Valley Forge closes trails; other Montco open spaces remain open
Valley Forge National Historical Park increased its restrictions for visitors amid the increase of cases of COVID-19, park officials announced.
The park itself closed last week, but people were able to use the trails and parking lots. Now using “park roads, parking lots, trails, and open spaces” is prohibited, according to the park’s website.
“We have made this difficult decision in order to better protect visitors, park employees and the resources that make this place special,” read a post on the park’s website.
Cars parked illegally will be ticketed and others blocking access for emergency vehicles will be towed, according to the park’s website.
The expanded closing comes after the implementation of state-ordered policies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, which included closing schools and non-essential businesses. A “stay at home” order is in place for several jurisdictions including Montgomery County. However, people can still venture outdoors for exercise.
While state parks and other facilities will be closed until at least April 30, area residents can access several natural amenities including trails, forests, roads, and parking areas at state parks, according to Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
“During the past week we’ve seen many people hiking trails and heading to the outdoors as a way to get exercise and relieve stress,” Dunn said in a statement. “We remind everyone that it’s OK to go outside, but we should still be practicing social distancing to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
“This means we should spread out for outdoor activities – if you visit a public place and the parking lot or trailhead is crowded, try another spot, or head back to your neighborhood to take a walk if that’s possible,” Dunn said in a statement.
Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association Executive Director Gail Farmer agreed.
While watershed employees are working remotely and the offices are closed, according to Farmer, it’s apparent that people are taking advantage of the organization’s existing 12 nature preserves and 24 miles of trails.
“Trail use has gone up notably and we see that in our parking lots being full and of course walking the trails,” Farmer said.
However, she encouraged people to be cognizant of the number of people already using area walking spaces.
“If you come to use one of the trails and the parking lot is full please just come back later ... or find another location that might be less crowded,” Farmer said.
Farmer said her organization has heeded the existing guidelines coming from the Montgomery County Office of Public Health, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.
In addition to the aforementioned need for social distancing, Farmer also urged people to adhere to guidelines by stepping to the side to allow others to pass and avoiding walking in larger groups. She stressed the importance of staying “home if you think you might be sick.”
Farmer mentioned a soon-to-be-released update for the watershed. The organization is undergoing a rebranding that will come with a new name —Wissahickon Trails— and online space.
The newly relaunched website will feature an interactive map, according to Farmer, that will allow trailgoers to search for different walking spaces based on their needs, which could include parking or “stroller friendly” areas.
“I think that tool will make it easier for people,” she said. “The hope is, with this interactive map and all the trail information that we’ll have on our new website, we can spread people out more because they’ll be able to [easily] find other trails, different trails,” Farmer said.
Farmer emphasized the importance of getting out and moving as “spending time outdoors” can decrease stress levels and increase overall wellbeing.
“So it’s sort of like you get a double dose of an activity that’s gonna improve your mental and physical well being, and in times of stress, and hardship, and isolation, that’s really important,” she said.
For more information about the organization, visit wvwa.org or check out the “Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association” Facebook page. For more information on Valley Forge park, visit www.nps.gov/vafo/ planyourvisit/conditions. htm, or check out the “Valley Forge National Historical Park” Facebook page.