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National Historical Park

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Park ClosureJun 30, 2026

Gulph Rd Closed Between North Outer Line Drive and Thomas Rd - July 4 2026

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InformationJun 25, 2026

Valley Forge NHP Not Hosting Programming Related To Big Boy #4014

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InformationJun 24, 2026

External Shuttle Pick-up/Drop-off in Visitor Center Lot (June 30 to July 5)

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Field of yellow flowers in the foreground with two log huts and a paved trail in the middle distance

Fall wildflowers (Bearded Beggarticks) bloom along the Joseph Plumb Martin trail near Washington's Headquarters.

Photo: NPS Photo / B. Dhunjisha

About

Valley Forge is the place where George Washington and the Continental Army took refuge during the winter of 1777-1778. Today the park protects 3,500 acres of meadows, woodlands, historic landscapes, and monuments commemorating the resolve of the Revolutionary War generation and honoring the power of people to pull together, overcome adversity, and find renewal through transformation.

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingBikingFishingFly FishingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingHorse TrekkingLiving HistoryHistoric Weapons DemonstrationFirst Person Interpretation
Junior Ranger Program
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

The park is conveniently located off of U.S. Route 422. The main entrance to the park is at the intersection of State Route 23 and North Gulph Road. From the Pennsylvania Turnpike, take Exit 326. From Interstate I-76, take Route 422 West to Route 23 West/Valley Forge. From State Route 252, take State Route 23 East.

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Weather

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 <a href=https://www.nps.gov/vafo/planyourvisit/weather.htm>Weather page.</a>

News

Valley Forge National Historical Park Celebrates 50th Anniversary and America’s 250th With Three-Day “Retreat to Valley Forge” Commemoration July 3–5
May 8, 2026

Valley Forge National Historical Park Celebrates 50th Anniversary and America’s 250th With Three-Day “Retreat to Valley Forge” Commemoration July 3–5

Valley Forge National Historical Park, the only national park established on July 4, celebrates its 50th anniversary this summer with a three-day commemorative event. “Retreat to Valley Forge” will take place July 3–5, 2026. The celebration honors both the 50th anniversary of the park’s addition to the National Park System and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Valley Forge National Historical Park to Begin Restoration of Historic Isaac Potts House
Apr 15, 2026

Valley Forge National Historical Park to Begin Restoration of Historic Isaac Potts House

Beginning May 4, 2026, the Isaac Potts House in Valley Forge National Historical Park will temporarily close for a restoration project. Through Sunday, May 3, visitors can tour the historic structure used by General George Washington as his headquarters during the legendary 1777-1778 winter encampment. The house and its surrounding area will close to visitors until restoration is complete in 2027, in time to mark the 250th anniversary of Washington’s 1777 arrival at Valley Forge.