Alerts & Current Conditions

 

Alerts

 

Winters at Valley Forge are cold and damp with a cool spring and fall and a hot and humid summer. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for outdoor recreation during the snowy winter season. Find more detailed weather information on the Weather page.

Weather Details

 

Park Roads Conditions and Closures

 

Temporary closures in effect from 4am to 11am on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

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Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run Closures

Administration Parking Lot Closed

The administration parking lot (located near the park theater, upper doors of the visitor center, and the park administration building) will be closed beginning on the morning of Friday, April 17, 2026 and continuing until about noon on Sunday, April 19, 2026 for activities related to the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run event.

Temporary Road Closures on Race Day

The main park entrance and tour roads will be closed on Sunday, April 19, 2026 beginning at 4am. Closures will remain in effect until all race participants have cleared the route. All roads will reopen around 11am on Sunday, April 19.

 

Trail Conditions and Closures

 

The Fatlands and Chapel trails remain open to visitors, but trail users are encouraged to use extra caution while work is ongoing.

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Trail Maintenance on the Fatlands and Chapel Trails

Ongoing trail maintenance on the Fatlands Trail (formerly called the River Trail) between Betzwood picnic area and the Fatlands Trail parking lot along Pawlings Rd, and on the Chapel Trail between Sullivan's Bridge and Washington's Headquarters is being conducted by park staff.

Work on the Fatlands Trail includes widening the trail to a standard 8 feet and relocating sections of the trail where the banks of the Schuylkill River are encroaching. Work on the Chapel Trail includes building new check steps and trimming vegetation.

The Fatlands and Chapel trails remain open to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders, but all trail users are encouraged to use extra caution while maintenance work is ongoing.

 

Visitors are encouraged to park in the Chapel parking lot and cross Route 23 at the pedestrian crossing for access to the Grand Parade trails.

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Grand Parade Trail Access During Maurice Stephens Construction Project

The access road and parking lot near the Maurice Stephens house, located on Route 23 opposite from the Washington Memorial Chapel, is closed during construction and renovation work on the house. Visitors are encouraged to park in the Chapel parking lot and cross Route 23 at the pedestrian crossing for access to the Grand Parade trails.

 

Tips for Visiting the Park Safely

• Recreate Responsibly. Follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities.

• Park in Designated Locations. Vehicles parked illegally will be ticketed, and vehicles that block emergency vehicle access (such as on roads or in front of gates) will be towed.

• Plan to Pack Out Your Trash. In-park trash and recycling receptacles are limited.