Forbidden Run Fest

Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia's crown jewel, hosts the Forbidden Run Fest each November. The course traces the famed Forbidden Drive Trail—a 5.45-mile, 25-foot-wide gravel path that earned Pennsylvania Trail of the Year in 2018. With over 2,000 acres of parkland and 50 miles of trails, the setting is both historic and wild, weaving past stone bridges and dense woodlands. The route stays mostly on that smooth, forgiving gravel, with a few dirt trail sections mixed in for flavor.

This is a small, intimate event: just over 160 runners from 11 states gathered for the most recent edition. The field may be modest, but the energy is genuine—local runners and a handful of travelers out for a crisp November morning. The max grade of 3% keeps the course gently rolling, making it a rare trail half that's approachable for road runners and a fast option for those seeking a PR off pavement.

The finish line celebration is low-key, in keeping with the park's serene atmosphere. You'll leave with the satisfaction of having run one of the city's most iconic trails, on a route that feels far from the urban bustle. For a race that's just finding its feet, Forbidden Run Fest is already a hidden gem for Philadelphia trail lovers.