Valley Forge National Historical Park

Huge area to explore! Learn about and experience some of what the Continental Army went through during the winter/spring of 1777-1778. Transforming from a bunch of ragtag militias to an organized Army, the Valley Forge encampment was a pivotal period of the American Revolution. You can drive, walk, bike, or ride horseback to various areas of the park. I went in January when it was snowing to get a feel of what they experienced.

Did the self guided encampment tour consisting of 11 stops/ points of historical interest highlighted in the brochure you pick up at the parks entrance. They also have a trolley car($) that will take you to each stop with a guide, providing commentary and answering questions. Interesting view of Revelutionary War times and our country's hard fought strategy for a Democratic government. Lots of walking/hiking trails and a lot of the stops had park Rangers who gladly will answer your questions and give you an interesting commentary about the area. As an aside, I would like to commend our National Park system Rangers as folks who truly enjoy their jobs and pass their enthusiasm on to us visitors. Job well done!!

I love Valley Forge national Park. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid as of late though I’ve been using it to do exercise. I walked the entire park for the first time and it’s such a fantastic site to see the history of how our country started begins here. I highly recommend this park and they have a museum that is second to none with artifactsdialogue and then gift shop, the photos I attached are photos that I had taken. I went off the family trail, which is what I call it which is a trail that is paved and very wide and it’s very good. I just happen to like to go into dirt trails, which they have many of throughout this park and it’s amazing the scenery, you just have to think about when the soldiers were here and their families that you are probably walking on the paths, that they did hundreds of years ago it’s wonderful

Loved the history. And the scenery. Hard to believe it was built up and brought back to the beautiful area it once was. And it is all free. The amazing hiking trails, I want to go back just to try a few. We were rushed the day we went. The call in info worked well. A few suggestions-there was a tour in the areas we were going for a good part of the day. A suggestion I would have is; let the tour group see the statue, cabins, whatever but then move the talk off to the side so others may enjoy the statue or whatever. It's very hard to see or take pics with lots of people around it. And I would add a pull off spot even for just one vehicle to see the many plagues on stones along the route. There is no way to read or take a pic of them as you drive by. If someone wanted and paid for one of these tributes, people should be able to see them and pay respects. I did learn the park is waiting for an update to all the signs. Some were very faded and unreadable. And a side note since I am unsure who is responsible for the upkeep, especially the Waterman monument, it needs some serious work. I would love to go back one day and spend more time there

Valley Forge is a place where history and natural beauty come together in an unforgettable way. As you walk or drive through the park, the peaceful landscapes—rolling hills, towering trees, and wide-open fields—instill a deep sense of calm. But beneath this beauty lies the poignant history of hardship, sacrifice, and resilience that the Continental Army endured during the winter of 1777-1778. One of the best ways to fully appreciate the park is by taking the audio driving tour. It allows you to cover the vast expanse of the park at your own pace while immersing yourself in its historical significance. The narration is informative and engaging, guiding you through key landmarks like Washington’s Headquarters, the reconstructed huts, and the National Memorial Arch, each offering a glimpse into the past. Valley Forge is not just a place to visit—it’s a place to reflect. Whether you're a history enthusiast or someone who enjoys nature, this park offers a serene yet somber experience that leaves a lasting impression. I highly recommend the audio tour to make the most of your visit, as it enhances both the beauty and the meaning of this historic site.