Within Philly's city limits, 50 miles of rideable trail are tucked into "The Wiss" network at the north end of Fairmount Park. This 14.6-mile out-and-back is just a small sample of what's available. The Philadelphia Mountain Biking Association, responsible for much of the trail building and maintenance here, maintains a record of maps, trail conditions, and group ride schedules: well worth a look before heading out for a ride.
Terrain at the Wiss is as diverse as the multicultural collection of users: you'll find wide-open rhythm sections with high-banked turns that feel as much half-pipe as singletrack. The glittering coating mixed in with the dirt on your shoes isn't gold dust but Wissahickon Schist, the predominant bedrock here. Combined with the area's damp, tacky dirt it makes for a riding surface that's sticky and fast.
For top trail sections—like the mini half-pipe near Walnut Creek Golf Course, you'll want a tread beefy enough to handle the technical stuff at the top but fast-rolling enough to let you rip the descent when it smoothes out. The drop in here is blanketed with roots and sharp rocks. The reward for navigating this technical section is a series of progressively higher wall rides as the trail snakes down to the bottom of the gully. The high-wire, zero-G riding common on this trail network serves as a constant reminder of why you ride.
-Mapped by David L'Heureux
Wissahickon Cyclery
Location: 40.069599°, -75.199657°
To get a real feel for the Wiss, visit the shop that bears its name, <a href="http://www.wiss-cycles.com/">Wissahickon Cyclery</a>. Owner Drew Guldalian (who also custom-builds bikes under the Engin label) and manager Ed Bush run a one-stop shop for everything from extra tubes and energy bars to repairs for the derailleur you hung up on the sharp, technical rocks lining these trails. Ask about their legendary Sunday shop rides.
Northern Entrance
Location: 40.078925°, -75.226028°
The Bell's Mill Road entrance on the north end of Wissahickon Creek and Forbidden Drive has free parking and immediate access to the trails.
Forbidden Drive Covered Bridge
Location: 40.071865°, -75.225642°
Relics from Forbidden Drive's past as a major Philadelphia thoroughfare abound in the park. Cars are no longer allowed anywhere in the Wiss.
Wissahickon Trail Project
Location: 40.054482°, -75.220771°
The Wissahickon trail demonstration project is a joint effort between the local IMBA chapter and the friends of Wissahickon to improve and maintain the trail system for all users.
Singletrack
Location: 40.052150°, -75.220943°
Ripping singletrack buffed out with sweet jumps and bermed-out turns is par for the course at the Wiss.
Old Growth Forest
Location: 40.034285°, -75.206180°
Lush old growth forest surrounds the roller coaster Wissahickon trail system.
Half-Pipe
Location: 40.032116°, -75.201931°
Trails at the Wiss are well-manicured. Slick sections--like this "half-pipe-ish" stretch--are a common site along Wissahickon Creek.
Head west for Freeride
Location: 40.024386°, -75.199517°
Continue west on the trail here to wander over towards the Freeride Park near the baseball field, or continue on the trail as it bends south toward the Wiss's southern entrance.
Freeride Park
Location: 40.022463°, -75.202274°
Even the local freeride kids have tapped into this Philly MTB resource. A mini park with jumps can be found at the park's south end.
Freeride Park
Location: 40.022463°, -75.202274°
Rhythm section jumps in the freeride park at the Wiss
South Entrance
Location: 40.027549°, -75.192651°
The south entrance to the Wissahickon trail system is on Lincoln Drive just north of Center City Philadelphia.
