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Home > Things to Do > Itineraries and Tours > Itineraries > 30 Minute Walk – Trace the Inner Line of Defense at Valley Forge
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What is Boundless Philadelphia?
30 Minute Walk – Trace the Inner Line of Defense at Valley Forge
A walk through a historic battle ground near Philadelphia
Valley Forge
Valley Forge
Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC
Related Galleries
  • Historic Sites
Location:
Valley Forge National Historic Park

Transportation:
Walking

Duration:
30 minutes

Valley Forge National Historical Park commemorates not a great battle victory, but the fortitude and determination of the rag-tag Continental Army in their confrontation with the mighty British forces. General Washington's troops, numbering some 12,000, endured the brutal winter of 1777-78 here in Valley Forge, after suffering major defeats in the battles of Brandywine, White Horse and Germantown.

Although some 2,000 soldiers died that winter due to the terrible conditions, Washington's Army emerged stronger and more unified the following spring due to the expert training they received from General Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben.

 
Valley Forge
National Memorial Arch
National Memorial Arch
Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC
Start at the Visitors Center of Valley Forge National Historic Park, located at Route 23 and North Gulph Road.

Pick up a map and take the foot trail past the Muhlenberg Huts, reconstructions of the original soldiers' huts, along Outer Line Drive. It's about a mile from the huts to National Memorial Arch, dedicated in 1917 and honoring the Continental Army's patience and fidelity. Continue half a mile to the Statue of General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, so named for his daring bravery. If you need to keep this walk to 30-minutes, double back to the arch and go left on Gulph Road, then right on County Line Road to return to the Visitors Center in another mile.

If you have more time, take the scenic 4.75 mile path. Return to the picnic area before the General Wayne statue, go north (left) on the foot trail behind the huts and statue, then go right at the next footpath and pass the lines of cannons in Artillery Park.

Trace the inner line of defense up to the Statue of General Friedrich Von Steuben, a onetime member of the elite General Staff of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, who taught the troops to drill and march, transforming them into an effective fighting force. Turn left here, cross the road, and follow the foot trail down to Washington's Headquarters, built in 1774 for farming purposes. You can then double back, adding about a mile to your walk, or turn right onto Route 23 and remain on the foot trail.

Along the trail, pass the Washington Memorial Chapel, now the setting for many free, Sunday carillon concerts, and Valley Forge Historical Society Museum. If you choose to visit the museum, you’ll be treated to a collection of some 4,000 pieces of related memorabilia. Both the museum and chapel have refreshments available.

Continue on your walk until you arrive at the Grand Parade Ground. Transformed Revolutionary forces marched here in May, 1778 to mark the French alliance with America. Finally, pass the Monument to Patriots of African Descent before returning to the Visitors Center.
Attractions:
  • Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau
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