Alerts & Current Conditions

 

Alerts

 

Winters at Valley Forge are cold and damp with a cool spring and fall and a hot and humid summer. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for outdoor recreation during the snowy winter season. Find more detailed weather information on the Weather page.

Weather Details

 

Park Roads Conditions and Closures

 

Daytime road closures will be in effect from Monday, June 15 to Friday, June 26, 2026. Please plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and follow posted detour routes.

NPS Graphic

Route 252 Closed Between Route 23 and Knox Covered Bridge (Monday, June 15 to Friday, June 26, 2026)

The Pennsylvania Departmet of Transportation (PennDOT) Drainage Crew will replace eight drainage pipes along Route 252 (Valley Creek Road) between Route 23 and the Knox Covered Bridge on Yellow Springs Road. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 15, 2026 and is expected to be completed by Friday June 26, 2026.

Daytime road closures will be in effect for the duration of the project. All traffic will be detoured during working hours.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and follow posted detour routes.

 

Trail Conditions and Closures

 

The Fatlands and Chapel trails remain open to visitors, but trail users are encouraged to use extra caution while work is ongoing.

NPS Graphic

Trail Maintenance on the Fatlands and Chapel Trails

Ongoing trail maintenance on the Fatlands Trail (formerly called the River Trail) between Betzwood picnic area and the Fatlands Trail parking lot along Pawlings Rd, and on the Chapel Trail between Sullivan's Bridge and Washington's Headquarters is being conducted by park staff.

Work on the Fatlands Trail includes widening the trail to a standard 8 feet and relocating sections of the trail where the banks of the Schuylkill River are encroaching. Work on the Chapel Trail includes building new check steps and trimming vegetation.

The Fatlands and Chapel trails remain open to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders, but all trail users are encouraged to use extra caution while maintenance work is ongoing.

 

Visitors are encouraged to park in the Chapel parking lot and cross Route 23 at the pedestrian crossing for access to the Grand Parade trails.

NPS Graphic

Grand Parade Trail Access During Maurice Stephens Construction Project

The access road and parking lot near the Maurice Stephens house, located on Route 23 opposite from the Washington Memorial Chapel, is closed during construction and renovation work on the house. Visitors are encouraged to park in the Chapel parking lot and cross Route 23 at the pedestrian crossing for access to the Grand Parade trails.

 

Tips for Visiting the Park Safely

• Recreate Responsibly. Follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities.

• Park in Designated Locations. Vehicles parked illegally will be ticketed, and vehicles that block emergency vehicle access (such as on roads or in front of gates) will be towed.

• Plan to Pack Out Your Trash. In-park trash and recycling receptacles are limited.