Wissahickon Orange Trail to Devil's Pool Hiking Guide
Devil's Pool is a deep, rock-walled basin where Cresheim Creek tumbles into Wissahickon Creek, and the Orange Trail is the way to it. Unlike Forbidden Drive across the water, the Orange Trail is narrow, rocky and open to hikers only. A short loop from Valley Green reaches the pool in about half a mile and climbs back on the White Trail.
The Short Loop from Valley Green
From the Valley Green Road parking area, join the orange-blazed trail and follow it downstream; the pool comes up roughly half a mile in. A hiking writeup for this loop gives about 2 miles and 300 feet of gain, returning on the White Trail by way of Livezey Lane. Mapping apps also list a longer Orange, White and Forbidden Drive loop of about 3.9 miles with around 320 feet of gain. The full Orange Trail, per Friends of the Wissahickon, runs 5.66 miles if you want to keep going.
Crossing Cresheim Creek
The footbridges near the pool were removed around 2010 and never replaced, according to Friends of the Wissahickon, so you either ford Cresheim Creek or pick your way over steep, rocky ground. In normal flow it is usually a rock-hop, but after heavy rain the crossing gets deep and fast. Overhead, the 1892 Cresheim Arch stands 65 feet above the pool. Footing on this stretch is roots and slanted stone, so trail shoes with real tread make a difference.
Look, Don't Swim
Swimming is banned in all of Philadelphia's streams, and the park's rules prohibit it here outright. Despite signs, people still jump from the rocks every summer, and injuries and deaths have followed. Poor water quality is another reason to stay out. Come for the view of the falls and the boulders, not a dip, and expect a summer crowd if you do come in July.
History Around the Pool
FOW recounts a Lenape tradition that a battle between good and evil spirits made the pool, and a large boulder is said to carry a thumbprint from the struggle. Painters including Thomas Moran worked here in the 1800s. Along the loop you also pass Glen Fern, the stone house of the miller Thomas Livezey, which a trail writeup dates to 1747.
Parking, Dogs and Timing
Valley Green Road has one of the park's two largest lots. Do not park on Livezey Lane, where FOW says parking is barred to keep emergency access open. Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Fall through early spring is the best time: the pool is quiet, the leaves are down and the creek views open up.
Hiking tips for Wissahickon Orange Trail to Devil's Pool
- Wear shoes with grippy soles; the Orange Trail is roots and tilted rock.
- Check recent rain before going, since the Cresheim Creek ford has no bridge.
- Stay out of the water; swimming at Devil's Pool is illegal and dangerous.
- Park at Valley Green Road, never on Livezey Lane.
- Visit outside summer for a quiet pool and open views of the gorge.
Nearby trails to explore
- Forbidden Drive (Wissahickon)
- Ridley Creek White Trail
- Tyler State Park Covered Bridge Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Devil's Pool is a short scramble most locals have heard of and few have walked to in winter. Use TrailMates to find Philadelphia hikers heading to the Wissahickon Orange Trail. Download the TrailMates app to connect.