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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.
Valley Forge Not Hosting Programming Related To Big Boy #4014
Union Pacific’s Big Boy #4014 is heading to Philadelphia as part of the commemorations of America’s 250th birthday. Valley Forge National Historical Park is not hosting any events, viewing parties, or programming concerning Big Boy #4014, but there is a full slate of activities celebrating Valley Forge's 50th Anniversary as a unit of the National Park Service on July 3, 4, and 5, 2026. Visit the 50/250 Celebration: Retreat to Valley Forge webpage for more information.
The timing and schedule of Big Boy #4014 are completely up to Union Pacific, and they are the best source for information on Big Boy #4014’s travels. There are multiple locations near Valley Forge where Big Boy #4014 will be stopped and on display, including Pottstown, PA on July 2 and Bridgeport, PA on July 3.
Visit the Union Pacific website or check with the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board for detailed information on stops, transit timing, and schedule.
If you choose to visit Valley Forge National Historical Park please note the following rules are enforced:
Park hours are from sunrise to thirty minutes after sunset and the visitor center is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. The park will not have any extended or additional hours.
No overnight camping is allowed in Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Only park in legal, designated parking spots in legal, designated parking lots. Do not park on the grass, along roadsides, or anywhere else that is not a legal, signed, designated space.
Stay on established trails and public areas. Do not hop over fences, climb trees, or cut through non-maintained areas.
Rail tracks are private property. Crossing onto the rail tracks in the park is both dangerous and illegal.
Drone operation is prohibited at Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Be courteous to your fellow visitors. Valley Forge is visited by over two million people a year, and for many this is the “park in their backyard”. Do not block sidewalks or trails, and let walkers, bikers, horses, and joggers through.
Park Roads Conditions and Closures
Daytime road closures will be in effect from Monday, June 15 to Friday, June 26, 2026. Please plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and follow posted detour routes.
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Route 252 Closed Between Route 23 and Knox Covered Bridge (Monday, June 15 to Friday, June 26, 2026)
The Pennsylvania Departmet of Transportation (PennDOT) Drainage Crew will replace eight drainage pipes along Route 252 (Valley Creek Road) between Route 23 and the Knox Covered Bridge on Yellow Springs Road. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 15, 2026 and is expected to be completed by Friday June 26, 2026.
Daytime road closures will be in effect for the duration of the project. All traffic will be detoured during working hours.
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and follow posted detour routes.
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.
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.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
1400 North Outer Line Drive
King of Prussia,
PA
19406
