🌤 Weather at Fort Washington State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–75 °F | 62–89 °F | 35–80 °F | 23–46 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Norristown, 5 mi away, elevation 62 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Activities
This Pennsylvania state park is open all year round from sunrise to sunset, with the day use areas opening at 8:00 A.M. Whilst you are at the park you can enjoy its wonderful outdoor setting in a myriad of ways. Some of the recreational activities you can do include fishing, hiking, birding, disc golfing and picnicking, as well as winter activities like sledding and cross-country skiing. Here is some more information about all of them.
Fishing at Fort Washington State Park
Fort Washington State Park offers lovely fishing at the scenic Wissahickon Creek. In the spring it accommodates plenty of trout, while in the summer, warmwater fish like carp, suckers, catfish and panfish can be caught in abundance. As with any recreational park in the state, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws and regulations apply.
Hiking at Fort Washington State Park
Accommodating more than 3.5 miles of trails, the park is a lovely spot for hiking. Throughout it, there are several pathways that guests can trek along. This includes the likes of the Wissahickon Green Ribbon Trail and Fort Washington Trail. Both of which will take you through stunning terrains that feature gorgeous flora and historic buildings. It’s worth noting that after heavy rain, some of these trails might become a bit muddy, as they make their way through open fields and forest. With that in mind, however, here is a small selection of some of the most popular trails at Fort Washington State Park:
- trail 1 – Flourtown Nature Trail. Length: 0.8 mile Degree of Difficulty: easy
- trail 3 – LDA West Loop Trail. Length: 2 miles Degree of Difficulty: easy
- trail 2 – Green Ribbon Preserve Trail. Length: 2.5 miles Degree of Difficulty: easy
Birding at Fort Washington State Park
Birding is one of the most popular activities that people come to Fort Washington State Park for. As it is immersed among thick forest, you will find the park is home to a wide range of bird species including owls, sparrows, goldfinches and bluebirds. Many of which can be viewed from an ADA accessible observation deck that was constructed by volunteers in 1995. Open year round, this deck offers a wonderful scenic look out point. It also provides fabulous views of the butterfly garden as well. In the fall, a huge migration of raptors takes place within the park. During which thousands of these types of birds, across 16 different species, stop at the park. Between September 1st and October 31st ‘Hawk Watch’ takes place, which is a spectacle not to be missed.
Disc Golfing at Fort Washington State Park
For those who enjoy disc golfing there is a wooded nine-hole course within the park. It begins at Lot #2 in the Militia Hill Day Use Area, where you will find a kiosk that has a map of the course – which is suitable for players of all abilities.
Picnicking at Fort Washington State Park
With well over 300 picnic tables available within both the Militia Hill and Flourtown Day Use areas, picnicking is a very popular activity at the park. Most of these tables occupy very scenic spots which are perfect for an al fresco dining experience. Within the park, two picnic pavilions for larger groups are available to use all year round, depending on weather conditions. You can rent them up to 11 months in advance. But if they have not been reserved, they are available on a first-come, first served basis. Please note, the Flourtown Day Use Area does not have trash collection or facilities for recycling. So please be respectful of the park and take all your rubbish away with you.
Winter activities at Fort Washington State Park
When the winter comes, the park tends to receive a lot of snow, which turns it into a wonderful outdoor playground for those who enjoy activities like skiing and sledding. For skiers, the park has a special 1.7-mile loop trail – specifically designed for skiing – that meanders its way through it. Over near lot #5 in the Militia Hill Day Use Area, sledders will have alot of fun on the 400-foot slope.
Pets at Fort Washington State Park
Dogs are welcome at the park in all outdoor spaces, including the fortifications, so long as they are on a leash and you clean up after them. However, other than service animals, dogs are not allowed to enter the Visitor Center or any indoor space. They are also prohibited from the ball fields, playfields and the organized group tenting area. Please phone the park’s main office for further clarification about this.
Camping at Fort Washington State Park
Camping at Fort Washington State Park is restricted to organized group tenting. Open all year round, there is a rustic area here than can accommodate up to 220 people. If you are looking for a place to camp in a tent, or with your RV, there are several other campgrounds located within easy reach of the park. This includes the Boulder Woods Campground, which is a motorhome campground that hosts several trailer sites, as well as the Philadelphia/West Chester KOA Holiday park. Between them they offer a range of amenities including everything from electric hookups, water and WI-FI to a swimming pool, playground and ice cream stand.
Park Location
Fort Washington State Park 500 S Bethlehem Pike Fort Washington, PA 19034 Phone: 215.591.5250 Website Reservations
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing some trails at Fort Washington State Park:
Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks
Fort Washington State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Pennsylvania. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Pennsylvania guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Fort Washington SP — in Montgomery County near Philadelphia — preserves the site of George Washington’s encampment in November 1777, between the Battle of Germantown and the march to Valley Forge. The park’s forested hillside and Militia Hill hawk watch support migrating raptors. Broad-winged hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, and bald eagles pass through in fall.
Nearby Attractions
Fort Washington — adjacent. Chestnut Hill — 5 miles south. Valley Forge NHP — 10 miles west. Philadelphia — 12 miles southeast.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Norristown Farm Park (a short drive away) or Evansburg State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Fort Washington State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; no universal maximum length — inquire at the park office (electronic fences/shock collars not accepted as control)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas and designated beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs allowed in a limited number of designated cabins, cottages and yurts (pilot program); maximum two dogs per unit; dogs must be house-trained and current on rabies vaccination
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No standard statewide pet fee; fees may be assessed for damage in dog-friendly lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two non-caged pets per campsite; pets prohibited in buildings; pet food may not be left outside camping units
Are dogs allowed at Fort Washington State Park?
Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via pa.gov. More: Pennsylvania state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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