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Wissahickon Creek Waterfall – Thomas Mill Covered Bridge loop from Chestnut Hill East

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Wissahickon Creek Waterfall – Thomas Mill Covered Bridge loop from Chestnut Hill East

Hard

2.6

(19)

runners

Wissahickon Creek Waterfall – Thomas Mill Covered Bridge loop from Chestnut Hill East

02:41

24.1km

320m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Wissahickon Valley Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

3.92 km

Wissahickon Creek Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

Wissahickon Creek flows over an old man-made stone shelf to create a wide waterfall that you can walk out towards on slabs of stone that rise up from the riverbed.

Tip by

9.10 km

Lincoln Drive Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Lincoln Drive Trail runs parallel to Lincoln Drive with the Wissahickon Creek on the other side. This is a really pretty piece of paved trails with multiple bridges across the water.

Tip by

10.1 km

Referred to as "Hermit's Cave" or "Kelpius Cave," this location was believed to serve as the entrance to the dwelling of Transylvanian scholar Johannes Kelpius. He held the belief that the world would come to an end in 1694, leading his followers from the "Society of the Women in the Wilderness" to this very spot.

Tip by

11.6 km

Stone Arch Bridge and Waterfall on the Schuylkill River Trail

Highlight • Bridge

Easy connection with the cheater valley trail.

Tip by

22.1 km

Thomas Mill Covered Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

They constructed this bridge in 1855, and it underwent renovations in 1939 and 2000. It stands as the solitary remaining covered bridge within a major U.S. city, and is one of five surviving Howe-truss bridges in Pennsylvania. The Howe-truss design, characterized by a series of triangles that enhance bridge strength and stability, is a defining feature.

Tip by

24.1 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

15.7 km

3.91 km

1.60 km

1.21 km

825 m

496 m

402 m

Surfaces

10.4 km

5.57 km

2.68 km

2.67 km

2.41 km

342 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (130 m)

Lowest point (10 m)

Weather

Today

Monday 6 July

24°C

19°C

66 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

The Wissahickon Creek Waterfall – Thomas Mill Covered Bridge loop from Chestnut Hill East is one of those jogging routes that truly delivers a challenging workout with a scenic payoff. This difficult 15.0-mile (24.1 km) route, with 1050 feet (320 metres) of climbing over roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes, is perfect if you're looking for a strenuous run that feels far removed from city life.

What to expect on Wissahickon Creek Waterfall – Thomas Mill Covered Bridge loop from Chestnut Hill East

As you jog this loop, you'll experience a diverse journey through Wissahickon Valley Park. Expect varied terrain, from wide, gravel paths like Forbidden Drive to more rugged footpaths featuring exposed roots, rocks, and steep inclines. The highlight is undoubtedly the historic Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, a vibrant red landmark spanning the tranquil Wissahickon Creek, with a small, dam-created waterfall nearby adding to the picturesque scene. This route suits those with very good fitness who are ready for significant elevation changes and a mix of surfaces.

Planning your visit

Starting from the Chestnut Hill East area, this loop offers excellent access to the park. While parts of the park are easily accessible, be prepared for challenging sections, especially on side trails leading to or from the covered bridge. The park is a popular urban oasis, so consider an early start to enjoy the tranquility and avoid busier times, particularly on weekends.

Trail details