Valley Forge NHP: Where Joggers Meet Reenactors

Quick Facts

• Location: Montgomery/Chester Counties (King of Prussia)
• Size: 3,500 acres
• Key Feature: Joseph Plumb Martin Trail (5-mile paved loop), Washington’s Headquarters, winter encampment history
• Best For: History buffs, cyclists, joggers, families
• Warnings: JPM Trail is hilly and crowded on weekends, not a flat rail trail.

Valley Forge National Historical Park is two parks in one. For locals, it’s a 5-mile paved fitness loop packed with joggers and cyclists on weekend mornings. For tourists, it’s the site of the 1777-1778 winter encampment - Washington’s Headquarters, reconstructed log cabins, and Revolutionary War monuments. The Joseph Plumb Martin Trail connects them all. It’s hilly, not flat. On a Saturday morning, you’ll pass runners in Lycra and families reading plaques about the Continental Army. If you want actual hiking in the woods, head to Mount Misery and Mount Joy. Either way, it’s free to enter, and you’re sharing the park with two very different crowds.

During the winter of 1777-1778, approximately 12,000 Continental Army soldiers endured brutal conditions here, with 2,000-3,000 dying from disease. Under Baron von Steuben’s training, the army transformed into a professional fighting force. Visit the National Park Service site for hours and events, check Valley Forge Tourism for visitor info, and see AllTrails for trail conditions.

The Joseph Plumb Martin Trail (The Main Loop)

What It Is

The Joseph Plumb Martin Trail (JPM) is a 5-mile paved loop that connects the major historical sites in the park. It’s named after a Continental Army soldier who kept a diary during the encampment.

What to Expect

• Surface: Fully paved, but hilly. There are steep sections (up to 10% grade).
• Crowds: Very popular with local runners and cyclists, especially on weekend mornings.
• Highlights: Passes the National Memorial Arch, artillery displays, reconstructed log cabins, and Washington’s Headquarters.

Not a Flat Rail Trail

Don’t expect a flat, easy loop. The JPM Trail has rolling hills and two steep climbs. If you’re biking with young kids, be prepared for some walking.

Mount Misery & Mount Joy (The Real Hiking)

If you want to hike in the woods instead of on pavement, head to Mount Misery and Mount Joy.

Mount Joy

Moderate trail through the woods. Great views from the top. Access from the main park area (near Washington’s Headquarters).

Mount Joy offers moderate wooded hiking with rewarding summit views

Mount Misery

Steeper and quieter than Mount Joy. Access from Yellow Springs Road (the quieter side of the park).

Mount Misery provides a steep and quiet escape from the park’s main crowds

The Loop

Combine Mount Joy and Mount Misery for a ~4-mile moderate hike. Dirt and gravel trails, rocky sections. Proper hiking boots recommended.

Valley Creek runs along the base of Mount Misery and Mount Joy

The History (What You’re Here For)

Washington’s Headquarters

The original stone house where George Washington stayed during the winter of 1777-1778. Open daily. Short walk from the train station parking or the JPM Trail.

George Washington’s original headquarters during the brutal 1777-1778 winter encampment

Muhlenberg’s Brigade (Log Cabins)

Reconstructed log cabins showing how Continental Army soldiers lived during the encampment. Interactive displays where you can walk inside. Great for kids.

Interactive reconstructed log cabins of Muhlenberg’s Brigade

The cabins provide a stark look at the conditions soldiers endured

National Memorial Arch

The iconic stone arch dedicated to the soldiers who endured the winter at Valley Forge.

The National Memorial Arch honors the endurance and resilience of the Continental Army

How to Visit

Drive the Auto Tour

There’s a self-guided auto tour route (Encampment Tour Route) that hits all the major sites. Takes 2-3 hours with stops.

Take the Trolley

Seasonal trolley tours (spring-fall) run from the Visitor Center. 90 minutes, ~$22/adult. Stops at Muhlenberg’s Brigade and Washington’s Headquarters. Reservations recommended.

Rent a Bike

The Encampment Store (at the Visitor Center) rents bikes. ~$35 for 2 hours (mountain/comfort bikes), ~$45 for e-bikes. Season: April-October.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

It’s Free

No entrance fee. No parking fee. This is one of the few National Park Service sites with completely free access.

Weekend Mornings Are Packed

The JPM Trail is a popular local fitness loop. If you want to avoid crowds, go early (before 8 AM) or late (after 4 PM).

Yellow Springs Road Is Quieter

The Visitor Center area is the busiest. For a quieter experience, park at Yellow Springs Road and explore Mount Misery.

Dogs Are Allowed

Dogs are welcome on leash.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Mild weather, fewer crowds than summer. Trolley tours start running.
• Summer: Peak season. Hot and crowded, especially on weekends.
• Fall: Beautiful foliage. Trolley tours still running.
• Winter: Quiet and atmospheric. The JPM Trail is open, but trolley tours and bike rentals are closed.

FAQ

Is it free? Yes. No entrance fee or parking fee.

Can you drive through? Yes. There’s a self-guided auto tour route.

Are dogs allowed? Yes, on leash.

How long does it take? 2-3 hours for a basic visit (drive the loop + Visitor Center). Longer if you hike or bike the JPM Trail.

Explore More

• Check out the Lehigh Valley region guide.
• Visit Delaware Water Gap for more history and hiking.