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

There are no park road condition or closure alerts at this time.

 

Trail Conditions and Closures

 

A closure and detour on Valley Creek and Horse-Shoe trails to be in effect in mid-December 2025.

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Detour for Valley Creek Trail and Horse-Shoe Trail

A contractor will be on site in mid-December 2025 to conduct geotechnical investigation work as part of the rehabilitation of Valley Creek Trail after impacts from Hurricane Ida.

A short section of Valley Creek Trail / Horse-Shoe Trail will be closed while work is being completed. A detour route following the Horse-Shoe Trail and the Colonial Springs Trail will be in effect while the closure is in place.

The closure and detour will likely only be in effect for one day.

Owen Drive, the access road to the Horse-Shoe trailhead, will be closed to vehicles while work is ongoing.

 

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.