Carpenter's Woods — Attraction in Philadelphia

Carpenter’s Woods is a cherished 37-acre section of Wissahickon Valley Park in Philadelphia, recognized for its ecological significance and historical value. Established as Philadelphia’s first bird sanctuary in 1921 through the efforts of conservationist Caroline Moffett, it’s a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. The woods boast an unusual concentration of ancient trees, some over 200 years old, creating a diverse habitat that supports a variety of breeding birds, including Eastern Screech-owls and Pileated Woodpeckers. It’s a true urban old-growth forest, offering a peaceful retreat from city life and a glimpse into the region’s...

Carpenters Woods is a fairly nice completely wooded walking area, with a few different trails that all kind of connect to each other in the middle. Lots of people walk their dogs here. When I visited, many of the dogs were unleashed and running around doing whatever they wanted, in spite of the fact that I saw signs indicating this was not allowed and that police patrolled occasionally to issue fines if dogs were not on a leash. Not much to do here other than walk the trails, but if that's what you're after then...

Nice alterative to the valley green part of the busier Wissahickon valley Park. You can connect to that (larger) part by carefully crossing Wissahickon avenue... There's no actual connecting trail. It's almost always easier to find parking in the neighborhood on the North side, even when valley green is packed.

Hiking/jogging only. Some trail erosion and muddy or...