Mount Joy and Mount Misery Loop (Valley Forge) Hiking Guide
Valley Forge is best known for its paved loop past huts and monuments, but the two hills that flank Valley Creek at the park's west end hold its real hiking. Mount Joy and Mount Misery rise on either side of the creek, and a loop over both packs a surprising amount of climbing into about 4 miles of wooded dirt trail. The Continental Army camped below them from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778.
Shape of the Loop
Mapping apps list the Mount Joy to Mount Misery loop at 4 miles with about 730 feet of gain; the park describes Mount Misery as steep wooded trail and Mount Joy as hilly woods, both unpaved. A common way round is to start near Washington's Headquarters, cross at the traffic light at Routes 23 and 252, and climb Mount Misery on the yellow-blazed Horse-Shoe Trail. Drop to Valley Creek, cross over, and work up and around Mount Joy before descending back toward the headquarters area.
What You Pass
The Horse-Shoe Trail starts inside the park and runs west to meet the Appalachian Trail, so the first climb follows the opening miles of a long-distance route. On Mount Misery, hikers pass the ruins of the old Colonial Springs bottling plant. Mount Joy once held an observation tower over the encampment; it is gone, and the views today are filtered through trees, best when the leaves are down. Want more miles? Mapping apps list a 7.4-mile version that adds the Chapel Path.
Parking in 2026
The park charges no entrance fee. Washington's Headquarters is the usual start, but the Isaac Potts House there closed for restoration on May 4, 2026, with work expected to run into 2027. The grounds remain open, though the park says parking is limited and attendants may direct you. Hikers who want a quieter start use the lot at the end of Wilson Road, off Yellow Springs Road, which trail writers describe as holding about 40 cars.
Dogs, Bikes and Hours
Leashed pets are allowed, and owners must bag waste and carry it to a trash can rather than leave bags along the trail. The only seasonal dog ban is on the Grand Parade trails, from April 1 to September 15, which this loop does not use. Bikes are limited to designated trails; riding off trail is prohibited. Park grounds are open daily from 7 a.m. until dark, roughly 30 minutes after sunset.
Footing Through the Year
Expect packed dirt, gravel and rocky pitches, with the steepest grades on Mount Misery. After rain the slopes turn slick, and ice lingers on the north-facing sides after cold snaps, so traction devices earn their place in winter. Late spring and summer bring ticks to the grassy edges near Valley Creek; check yourself and your dog afterward. Fall weekends are busy, but the trails thin out quickly once you leave the headquarters area.
Hiking tips for Mount Joy and Mount Misery Loop (Valley Forge)
- Start from Wilson Road if the Washington's Headquarters lot is full or attended.
- Climb Mount Misery first while your legs are fresh; it has the steepest grades.
- Carry a downloaded map, since junctions on Mount Joy are not all blazed.
- Keep dogs leashed and pack out waste bags rather than leaving them trailside.
- Plan to be off the trail by dark, when the park grounds close.
Nearby trails to explore
- Forbidden Drive (Wissahickon)
- French Creek Boone Trail
- Ridley Creek White Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Mount Misery earns its name on the climb, and the history at the bottom makes it worth it. Use TrailMates to find Philadelphia hikers heading to Valley Forge. Download the TrailMates app to connect.