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Permits, violations & licenses

Get a trail permit

Residents and visitors can enjoy many miles of paved and soft trails in Philadelphia. Find a trail using our interactive Trails Web Map.
 
You may need a permit for the upper trails in Wissahickon Valley Park and the soft trails in Pennypack Park.
 
For these areas, you need a permit if you use a:
  • Bicycle.
  • Horse.
  • Carriage.
  • Horse-drawn vehicle.
  • Other non-motorized, wheeled vehicle.

Those without a valid trail permit or who violate the trail rules and regulations may be subject to a $25 fine.

Annual permits are valid from April through March.

Registration opens in March and ends December 31.

Who

People who use mountain bikes or ride horses and are over age 16 must have a permit on the upper trails of Wissahickon Valley Park and the soft trails of Pennypack Park.

These people are encouraged to obtain a permit for all other parks.

Where and when

Permits are available online through the Friends of the Wissahickon website.

Cost

Registration for Philadelphia residents is free.

A minimum tax-deductible donation of $20 is requested, but any amount is accepted. Donations are used for the continued maintenance of the trails and to support the trail management program.

There is a $35 fee for non-residents of Philadelphia.

How

Online

Simply fill out the online Natural Surface Trail Permit application and pay any required fees. You can print a copy of your permit immediately, or wait for your permit package to arrive by mail.

Please note that natural surface trail permits are issued by our partners at the Friends of the Wissahickon.

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