exhaust, and animal feces. You can try to avoid using these products or make an effort to clean them up before rain water carries them to the creek. In addition, substances such as bug spray or sun screen can be harmful to many of the organisms that live in or around the creek, so you should avoid using them in excess.
9. Q: Is it okay to feed animals I see in the park?
A: No, feeding wild animals can result in injury or future problems. When wild animals become more comfortable with humans they no longer fear them. This could lead to animals stealing food or even harming humans in an effort to get food. It is always best to leave animals alone, and they will leave you alone.
10. Q: Can I bring my dog to the park?
A: Dogs are allowed at the park as long as they are on a leash, no exceptions. Dogs, no matter how tame, are still animals and they could hurt other people, or animals in the park. You should also avoid letting your dog go near wild animals in the park. There is no way for you to know if the animal is safe or what the reaction will be between them.
A: During the summer (June-September) it is quite warm almost all day and night, so light clothing is recommended. In the fall, (October-November), temperatures may vary day to day, but usually shorts/jeans and a jacket are suitable. The winter can be cold, especially in the forest where there is limited sunlight, so long pants, gloves, jackets, and hats are recommended (December-March). The transition into spring can either be cold or hot depending on the year (April-May), but usually a light jacket and long pants are suggested. Also, precipitation is year-round so be aware of daily weather forecasts and dress accordingly. Hiking boots are always recommended when going on trails.
2. Q: Should I worry about all the dangerous animals in the park?
A: While there are many potentially dangerous animals living in the area, such as bears, wolves, coyotes, snakes etc, hikers rarely encounter them on main trails. The animals tend to be afraid of humans and avoid areas where hikers frequent. However, it is always best to hike with someone else, just in case there is an accident. If there is concern about a certain organism (e.g. earlier this year a rabid raccoon was spotted in the park) warnings and notices will be posted all around the main trails. Remember to always use caution when you are around wild animals, no matter how innocent they may seem.
3. Q: Is the creek safe to swim in?
A: No, swimming in the creek is not allowed. The currents can be swift and dangerous and there are no life guards on duty.
4. Q: How steep are the trails? Are they difficult to climb?
A: The main trail is large and mostly flat except for a few gradual inclines. However, other trials which go deeper into the woods can be steep, slippery, rocky, and hazardous. They are not recommended for the elderly or small children. Once again, always hike with a buddy in case of an accident or injury.
5. Q: Do I have a good chance of seeing some wildlife if I come to the park?
A: Yes, there is always a good chance of seeing birds and small mammals at the park, even just on the main trail. Spring and Summer are the best times to see larger mammals, snakes, and fish as well. The FOW website has detailed lists of each type of bird and mammal in the park and how likely you are to see it in each season.
6. Q: Do I have to pay to visit the park?
A: No, the Wissahickon is a free, public park open to anyone on foot. However, equestrians and bike riders need to obtain licenses.
7. Q: Can I keep plants/animals I find in the park?
A: No, removing organisms from the park can disrupt the ecosystem. There is a natural balance that allows all of the organisms to coexist and interrupting that could have negative effects on the rest of the ecosystem.
8. Q: How can I avoid polluting the creek?
A: Eutrophication in the creek usually occurs because of excess nutrients in runoff. These nutrients can be found in lawn care products, fertilizers, detergents, car exhaust, and animal feces. You can try to avoid using these products or make an effort to clean them up before rain water carries them to the creek. In addition, substances such as bug spray or sun screen can be harmful to many of the organisms that live in or around the creek, so you should avoid using them in excess.
9. Q: Is it okay to feed animals I see in the park?
A: No, feeding wild animals can result in injury or future problems. When wild animals become more comfortable with humans they no longer fear them. This could lead to animals stealing food or even harming humans in an effort to get food. It is always best to leave animals alone, and they will leave you alone.
10. Q: Can I bring my dog to the park?
A: Dogs are allowed at the park as long as they are on a leash, no exceptions. Dogs, no matter how tame, are still animals and they could hurt other people, or animals in the park. You should also avoid letting your dog go near wild animals in the park. There is no way for you to know if the animal is safe or what the reaction will be between them.