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Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania State Parks

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USA Parks
Pennsylvania
Southeast Region
Fort Washington State Park
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Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
Fort Washington State Park © Robert Rodriguez
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FORT WASHINGTON STATE PARK
FORT WASHINGTON STATE PARK
500 Bethlehem Pike
Fort Washington, Pennsylvania   19034-2198
(lat:40.1209 lon:-75.2237) map location

Phone: (215) 591-5250
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757
Email: park email button icon
Rich in modern recreational facilities and historical significance, Fort Washington blossoms with flowering dogwood in the spring. The park takes its name from the temporary fort built by George Washington?s troops in the fall of 1777, before heading to Valley Forge. The park is popular with hikers and picnickers. Birders enjoy the seasonal migration of raptors from the Observation Deck.
History of the Area
Fort Washington State Park and the community of Fort Washington take their name from the temporary fort built here by soldiers of the American Revolution in the fall of 1777. Whitemarsh, as the area was called then, was the scene of the encampment of 12,000 soldiers of General Washington?s army from November 2 until December 11, 1777.

Following the unsuccessful battle of Germantown, Washington chose the heights of the Whitemarsh Valley as an easily defendable position. From here he pondered the possibility of launching an attack against General Howe?s British army in Philadelphia.

Although Washington decided against an attack, the British marched out from Philadelphia on December 5 to try to engage the Americans in battle. Because of Washington?s strong position, only local skirmishes took place. After much marching back and forth, Howe led his army back to Philadelphia on December 8.

Knowing his poorly clad men needed better quarters, and also to protect the iron forges and foundries in the Schuylkill Valley, Washington left Whitemarsh on December 11, 1777, and marched the Continental Army to Valley Forge. There the American spirit had its first rendezvous with destiny.

Although Fort Washington State Park is beyond the boundaries of Philadelphia, the city?s famous Fairmount Park Commission began acquiring land here in the early 1920s. The commission, with the assistance of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters, administered the park until 1953 when an act by the state legislature turned the park over to the former Department of Forests and Waters, now the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing in the Wissahickon Creek, home to species like trout and bass. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required.



Picnicking
Flourtown Day Use Area and Militia Hill Day Use Area provide over 300 picnic tables. Two picnic pavilions are available for year-round use, weather conditions permitting. The pavilions are available for rental with advance reservations. If not reserved, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Large playfields offer ample room for group or individual picnic activities.

Flourtown Day Use Area is a carry-in/carry-out trash disposal area. There are no trash collection or recycling facilities. Visitors are asked to limit the amount of disposable items brought to the park and to take all trash, garbage, and recyclables home.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can enjoy the 3.5-mile loop trail, suitable for all skill levels. Be aware of pedestrians and wildlife.

The terrain is mostly flat with some slight inclines; perfect for a leisurely ride or family outing.

Mountain biking isn't permitted due to potential damage to natural resources - stick to designated paths only.

Remember that helmets are mandatory in Pennsylvania state parks if you're under 12 years old - safety first!

Always check weather conditions before setting off as trails may become slippery after rainfalls or during winter months.

During peak times, it might be crowded so consider visiting early morning or late afternoon instead.

Nighttime cycling is not recommended because park hours vary seasonally and visibility could decrease significantly after sunset.

Be mindful of your speed around bends since there's no separate lane specifically designed for cyclists on these routes.


Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy the park's Militia Hill, a popular spot for hawk watching. The area is home to over 30 species of warblers during migration season. Other bird species include owls and woodpeckers which are year-round residents in the park. Birding enthusiasts may also participate in annual events such as Christmas Bird Count and Spring Migration Count.
Area Attractions
For information on nearby attractions, contact the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, 610-834-1550.

Hope Lodge: Just south of Fort Hill on Bethlehem Pike is Hope Lodge, a fine example of early Georgian Colonial Architecture. Built circa 1750, Hope Lodge is managed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and is open to the public. 215-646-1595

Valley Forge National Historical Park: This park is 15 miles to the south and provides the visitor with an understanding of the winter encampment of General Washington?s forces. 610-783-1077

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 7 Great Memories as a Camper by J.Muhler
park review stars; one to five it was the summers of 1967 & 1968 i atternded Roxborough Y.M.C.A.Day Camp.We spent every day at the park and they were 2 of my best summers.
March 3 More trails needed.
park review stars; one to five I wish there were more trails within the park and better directions about finding access to the park. We lived in the area for years before we learned how to access the park. 3.5 miles of trails is really nothing, although you can access the green ribbon trail, not all areas of that allow pets or bikes.
February 10 birds!!!!! by Bob Bobason
park review stars; one to five the birds there are great! even though they only have a few, i have found many!
write a review read more reviews
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Area Campgrounds
Campus Park & Ride
421 North 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA
215-913-6434
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Sport Fishin' Outlet
230 W Germantown Pike
Norristown, PA
(610) 275-2441
Clayton's Hunting & Fishing
660 Easton Rd
Horsham, PA
(215) 672-6060
Delaware River Fly Fishing Guide Service
879 Euclid Ave
Warrington, PA
(215) 343-1720
Center Point Pond Inc
1814 S Valley Forge Rd
Lansdale, PA
(610) 222-9060
Walt's Sport Shop
256 Spring Mill Ave
Conshohocken, PA
(610) 828-4658
Fly Fishing Shop The
528 Fox Rd
Glenside, PA
(215) 887-1523
Blue Water Fishing Tackle Co
1304 Conshohocken Rd # 185
Plymouth Meeting, PA
(610) 270-9620
Mike & Kates Sports Shopp
7492 Oxford Ave
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 745-7740
Bob's Bait & Tackle
4863 Ridge Ave
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 487-0887
Penn Fishing and Tackle Mfg
3028 W Hunting Park Ave
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 229-9415
Hartville Fishing Club
3409 Rorer St
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 634-0399
Center Point Pond Inc
1814 Valley Forge Rd
Norristown, PA
(610) 222-9060
Montgomery County: Fishing
Norristown, PA
(610) 278-3070
Eyler's Inc Fly & Tackle
895 Penn St
Bryn Mawr, PA
(610) 527-3388
P & S Fishing Tackle
PO Box 2694
Warminster, PA
(215) 285-2672
Area Cabins and Lodges
Great Golf Resorts of the Wrld
2600 Philmont Ave # 119
Huntingdon Vly, PA
(215) 914-2071
Parasio Hot Springs LLC
495 Easton Rd
Horsham, PA
(215) 441-8600
Springhill Suites
430 Plymouth Rd
Plymouth Meeting, PA
(610) 940-0400
Resort Capital Group
1 Presidential Blvd
Bala Cynwyd, PA
(610) 664-3322
Rising Sun Health Center
500 E Godfrey Ave
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 728-6404
Epic Resorts
200 Barr Harbor Dr
Conshohocken, PA
(610) 260-6040
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Fort Washington State Park consists of 493 acres in eastern Montgomery County. The park lies between the towns of Fort Washington and Flourtown along the Bethlehem Pike. It is about two miles from PA Turnpike Exit 26.

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Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania State Parks

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