Plan your visit

Plan Your Visit

Learn how to reach the park, how long to stay, and what to pack for your historic tour.

Valley Forge National Historical Park

1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406

GPS 40.1, -75.4449

Open directions

Getting there

Drive your own car, take the bus from Philly, or rent a bike.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Car: Accessible via US Route 422 off I-76 or the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Free parking is available at the Visitor Center and major tour stops.	Approx. 45 minutes from Center City Philadelphia	Free parking	The most popular and convenient way to explore the 10-mile park loop.
Bus: SEPTA Bus Route 125 from Philadelphia stops directly at the Valley Forge Visitor Center.	Approx. 1 hour from Center City Philadelphia	$2.50	A highly convenient public transit option.
Tour: The Encampment Store offers seasonal 90-minute guided trolley tours departing from the Visitor Center.	90 minutes	Ticket fee applies	Great for history buffs who want a guided experience without driving.
Bike: Bring your own bike or rent one seasonally at the Visitor Center parking lot to ride the paved trails.	2-4 hours to bike the main loop	Free, or rental fee applies	The 8.7-mile Joseph Plumb Martin Trail is very popular for cyclists.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

The park is open year-round from 7:00 AM until dark (30 minutes after sunset). Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer the best weather. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold and damp.

What to bring

Comfortable walking or hiking shoes for grass, gravel, and uneven ground
Weather-appropriate layers (summers are hot/humid, winters are cold/damp)
Reusable water bottle (limited fountains along the route)
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) due to limited shade in the meadows
Cell phone charger or power bank for following self-guided audio tours
Picnic lunch or snacks (on-site food options are limited)
Insect repellent (tick and mosquito protection for wooded areas and tall grass)
Bicycle if you plan to bike the 10-mile loop (or rent one on-site)

Your ticks are saved in this browser only.

The park contains 35 miles of multi-use trails.

Bring comfortable walking shoes.

How the day runs

Suggested ways to spend your time.

Drive the 10-mile main loop and stop at key historic sites.

9:00 AM
Visitor Center
Watch the introductory film and view artifacts.
10:00 AM
Muhlenberg's Brigade
See the reconstructed log huts where soldiers lived.
11:00 AM
National Memorial Arch
Take photos at the massive granite monument.
11:30 AM
Washington's Headquarters
Visit the stone house where Washington strategized.

Packing and Rules

Bring a reusable water bottle and sun protection. Shade is limited in the open meadows. Wear comfortable hiking or walking shoes for uneven ground.

Pets are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Drones, model rockets, and metal detectors are strictly prohibited.

Easiest way to do it

A person driving with a smartphone mounted on the dashboard running a tour app.

Self Guided Driving Audio Tour of Valley Forge

1 h to 2 h

Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay

From$17per person

Viator$17 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

Where do I eat lunch?

On-site food options are limited. Pack a picnic lunch. You can eat at designated areas like Wayne's Woods Picnic Area.

Is the Visitor Center free?

Yes, the Visitor Center and its museum are free to enter. You can get maps and watch a film here.

Are there restrooms along the trail?

Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center and designated areas like Wayne's Woods Picnic Area.