Valley Forge National Historical Park

Mount Misery and Mount Joy Hiking Trails

Chad Hudson

September 7, 2019

Arch Monument with Blue Sky and Clouds, Valley Forge National Historical Park

Introduction

Valley Forge National Historical Park is 3,500 acres with +30 miles of trails, views, monuments, and history. Commemorating and preserving the American Revolutionary encampment in the winter of 1777-1778. The park is quite extensive, northwest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, resting upon the Schuykill River.

Amidst the renovations of the park's visitor center and Washington Chapel, only one trail section has a closure; Chapel Trail to Sullivan's Trail Bridge. After visiting the National Park a few times over the past few years, I decided to create a hiking trails feature layer on ArcGIS Online with Story Maps.

Hiking Trails recorded vs. drafted in ArcPro

The main focus are the hiking trails in the park surrounding Mount Joy, Mount Misery, and Valley Creek. Surreal, natural landscapes with a moderate challenge.

Hiking trails are recorded by GaiaGPS, an iPhone Application designated for hiking trails and exploration. The feature layer is simply organized with the appearance of raw data recorded and hosted by ArcGIS Online.

Highest Elevation Area on Mount Joy; recorded 140 m or 459 ft

A more complete hiking trail layer needed drafting in ArcPro and from hiking observations with aerial imagery; Joseph Plumb Martin Trail, Knox Trail, Schuykill River Trail, Colonial Springs Trail and a few trail sections on Mount Joy.

Valley and Mount Joy (left on horizon) from Joseph Plumb Trail; Valley Forge National Historical Park — Valley and Mount Joy (left on horizon) from Joseph Plumb Martin Trail

Hiking Trails at Valley Forge

Mount Misery Trail, Valley Forge on August 30th, 2019

Explore the Trails in Scene Viewer

Mt Misery and Mt Joy Hiking Trails, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Schuykill River from Sullivan's Trail Bridge; Valley Forge National Historical Park — Schuykill River from Sullivan's Trail Bridge

Express Map with Highlight Points

Suggested Hiking Route with Explorable Directions for Monuments, Sites, and more Trails

This suggested hiking route would be ideal for hikers venturing for natural trails, outlooks, and views. My next park visit will have to try this route and backtrack to scenic valley creek trail!