If, like me, you are trying to explore the wonder and splendor of Valley Forge and have stumbled across Fort Washington SP enroute, then what a little gem you have discovered. Replete with recreational facilities that would put most SPs to shame, Fort Washington is comprised of 492 acres of unbridled, very well-manicured landscapes that offer up great spots for birding, hiking and exploring. This very place lies in significance from the Revolutionary War when it housed troops led by then General George Washington on the way to Valley Forge.
Should you call yourself a bird watcher, you’ll be particularly interested as from this very spot you can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn, wherein you can view their splendor from the wonderfully built Observation Deck that sits opposite the main parking area that you will first encounter when arriving here to the park. Other birds include: Dark-eyed Junco, Common Loon, Blue Heron, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagles, Great Horned & Barn Owls, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-eyed Vireo, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Rusty Blackbird, Red-wings Blackbird, Swainson's Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, Red-Belly Sapsucker as well as the Rose-breasted Gosbeak and Bald Eagle.
As far as the actual campground is concerned, accessing Fort Washington SP from the eastside, you’ll enter the park from Route 73, where you’ll head west on Militia Hill Road before following the signs to the park, where after a good half mile of meandering paved roads, you’ll arrive at the Militia Hill Picnic Area, where you’ll see the raised bird-watching platform on your left and decent parking on the right. From here, you’ll have to hike up past the restroom facilities where you’ll find a paved road, but one that has been locked with a gate, so carry your gear with you. The dozen or so scattered sites are very well shaded, fairly clean with decent, not great, amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings and stand-up BBQ grill. There were also a few scattered water spigots and drinking fountains. Other than these basic amenities, you should be prepared to bring your own gear for all your camping needs.
Fort Washington campground is located smack dab in the middle of five nearby hamlets, including: Flourtown, Whitemarsh, Five Points, Plymouth Meeting and Lafayette Hill. What we enjoyed most about this natural enclave completely surrounded by some rather dense suburban sprawl was a very welcoming SP that has some really great hiking trails – in fact, there’s 3.5 miles of trails to explore. On the amenities front, in addition to hiking trails, there’s designated biking areas, areas with water and modern restrooms (complete with sky lights), picnicking areas, shelters and pavilions, volleyball court, ballfields, disc golf course, hawk watching deck, children’s playgrounds, sledding area and cross-country skiing trails.
In the event that you are up for some decent späzierengehen (German for a very good, long walk), then follow the multi-purpose trail that parallels the Wissahickon Creek, where heading eastward you will eventually come across Mather’s Mill, followed by the PA Historical & Museum Commission Site, located just south of 276. North of this location, you’ll discover another series of historically significant sites over by Fort Hill, where you’ll come across the Clifton House followed by the Historical Society Building. Should you instead head westward, you will follow the multi-purpose trail where again, you just want to straddle the creek that runs through here where the trail mirrors, where eventually you will cross West Valley Green Road, before arriving at the Flourtown Day Use Area where all of the sports fields, shelters and restrooms are at. In all, there are 6 different trails that you will enjoy ranging from beginner to difficult.
Insider’s tips? Sure, here’s a few: (1) When you grow tired of staring into your roto-molded cooler looking for what might be that next camping meal, then fret not, there’s a ton of dining options that surround you here, of which, I recommend: Tamarindos for enchiladas and Margaritas, Scoogis Italian Kitchen & Bar for some homemade short rib ravioli or a monster tomahawk pork chop along with a very nice Soave as well as Magerks, which has some OUTSTANDING Philly eats like cheesesteak eggroll, cheesesteak nachos, cheesesteak salads, cheesesteak mac & cheese (OK, I think you get the picture!) all washed down with the local Ale; (2) After a great night out under the stars, you’ll want to wake up early to hit those amazing hiking trails you’ll find here at Fort Washington SP, of which I highly recommend Militia Hill DUA Loop, which is great for birdwatching that will allow you to check out warblers, woodpeckers, various hawks and red thrushes; (3) Should you need to let the kids unwind for a bit to run around and explore, I would suggest a trip over to Legoland Discovery Center, which will let you and the kids build with the famous toy bricks to your heart’s content; and (4) If the amazing nature you are surrounded by isn’t enough, have no worries, explore more of the surrounding natural offerings, such as Briar Bush Nature Center where there’s some great trail hiking as well as Morris Arboretum& Gardens, which is just beautiful.
Happy Camping!
